Menopause/Perimenopause

Menopause and perimenopause are times of transition in a woman’s life, times that can bring unwanted changes that are uncomfortable or disruptive. At Lamorinda Women’s Health in Lafayette, California, board-certified gynecologist Karine Hajyan, DO, FACOG, is dedicated to delivering personalized care to women facing symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. Booking a visit is efficient with online and phone-based scheduling options. 

What is the purpose of menopause/perimenopause?

Menopause is defined as starting once a woman has gone through 12 months without a period. It’s the natural transition out of childbearing years, and something that happens to all women who reach the later stages of middle age. 

Perimenopause is the period of time that leads up to full menopause. It can last for several years or longer, and as with menopause, it's a different experience for everyone. Some women don’t notice any changes during this time, while others go through some of the same symptoms as menopause. 

Both menopause and perimenopause are the body’s way of moving beyond the period of a woman’s life when she is fertile. While it’s sometimes viewed as a negative experience, menopause is also an opportunity to refocus on priorities and reshape life to suit one’s goals. 

How do I know if I am in menopause/perimenopause?

Certain symptoms are common even though all women have a unique menopause experience. Some of the changes you might notice include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Dry skin
• Mood swings
• Headaches
• Weight gain
• Vaginal dryness
• Loss of sex drive
• Brain fog

While this list can feel overwhelming, it’s helpful to remember that most women only experience a few of these changes, not the entire list. And there are plenty of women who move through menopause with ease. 

Are there treatments that can help manage menopause/perimenopause?

Some treatments help if you experience changes during menopause or perimenopause that are disruptive to your routines or cause undue stress. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the leading treatment for menopause symptoms. It works by adding supplemental hormones to those the body naturally produces. 

That can help achieve hormonal balance, easing symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. If sexual health matters like painful sex or vaginal dryness are your primary concerns, you might consider trying vaginal estrogen products or even laser therapy to rejuvenate the tissues in your vaginal walls. 

If your symptoms are limited to specific issues, such as dry skin or headaches, stand-alone treatment for these problems might be all you need to move through your menopause transition. 

If you have additional questions or concerns about menopause/perimenopause, contact Lamorinda Women’s Health by phone or online booking to schedule a visit.  

Fast Facts About Menopause