Reviewed By Blake Gilliam, CRNP
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Perimenopause is a transitional phase leading up to menopause that can be a rollercoaster of hormonal imbalances and fluctuating estrogen levels. Though it’s a natural process, the range of perimenopausal symptoms can significantly impact your everyday life and quality of life.
But how do you know when this transitional period is nearing its end? And what can you do to navigate this phase with greater ease?
In this blog, we’ll discuss the signs that indicate perimenopause is coming to an end and how BHRT can help alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
The end of perimenopause is marked by less frequent periods and a decrease in hot flashes before they taper off. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) may provide relief during this transition to menopause and beyond.
Key Signs Perimenopause May Be Ending
As you approach the end of perimenopause and enter the menopause transition, you might notice some shifts in your body and mind. Here are some common signs to watch for:
Lengthening Menstrual Cycles
- What happens: Your periods may start to occur further and further apart. Initially, you might notice your cycle becoming a few days longer, then a few weeks longer. Eventually, you might go several months without a period. This is due to changes in ovulation as your ovaries produce less estrogen.
- How you might feel: You may feel relieved to have fewer periods or concerned about irregular periods. Some women experience spotting or lighter bleeding during this time.
Decreasing Frequency of Hot Flushes and Night Sweats
- What happens: Hot flushes, those sudden feelings of intense heat, and night sweats, which disrupt sleep, often peak during the early stages of perimenopause. As you approach the end, these episodes may become less frequent, less intense, or disappear entirely.
- How you might feel: You’ll likely experience improved sleep quality and overall comfort. However, some women continue to have occasional hot flashes even after menopause.
Improved Mood Stability
- What happens: If you’ve been experiencing mood swings, irritability, or anxiety related to fluctuating hormone levels, you may notice these symptoms decrease as your hormones start to level out.
- How you might feel: You’ll likely feel calmer, more even-tempered, and less prone to emotional highs and lows.
Less Frequent Headaches
- What happens: Many women experience headaches triggered by hormonal changes during perimenopause. As your hormone levels stabilize, these headaches may become less frequent or disappear altogether.
- How you might feel: You’ll experience less pain and discomfort, allowing you to focus and enjoy your daily activities more fully.
Changes in Other Symptoms
- What happens: Other perimenopausal symptoms like brain fog (difficulty concentrating), vaginal dryness, and changes in libido may also shift as you approach the end of perimenopause. While some symptoms may improve, others may persist or even worsen for a time.
- How you might feel: The impact of these changes can vary widely. You might feel more mentally sharp, experience improved sexual function, or continue to need support managing certain symptoms.
Important note: Remember that the perimenopause journey is unique for every woman. The onset of perimenopause and the transition to menopause can vary greatly. These are just some of the common symptoms that perimenopause may be winding down.
How BHRT Can Help
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can be a game-changer for women transitioning through perimenopause. By replenishing your hormone levels with hormones that are identical to the ones your body naturally produces, BHRT can:
- eliminate or alleviate many of the troublesome symptoms of perimenopause and menopause symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disruption.
- help stabilize mood, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being.
- can help you feel more like yourself again.
- lower the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and other health conditions associated with declining estrogen levels.
Madison Integrative Medicine: By Your Side Through Perimenopause
At Madison Integrative Medicine, our experienced team can help you determine if BHRT is right for you. We offer comprehensive evaluations to assess your hormone levels, and personalized treatment plans to address your unique needs.
If you are searching for ‘bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in Madison, AL’, call (256) 325-0955 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what stage of perimenopause I’m in?
Generally, perimenopause is divided into early and late stages. Early perimenopause is characterized by noticeable changes in menstrual cycle length and the onset of symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. In late perimenopause, menstrual periods become more irregular, and symptoms may intensify before your menstrual cycle stops entirely.
What is your last period like before menopause?
Some may experience sporadic spotting or lighter periods, while others might have heavier or more irregular bleeding. These last periods can be further apart, occurring months apart, and may come with fewer or more intense symptoms. It’s important to note that you are considered to have reached menopause after you have gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
What is the average age of late perimenopause?
The average age for entering late perimenopause is typically between 45 and 55 years old. However, this can vary widely depending on a range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Late perimenopause usually lasts for a few years before transitioning into menopause.
