Premenopause

If you’re a woman, you may experience perimenopause as a natural transition toward menopause. Tristan E. Bickman, MD, in Santa Monica, California, understands how the fluctuation of hormone levels can lead to changes in your menstrual cycle and cause various symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. The team can help you discover how to manage the challenges of perimenopause and its symptoms confidently. Book an appointment online or call the friendly office staff today to schedule a consultation.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause when a woman's body begins to make less estrogen, one of the key hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. It typically starts in your 40s  but can begin earlier or later.

Perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to several years and ends when you’ve gone 12 months without a period, marking the onset of menopause.

What causes perimenopause?

Perimenopause is caused by the natural decline of hormone levels in your body, particularly estrogen and progesterone. These hormones control ovulation and menstruation. 

As their levels fluctuate and gradually decrease, your ovaries release eggs less regularly, leading to irregular periods. This shift is a normal part of aging, though certain factors like genetics, smoking, or surgery (such as hysterectomy) can cause it to begin earlier.

What are the symptoms of perimenopause?

Perimenopause symptoms vary widely but often include:

• Irregular periods: cycles becoming shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter
• Hot flashes: sudden feelings of warmth, in addition to sweating and a flushed face
• Sleep disturbances: difficulty falling or staying asleep from night sweats or hormonal changes
• Mood changes: increased irritability, anxiety, or mood swings because of hormonal fluctuations
• Vaginal dryness: decreased estrogen, leading to thinning of vaginal tissues, causing discomfort during sex
• Decreased libido: lowered interest in sex
• Changes in fertility: irregular ovulation, but pregnancy is still possible

No matter your symptoms, turn to the experts at Tristan E. Bickman, MD for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

How is perimenopause treated?

Your Tristan E. Bickam, MD, providers focus on treatment for perimenopause, managing symptoms, including:

Lifestyle changes

Regular exercise, a healthy diet, stress reduction techniques, and proper sleep hygiene can help alleviate some symptoms.

Hormone therapy (HT)

Your provider can prescribe estrogen and progesterone therapies to relieve hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms, though they may not be suitable for everyone.

Nonhormonal treatments

Medications like antidepressants or other prescriptions may help manage hot flashes and mood swings.

Vaginal estrogen

Localized estrogen treatments can address vaginal dryness and discomfort without systemic effects.

Work with your Tristan E. Bickman, MD healthcare provider to find the right treatment plan during perimenopause.

Reach out to the Tristan E. Bickman, MD team today by calling or booking online.