When to See Your OB/GYN About Menopause (or Perimenopause) Symptoms

Jersey Women's Care Center Blog When to See Your OB/GYN About Menopause (or Perimenopause) Symptoms
When to See Your OB/GYN About Menopause (or Perimenopause) Symptoms

Menopause is a normal and expected stage of life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Hot flashes, disrupted sleep, mood changes, and a sense that your body just isn’t behaving the way it used to can be frustrating and disruptive to your quality of life.

Know that you don’t have to push through or wait it out. The sooner you seek support, the sooner you find relief. Knowing when to reach out is the first step toward feeling like yourself again.

At Jersey Women’s Care Center in Fair Lawn and Jersey City, New Jersey, our team wants you to understand what’s common, and when it’s time to schedule a menopause evaluation.

Understanding the transition from perimenopause to menopause

Many women assume that menopause begins the moment hot flashes or night sweats show up, but it’s not quite that simple. Many of the symptoms you may associate with menopause actually occur in the phase called perimenopause. 

Perimenopause means “around menopause,” and it’s the transitional phase that comes before menopause. 

This stage often begins in your mid-40s and can last anywhere from two to eight years.

During perimenopause, your hormone levels fluctuate and your periods may become irregular. You may start having symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. You can still get pregnant during perimenopause, but it’s much less likely than during your peak fertility.

Menopause is a milestone

Menopause is officially diagnosed once you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a period. This typically happens in your late 40s or early 50s. At that point, ovulation has stopped and pregnancy is no longer possible.

Symptoms that deserve attention

Both perimenopause and menopause cause symptoms for the same reason: declining levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. You’ve probably heard a lot about hot flashes and night sweats, but there are a lot of other symptoms associated with menopause.

You may be surprised to learn how wide-ranging menopause symptoms can be.

Symptoms that deserve attention include:

During perimenopause, your menstrual cycle often changes. You skip periods, experience spotting between cycles, or have shorter or longer cycles than usual.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is also common. If you’re soaking through pads or tampons every hour or two — or waking up overnight to change them — it’s time to call our office.

Why you should seek support

Even though these symptoms are common during perimenopause, they’re not something you should ignore.

Effective management of many menopause symptoms can include options like hormone replacement therapy (HRT), nonhormonal treatments, and lifestyle adjustments. We want to help you feel functional, rested, and comfortable in your body.

Some conditions — including polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid disorders, and certain cancers — can cause symptoms that look similar to menopause. Assuming it’s “just” menopause can delay diagnosis and treatment of other health concerns.

An evaluation gives you clarity and peace of mind. Menopause is associated with increased risks for conditions like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, making proactive care especially important during this phase of life.

What a menopause evaluation looks like

A menopause evaluation is straightforward and personalized. During your visit, we review your symptoms and health history and perform a pelvic exam. Our providers may also order order blood work when appropriate to assess hormone levels

These steps help us determine whether your symptoms are related to perimenopause, menopause, or another condition, and allow us to create a plan that supports both short-term relief and long-term health

If you think you may be entering perimenopause or menopause, scheduling a visit at Jersey Women's Care Center is one of the most effective ways to protect your well-being and ease uncomfortable symptoms.

Menopause may be natural, but suffering through it isn’t necessary, and you don’t have to do it alone. Call today or use our online tool to request an appointment.