When to See Your OBGYN About Menopause (or Perimenopause) Symptoms

Menopause may be a natural part of life for women, but that doesn’t mean it’s pleasant — and it doesn’t mean you have to suffer from uncomfortable symptoms, either. In fact, the earlier you seek treatment, the faster you’ll feel better. 

Of course, that all begins with knowing when to give us a call. In this post, the team at North Atlanta OB/GYN reviews some of the symptoms associated with menopause and the months and years leading up to it, so you can decide when it’s time to schedule a menopause evaluation.

First, some definitions

Many people think that as soon as they begin having symptoms like hot flashes or night sweats, that means they’re in menopause. But actually, menopause symptoms begin long before your periods end.

This time is known as perimenopause — literally “around menopause” — and it typically lasts for two to eight years, usually beginning in your mid-40s. During perimenopause, you can still become pregnant, although conception can be much more difficult.

On the other hand, menopause is defined as beginning when you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months, and it typically occurs when you’re in your late 40s or early 50s. Once you’re “officially” in menopause, you can no longer become pregnant.

The symptoms of menopause and perimenopause are similar because they’re both related to a single cause: a decline in your production of estrogen and progesterone, two “female” sex hormones produced by your ovaries. 

When to call our office

So, what symptoms should you be looking for? Most women know about hot flashes and night sweats, but other symptoms may not be as well known. These include symptoms like:

• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Problems with memory or concentration — so-called brain fog
• Sleep disturbances
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort
• Decreased libido
• Moodiness or irritability

During perimenopause, your periods will change, too. Many women skip periods, spot between periods, or have periods that are less predictable than the “normal” 28-day cycle.

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is another common sign associated with perimenopause. If you have heavy bleeding, you may need to change your pads or tampons every hour or two, even during the night when you’re trying to sleep. 

Although these symptoms may be considered a “normal” part of perimenopause, it’s still important to call our office. First, symptoms associated with perimenopause can be managed with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other therapies and lifestyle changes so you can get back to your “normal” life again.

Second, having your symptoms evaluated helps rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like polycystic ovary syndrome or certain types of cancer. Assuming your symptoms are due to perimenopause or menopause delays diagnosis and treatment of other underlying problems, allowing them to progress to a more serious stage.

Finally, medical evaluation provides you with peace of mind and helps you play a more proactive role in your health and wellness. Considering menopause can increase your risks of chronic problems, like osteoporosis and some cancers, being proactive is an important part of staying healthy as you age.

Taking control of your health

During a menopause evaluation, we review your symptoms and your overall health, perform a pelvic exam, and usually take a blood sample so we can measure your hormone levels. Together, these steps help determine if your symptoms are due to menopause (or perimenopause) or may be due to another issue that may require further evaluation.

Menopause can be challenging to manage, especially initially. But with the right treatment, many women find this next stage of life to be highly liberating, especially once they no longer need to worry about unexpected pregnancy or handling monthly periods.

If you think you might be entering perimenopause or menopause, scheduling a visit is the best way to protect your health and relieve uncomfortable symptoms. To schedule your evaluation, request an appointment with North Atlanta OB/GYN in Atlanta, Alpharetta, and Marietta, Georgia, today.