Perimenopause symptoms don’t have to last forever. Here’s what treatment options are available and how to find the right one for you.
Perimenopause isn’t always the easiest time in a person’s life. This transition to the end of one’s reproductive years is filled with hormonal changes that can cause a range of horrible perimenopause symptoms , from hot flashes and brain fog to cramps and anxiety. So, does perimenopause treatment exist?
While there’s no way to stop perimenopause from happening, there are a variety of perimenopause treatment methods to help manage your symptoms. These methods range from smaller lifestyle changes to medical interventions. No matter what kind of intervention you’re looking for, there are tons of perimenopause treatment options to help you get relief.
When do I need perimenopause treatment? Here’s a secret: there is no one “best” time to find perimenopause treatment. The best time to get perimenopause treatment is when you believe perimenopause symptoms are disrupting your life.
People experience perimenopause in a wide variety of ways. Some people struggle with many symptoms consistently for multiple years; others might have some symptoms earlier in perimenopause, and other symptoms later; some might have short bursts of symptoms throughout the transition. Perimenopause is a unique, specific experience, and you, along with a health care provider, can help decide when and what perimenopause treatment is right for you.
Perimenopause treatment: natural remedies Natural perimenopause treatment includes various lifestyle changes to help boost your overall health and combat specific symptoms.
Nutrition What you eat can help manage your perimenopause symptoms. For example, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like flaxseeds and fatty fish, can help alleviate mood swings and support cognitive function. Incorporating a diet full of nutrients like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, vitamins and minerals can contribute to overall well-being.
Movement Physical activity can help regulate hormones, improve mood, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce severity of symptoms like hot flashes, sleep problems, and cramping. Exercise routines don’t need to be high-intensity; low-impact activities like brisk walking, yoga, and swimming can help improve overall well-being and aid in managing stress, a common trigger for perimenopausal symptoms.
Mindfulness practices Tactics like meditation, deep-breathing exercises, and yoga can help reduce stress and promote relaxation to address the emotional and physical challenges of perimenopause.
Acupuncture Alternative therapies, like acupuncture, can help some women find relief from perimenopause symptoms. Acupuncture is believed to help balance the body’s energy flow, which can address specific symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disturbances. Be sure to consult with a qualified practitioner to help tailor these therapies to your needs.
Sleep Perimenopause can cause sleep disturbances, specifically with symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats; in turn, these disturbances can exacerbate other symptoms, like brain fog and mood swings. You can address sleep issues by:
Establishing a consistent sleep routine Following a regular sleep schedule Keeping your bedroom at a comfortable temperature and quiet noise level Avoiding large meals before bed Keeping electronic devices like phones and TV away from your bed Perimenopause treatment: medical interventions What happens if these natural remedies aren’t enough? If you’re still experiencing difficult perimenopause symptoms, there are other treatments to help, from those that directly treat pain or other symptoms, to those that get to the root cause of the hormones at play.
Supplements When diet changes might be insufficient, supplements can offer targeted support during perimenopause. Certain vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in hormonal balance and overall well-being.
For instance, calcium and vitamin D are essential for bone health, a concern that becomes more prominent during perimenopause. Omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to mood stability and cardiovascular health.
Other botanical supplements, like black cohosh, have been proven safe to reduce symptoms like hot flashes and even mood disorders. St. John’s wort can help improve mild to moderate depression in the general population, and some women have seen success in using this supplement for mood swings related to perimenopause.
Be sure to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which supplements are appropriate for your needs.
Hormone replacement therapy Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medical intervention that involves supplementing the body with hormones, typically estrogen and progesterone, to alleviate perimenopausal symptoms.
This approach aims to restore hormonal balance and mitigate the effects of declining hormone levels. HRT comes in various forms, including pills, patches, creams, and injections.
While it can be highly effective in relieving symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings, it is essential to discuss potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.
Over-the-counter medications While not designed to address hormonal imbalances directly, over-the counter (OTC) medications can provide relief for specific perimenopause symptoms. Non-prescription options include pain relievers for headaches or joint pain or antiperspirants for increased sweating.
Be sure to exercise caution to monitor the efficacy of these medications and how they may interact with other medications you take.
Prescription medications For individuals grappling with severe or persistent perimenopausal symptoms, your doctor may consider prescription medications. These medications are typically targeted to address specific symptoms and are prescribed based on an individual's unique health profile:
Antidepressants: For prominent mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression, a doctor may prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). These medications work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain and can help regulate mood.Gabapentin: This medication, originally developed to treat seizures, has shown efficacy in addressing hot flashes and may be prescribed for women experiencing significant discomfort due to these symptoms. It is believed to work by affecting certain nerve signals in the body.Bisphosphonates: Bone health becomes a critical concern during perimenopause, and for women at risk of osteoporosis, bisphosphonates may be prescribed. These medications help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of fractures. Perimenopause treatment: the bottom line Everyone experiences perimenopause differently. Some people might experience a range of symptoms over an extended of period of time, while others may have shorter bursts of discomfort. When you seek out perimenopause treatment is a completely unique decision that can only be made by you and a healthcare provider.
