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By the time most women reach menopause, they’ve heard every cliché in the book about that life phase. The truth is there’s more to perimenopause and menopause than mood changes and hot flashes.
What are perimenopause and menopause?
Perimenopause, or the menopausal transition, happens in a person’s late 30s to 40s. It’s a signal your body is ready to be done menstruating.1 You may experience irregular periods as estrogen levels rise and fall.
Menopause is when your periods are definitively over. Your healthcare provider may say you’ve reached menopause when you’ve gone 12 months without a period or spotting.2 This happens because your body’s estrogen and progesterone levels naturally decline around age 50.
How do you know when perimenopause and menopause have started?
Knowing when you’ve reached these life stages – especially perimenopause – can be confusing.
“Perimenopause and menopause frankly sneak up on us,” says Spira Care’s Heather Bridgens, physician assistant at the Crossroads Care Center. “So many women can feel a little bit caught off guard by the symptoms. It can be incredibly challenging, both mentally and physically.”
Heather says this transition is crucial to your long-term health, and it’s important to develop a good relationship with your provider during this time.
“It’s not just the end of the reproductive years, but it’s a shift in things that affect your cardiovascular health, your bone density, your metabolism. It’s just a good time to really work with your [provider] and be proactive about prevention of certain things,” Heather says.
Some signs you may be entering perimenopause (aside from irregular cycles) include3:
It may be time to talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing these.
How do you manage perimenopause and menopause symptoms?
Heather encourages anyone experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause to make a plan with their provider. If you have a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City plan with exclusive access to Spira Care, you can take advantage of nine Kansas City area Care Centers, where you have access to a Care Team to help you navigate your health journey.
“Treatment for both perimenopause and menopause isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach,” Heather says. “That’s why it’s super important to develop a relationship with your provider so they can listen and develop a treatment plan that is not only effective, but also safe for you.”
Some common treatments include4:
On top of these, Heather says lifestyle changes like eating a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and practicing good sleep hygiene are all essential to support your body during this time.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department. In case of a mental health emergency, call or text 988.
Heather Bridgens, Physician Assistant, Spira Care Crossroads
Heather Bridgens, PA-C, is a Physician Assistant at Spira Care Crossroads. Her passion for healthcare was ignited while volunteering in the hematology and oncology unit at a children’s hospital. After completing PA school, she joined a family medicine practice where she cared for people of all ages, and managed chronic conditions, acute illness, behavioral health and preventive care. Heather appreciates that primary care allows her to build relationships with patients on a personal level. To schedule an appointment with Heather or another Spira Care provider, call 913-29-SPIRA (77472). Established patients can also book online using their patient portal at MySpiraCare.com.
