What’s Happening to Me? The Symptoms of Perimenopause

Chances are you know plenty about menopause. But what about perimenopause? Meaning “around menopause”, perimenopause is the time just before your body transitions into menopause itself, marking the end of your reproductive years.

Most women begin to notice the symptoms of perimenopause sometime in their 40’s, when menstrual irregularity signals a shift in your body’s estrogen production. Symptoms range from hot flashes to mood swings to loss of bone mass. But vaginal changes also occur and may be more embarrassing to bring up to your provider.

As estrogen levels decrease, the tissue in your vagina loses lubrication and elasticity, leading to dryness. This can result in:

-General discomfort, including itching and burning
-Painful intercourse
-More frequent urinary or vaginal infections
-Urinary incontinence

At the start, your symptoms may be mild. But over time, they can disrupt your everyday life. Fortunately, you are not alone – vaginal changes in perimenopause are common and treatment is available. Consider three options:
 
1. Over-the-counter and prescription topical products such as lubricants and estrogen cream can provide relief from dryness.
2. Hormone replacement therapy levels out your hormones, restoring estrogen to improve vaginal health.
3. The MonaLisa Touch is a simple laser treatment used to stimulate collagen production in vaginal tissue. Virtually painless, the procedure rehydrates your vagina, leading to healthy moisture levels.

Perimenopause signals the start of a new stage in a woman’s life. But the symptoms that go along with it may be more than you bargained for. Treat vaginal symptoms from the start and enjoy the years ahead. Give us a call to learn more today!