Navigating Perimenopause: Symptoms, Support and Treatment Options

Perimenopause is a natural phase in every woman’s life, but it can bring unexpected physical, mental and emotional changes. While menopause marks the end of menstruation, perimenopause is the transitional stage leading up to it, and it can begin as early as your late 30s or early 40s.

What makes perimenopause especially tricky is that it can be unpredictable. Hormone levels fluctuate day-to-day and month-to-month, causing a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms for some, but not all. Even if you're still having regular periods—or use a hormonal contraceptive method  that suppresses your menstrual cycle—you can still be in perimenopause and experience the effects. 

Some women breeze through this phase with minimal discomfort, while others struggle with symptoms that affect sleep, mood, energy, weight and sexual health, to name a few. At Women’s Health Associates, we believe that knowledge is power. Understanding what’s happening in your body allows you to take charge of your hormone health and get the support you deserve.

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause means “around menopause.” It is the time when your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone, leading to menopause—the point when you’ve gone a full 12 months time without a period.

This transition doesn’t happen overnight. For many women, perimenopause begins in their 30s or 40s, though symptoms may often be mistaken for stress or other health conditions.  The full transition may last several months, or even years.

Hormone levels fluctuate dramatically during this time, causing a variety of physical and emotional changes. Even if you still have regular periods—or use a hormonal contraceptive method that suppresses your menstrual cycle —you could still be in perimenopause and experiencing symptoms.

Early Symptoms of Perimenopause

Perimenopause affects every woman differently. According to The Menopause Society the most common early symptoms include:

• Irregular Periods
  
  
• Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  
  
• Sleep Disruptions
  
  
• Mood Swings and Irritability
  
  
• Decreased Libido and Vaginal Dryness
  
  
• Brain Fog and Memory Lapses
  
  
• Weight Changes

These symptoms may appear gradually or have a more sudden onset and can vary in intensity month to month.

Why You Should Talk to Your Provider

Many women go through perimenopause without recognizing it—especially if they're using a birth control method (oral contraceptive pills, IUD, vaginal ring, patch, Nexplanon®, Depo-Provera®, etc.) that can prevent regular periods. This confusion may lead to delayed diagnosis or unnecessary anxiety.

Discussing your symptoms with a provider can lead to early intervention and more effective care. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends routine conversations about changes in bleeding patterns, mood and hormonal symptoms—particularly during your late 30s and 40s.

What You Can Do: Perimenopause Symptom Relief & Treatment

You’re not alone—and you’re not without options. There are clinically proven ways to manage symptoms and protect your health during perimenopause.

Lifestyle Support Tips

• Prioritize sleep and stress management
  
  
• Exercise regularly
  
  
• Eat a hormone-supportive diet
  
  
• Limit alcohol, sugar and caffeine
  
  
• Track your symptoms

These simple changes can support your body’s natural hormonal shifts and ease symptoms over time.

FDA-Approved and Medical Treatments

There are many evidence-based medical options for perimenopausal women. These treatments are reviewed and regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), ensuring safety and effectiveness.  

• Hormone Therapy (HT) –
  • Estrogen therapy is considered the gold standard for treating hot flashes, vaginal dryness and sleep issues in those who are appropriate candidates.  Forms of estrogen therapy may be included in low-dose oral birth control pills, vaginal rings, patches or vaginal creams. If you have had a hysterectomy, you may be offered estrogen only containing treatments. If you still have your uterus, a combination treatment of estrogen and a progesterone will be recommended to you in order to help prevent uterine pre-cancers. 
  • Hormonal IUDs — Help prevent menstrual cycles, reduce amounts of bleeding or improve mood changes. 
    
    
• Non-Hormonal Medications – Antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs) or gabapentin.
  
  
• Supplements & Integrative Therapies – May provide added support, though they are not FDA-regulated. Always check with your provider before starting.

Annual Wellness Visits: A Critical Checkpoint

Even if you're still menstruating or are using a hormonal contraceptive method, your annual gynecological exam is an ideal opportunity to talk about perimenopausal symptoms and prevent long-term health concerns like:

• Bone loss
  
  
• Cardiovascular risk
  
  
• Thyroid dysfunction
  
  
• Metabolic changes

Proactive care during this stage can reduce your risk for osteoporosis, heart disease and insulin resistance later in life.

Your Journey, Your Voice 

At Women’s Health Associates, we’re here to help you navigate the changes of perimenopause with confidence, clarity and compassion. Whether you’re noticing shifts in your cycle, mood or overall health, these changes are valid and worth discussing with your provider. You’re not “too young,” and you’re certainly not alone. 

Schedule your appointment now to discuss perimenopause, hormone health and personalized treatment options.  Call us at 913-677-3113 to speak with a team member or request an appointment with one of our expert providers.  With two convenient Kansas City area locations, Women’s Health Associates is here to help you recognize the signs early, offer real answers and support you every step of the way.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.