Perimenopause

Perimenopause is a natural transition that marks the years leading up to menopause, but the hormonal changes that occur during this stage can create frustrating physical and emotional symptoms. At Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom in Folsom, California, Timothy Phelan, MD, FACOG, Mandi O'Brien MSN, FNP-BC, and their team provide personalized perimenopause care to help women better understand the changes occurring in their bodies and find effective relief. Through comprehensive evaluations and individualized treatment plans, patients can receive compassionate care focused on improving their overall well-being at every stage of life. Call the office to schedule an appointment or request one online today.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause, when your ovaries gradually begin producing lower levels of estrogen and progesterone. This process often starts during a woman's 40s, but may begin as early as the mid-30s for some individuals.

Perimenopause can last anywhere from several months to several years before menopause officially occurs, which is defined as going 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

During this transition, your hormone levels fluctuate unpredictably, resulting in changes to menstrual cycles and a variety of symptoms. Because every woman experiences perimenopause differently, an evaluation by the team at Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom can help determine whether symptoms are related to hormonal changes or another gynecological condition.

What are the signs that I may be experiencing perimenopause?

The symptoms of perimenopause can range from mild to severe and often vary from month to month as hormone levels fluctuate.

Common signs of perimenopause include:

• Irregular or unpredictable periods
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
• Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Vaginal dryness
• Reduced libido
• Weight gain
• Breast tenderness
• Headaches or migraines
• Urinary urgency or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)

These symptoms can significantly affect your daily life, but effective treatment options are available to help women feel more like themselves again.

What treatments are available for perimenopause?

At Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom, perimenopause treatment is personalized based on your  symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and health goals. Your OB-GYN works closely with you to develop a treatment plan that relieves your symptoms while supporting your long-term health.

Your treatment options may include:

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Non-hormonal medications
• Low-dose vaginal estrogen therapy
• Lifestyle modifications
• Sleep improvement strategies
• Stress management
• Supplements
• Preventive health screenings

Regular follow-up visits allow your Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom provider to adjust your treatment plan as necessary.

Why choose an OB-GYN for perimenopause care?

The team at Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom specializes in women's reproductive health and understands the hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause. In addition to treating symptoms, the team evaluates menstrual changes, discusses contraception if pregnancy is still possible, performs routine pelvic and breast examinations, and monitors your overall reproductive health.

Comprehensive care also includes discussions of bone health, cardiovascular wellness, sexual health, and preventive screenings, which become increasingly important during midlife. This whole-person approach helps ensure that you receive individualized care that's tailored to your evolving healthcare needs.

Women experiencing symptoms of perimenopause do not have to navigate this transition alone. The team at Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom offers compassionate, patient-centered care designed to help women manage hormonal changes with confidence.

By combining their advanced gynecological expertise with personalized treatment recommendations, Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom helps patients reduce bothersome symptoms, improve quality of life, and maintain optimal health throughout perimenopause and beyond.

If you're experiencing troublesome symptoms related to perimenopause, call Creekside OB/GYN of Folsom or request an appointment online today.