Hot flashes, irritability, andvaginal drynesscome to mind when you think aboutmenopause.
But it usually doesnt start out so cut-and-dry.
Thats a long time to have to white knuckle through the discomfort.
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The reason symptoms occur at all all comes back to estrogen.
Everybody’s perimenopause and menopause are very individual, Dr. Adams adds.
In fact, shes had patients worry that their brain fog isearly-onset dementia.
But as many as 60% of women experience cognitive changes during this time,researchshows.
These changes can manifest as forgetfulness, confusion, or difficulty concentrating.
Levels of thesleep hormone melatoninstart to decline during perimenopause and drop more once a woman is in menopause.
Stress, which tends to intensify during perimenopause, can also cause sleep disturbances.
Estrogen fluctuations can even contribute to mood disorders and other mental health problems.
But you might not connect these changes to perimenopause at first.
Layer on the political and social issues of today, and it gets complicated, Dr. Adams adds.
Were swimming in this cortisol soup all the time.
(Experts theorize that this is whyfrozen shouldertends to be more common during this time.)
This can also lead to weakened bones, osteoporosis, and muscle weakness.
Really, everything becomes dry, she adds.
We have dry eyes, dry mouth, dry skin, dry hair, dry vagina.
The eyes are probably the most surprising.
This can lead to pain, especially around the vaginal opening, during penetration.
Topical estrogen cream can usually help relieve this pain if hormone-fueled dryness is to blame, she adds.
However, not all doctors, even ob-gyns, are knowledgeable about menopause.
The Menopause Society offers anonline toolto help you find a certified menopause practitioner in your area.
After ruling out other causes, your doctor may recommendhormone therapy, Dr. Horst says.
(Formerly known as hormone replacement therapy, or HRT.)
Many women notice improvements in symptoms like hot flashes or vaginal or skin dryness soon after starting it.
However, the exact time that it takes to help can vary depending on the hormone dosage and individual.
Beyond hormone therapy, embracing healthy lifestyle habits can also help you manage symptoms.
First and foremost, Dr. Horst says to quit smoking.
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