Are you in your 40s or 50s and suddenly wondering why you feel off? You aren’t imaging things!

Hormonal changes start years before menopause actually starts. Knowing whether you’re in perimenopause and menopause can help you understand what’s going on with your body.

Check out our perimenopause vs. menopause symptoms guide in Herndon, VA to learn more about these life phases.

Perimenopause vs. Menopause Symptoms Guide in Herndon, VA: What You Need to Know

Mid-life changes can take a physical, mental, and emotional toll. But what’s causing these changes?

Here’s an in-depth explanation of perimenopause vs. menopause symptoms guide in Herndon, VA.

What Is Permimenopause?

Perimenopause is the phase leading up to menopause. It often starts in your early-to-mid 40s, though it can begin sooner for some women.

It can last several years and is marked by fluctuating estrogen levels. As levels rise and fall unpredictably, symptoms are often random and inconsistent.

Common symptoms include:

• Irregular or skipped periods
• Night sweats
• Hot flashes that come and go
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Increased anxiety and mood swings
• Brain fog
• Libido changes

The key thing to remember is that during perimenopause, your periods haven’t stopped completely yet, they’re just very inconsistent.

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is diagnosed after a woman has gone twelve consecutive months without a period. Once this happens, estrogen and progesterone levels stay consistently low rather than going up and down.

Symptoms are the same as perimenopause, except they’re more persistent. You may also experience weight gain, vaginal dryness, and low energy levels.

On average, these symptoms last for seven years. Thankfully treatment options like hormone replacement can help manage them.

Compassionate and Personal Menopause Care Is Available

You shouldn’t fear perimenopause and menopause, but you should understand them. Knowing what to expect puts you back in control.

Want to discuss with a professional? Come to The Menopause Center.

Contact us at 703-991-6806 to schedule an appointment today.