Perimenopause and menopause are personal milestones, and each woman’s experience is unique. These natural transitions may come with a variety of symptoms that can vary from nonexistent to severe. Some symptoms can interfere with your daily life or may overlap with symptoms from other conditions, making it a challenge to figure out what’s happening.

Common symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, sexual dysfunction and mood changes. Most symptoms will improve after menopause, with or without treatment, but many different factors affect the severity of the symptoms.

These body changes are different for every woman, and each must decide for themselves whether the symptoms are bothersome enough to seek treatment. Lifestyle changes may be enough for some, while others may need non-prescription remedies or prescription options to manage their symptoms. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of menopause that are interfering with your life, or you simply have questions about how to navigate the changes, our trusted providers are here to meet your individual needs delivering the highest level of care using evidence-based practices. To make an appointment, call 936-560-2666 or click here to schedule online.

THREE STAGES OF MENOPAUSE 

Menopause is a natural transition with three transitional stages: perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause. As your hormone levels begin to change, you may experience physical and emotional symptoms.

The transition usually starts between ages 45 and 55.

Perimenopause

During this transitional period before menopause, your body is moving toward the end of your reproductive years. Your levels of estrogen start to decrease, causing your menstrual cycle to become erratic or irregular. It’s a natural progression, but it comes with physical and emotional symptoms that can be uncomfortable or disruptive.

Perimenopause can begin as early as your mid-30s or as late as your mid-50s. Some women experience perimenopause for a short time, while others are in it for several years. It is still possible to get pregnant while you are in perimenopause.

Menopause

When a woman permanently stops having menstrual periods, she has reached menopause. Twelve consecutive months without a period is considered the hallmark of menopause, but symptoms can continue after that point. This stage signals the end of a woman's ability to have children.

Women who smoke and are underweight may experience an earlier menopause, while women who are overweight may have a later menopause. Generally, a woman tends to go through menopause at about the same age as her mother.

Postmenopause

During the stage following menopause, your hormone levels begin to stabilize and symptoms become milder or go away altogether. 

TREATMENT OPTIONS

There are several therapies to manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms. You should discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your healthcare provider before starting any regimen.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy (HT) usually involves taking a combination of estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause and menopause, although treatment is tailored to each patient’s unique situation and other options are available. HT is commonly prescribed in pill form, but estrogen can be given by using skin patches or vaginal creams.

Estrogen therapy

Estrogen therapy (ET) involves taking just estrogen. ET is often prescribed for women who have had a hysterectomy, and can be prescribed as pills, skin patches or vaginal creams.

Non-hormonal Treatment

This treatment involves the use of other types of medicines to relieve some of the symptoms.

Estrogen alternatives

So-called "synthetic estrogens" like ospemifene can improve the symptoms of vaginal atrophy without affecting endometrial cancer risk.

CERTIFIED CARE

Kristin Reese, RN, FNP-C, MSCP, is a fully credentialed Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. As a clinician with expertise in managing menopause, Kristin is equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge on hormone therapy, lifestyle interventions, and symptom management strategies tailored specifically for women in perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause. 

After years caring for women in various stages of their reproductive lives, Kristin sought her MSCP designation to become better informed on evidence-based treatment options for women in perimenopause and menopause. This timeframe can be a frustrating and difficult transition for many women, and Kristin’s goal is to help them feel their best.

MENOPAUSE SOCIETY CERTIFIED PRACTITIONER FAQ

What is the Menopause Society?
As the definitive, evidence-based resource for healthcare professionals, researchers, the media and the public, the Menopause Society leads the conversation about improving women’s health and healthcare experiences during the menopause transition and beyond.

What is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP)?
Menopause Society Certified Practitioners are healthcare providers with a special interest in menopause care. MSCPs undergo extensive study and training in evidence-based best practices to manage the various aspects of the menopause transition and are credentialed after completing a certification exam on the most current data on menopause care and treatment. Information about menopause and perimenopause evolves rapidly, so seeing someone who is up to date on the most current evidence will give you the best chance of having effective treatment.

How can an MSCP help me?
The Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) should be able to:

• Define menopause-related terminology.
• Discuss endocrinologic and physical changes associated with reproductive and physiological aging.
• Identify significant risk factors for diseases that can result from lowered ovarian hormone levels.
• Comprehend the main components of obtaining a general health history and performing an appropriate physical examination.
• Select appropriate laboratory and diagnostic studies.
• Interpret physical, laboratory, and diagnostic findings as they relate to treatment decisions.
• Describe current research regarding the use of pharmacologic as well as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for menopause-related conditions.
• Develop recommended lifestyle, nonprescription, and prescription risk-reduction and treatment strategies for menopause-related symptoms and disease.
• Provide each patient with education to make informed decisions regarding health promotion and illness prevention.
• Address psychosocial issues, including diversity.
• Recognize when referrals to specialized services are appropriate.
• Encourage acceptance and long-term adherence to an individualized healthcare plan.
• Develop appropriate counseling strategies that lead to positive lifestyle changes for women around menopause and beyond.