Perimenopause, also referred to as pre-menopause or early menopause, is the length of time before and one year after the final menstrual period, during which ovarian hormonal patterns change. The average age at which irregular cycles develop is approximately age 47, but in many cases can start as early as 35 years old. Like menopause, perimenopause is a normal part of a woman’s life cycle. Generally, the ages at which your mother and older sisters began menopause and perimenopause are a good indication of when you might expect to start experiencing the symptoms of being premenopausal. If you smoke, it’s likely that you will start perimenopause a year or two earlier than you would have if you didn’t smoke.
The length of perimenopause varies for each woman, starting either just a few months before menopause or even several years before being menopausal. Women can experience many of the same signs of menopause and can find relief with bio-identical hormone treatment.
At Tampa Rejuvenation, we believe that if perimenopausal women (except those with certain cancers) were tested for hormonal imbalance in their 30s, and if needed, HRT was prescribed, women could be protected against certain diseases, such as: heart disease, osteoporosis, uterine cancer, and breast cancer. Heart disease and osteoporosis are two of the leading causes of disability and death among post-menopausal women. Since menopause is not a disease, many argue that women should not take hormones to cure what is actually a natural process of aging. We contend that the purpose of taking hormones is not to “treat” menopause, but to prevent the development of other diseases.
In this transitional stage, your estrogen, testosterone and progesterone levels are constantly fluctuating. Environmental factors, stress, exercise, and diet also shift the hormone levels. If bio-identical HRT is the answer for you, our medical team will prescribe a customized hormone balancing program, along with supporting you in fitness and nutrition. Bio-identical hormones allow for immediate relief from the symptoms that the hormonal imbalance caused. Premenopausal life does not have to mean living with undesirable symptoms and can mean women are living happier and longer lives.
Call to schedule your free consultation to learn more about bio-identical hormone therapy and whether it’s right for you.