Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, when hormone levels begin to shift and periods become less predictable. While some women have few problems with perimenopause, up to 80% experience unpleasant symptoms like hot flashes — waves of intense heat that spread through the body.
For many women, perimenopause starts in their 40s, but it can begin earlier. While hot flashes and irregular cycles are well-known signs, perimenopause also causes other changes, some of which might surprise you.
At Desert Hills Care Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, our board-certified OB/GYN, Dr. Helard Ballon-Hennings, helps women understand what’s happening in their bodies. He and his team also provide guidance on how to navigate these changes with confidence.
You might notice that falling or staying asleep becomes harder than it used to be. Even women who’ve never had sleep problems can suddenly find themselves tossing and turning.
Night sweats (hot flashes that occur when you’re sleeping) often make this worse by waking you up in the middle of the night.
Create a calming, regular bedtime routine that signals to your body it’s time to rest. Keep your bedroom cool, wear light sleepwear, and avoid caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime.
If sleep disruptions continue, talk to us. We might prescribe hormone therapy to address problems like hot flashes and night sweats. There are also non-hormonal medications that can help restore better rest.
Mood swings during perimenopause can feel a lot like premenstrual syndrome (PMS), only less predictable. You may find yourself feeling irritable, anxious, or down without any apparent reason.
Many women also notice cognitive problems like brain fog, forgetting words, losing track of tasks, and having trouble focusing.
Regular exercise, stress management techniques, and balanced nutrition can make a big difference in maintaining mood and cognitive function. Keeping a journal to track mood swings and cognitive changes helps establish patterns that can aid in better managing these issues.
If your symptoms feel overwhelming, you might benefit from counseling options or treatment to help regulate hormone levels.
Many women notice weight gain during perimenopause (especially around the belly), even if their eating and exercise habits haven’t changed. This is partly due to lower estrogen levels, which affect how your body stores fat and uses energy.
Focus on strength training and cardio exercise to maintain muscle mass and boost metabolism. Look closely at portion sizes and choose foods rich in lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
In some cases, we might recommend a personalized program to help with weight management, especially if it’s affecting your overall health.
Shifting hormone levels often affect your skin and hair. Some women notice drier skin, increased acne, or thinning hair. Others may see changes in hair texture or notice more shedding than usual.
To promote skin health, stay hydrated, use gentle skin care products, and choose moisturizers that support your skin barrier. Eating foods containing plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon or walnuts, helps nourish skin and hair from the inside.
If hair loss or skin changes are concerning, we can check for other causes, such as thyroid problems, and suggest additional treatments to keep your skin and hair healthy.
You may be surprised to find that perimenopause causes vaginal changes long before your last period. Lower estrogen levels can lead to dryness, itching, or discomfort during intimacy. These symptoms often worsen over time if left untreated.
Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can make daily comfort and intimacy easier. In some cases, low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy provides long-term relief.
Perimenopause is a natural process full of changes that signal a new chapter in your life. Some may catch you off guard, but you have many options for managing these symptoms so you can continue to feel like yourself.
If issues like mood swings, painful intimacy, or constant fatigue are affecting your quality of life, reach out for help. We offer treatments, lifestyle recommendations, and reassurance, helping you embrace this transition with confidence.
Call Desert Hills Care Center to arrange a perimenopause evaluation or contact us using our online form.
