Perimenopause Care: Early Signs of Perimenopause and How to Manage Them
By Dr. Kaisa Schmitz, Revive Health Medical Weight Loss & Wellness
Perimenopause is the gradual transition toward menopause. It often begins in a woman’s 40s, though some may notice changes earlier. During this time, hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, start to fluctuate. These shifts can bring on noticeable changes in the body and mind. While this stage of life is completely natural, the symptoms can feel disruptive or confusing if you are not sure what to expect.
The encouraging news is that with the right care, women can manage these changes effectively. Many even see this stage as a chance to focus more intentionally on their health and overall well-being. At Revive Health Medical Weight Loss & Wellness, Dr. Kaisa Schmitz and her team provide compassionate, individualized support to help women move through perimenopause with confidence.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, when the ovaries begin producing less estrogen. This stage can last for several years, sometimes more than a decade, and ends once a woman has gone a full year without a menstrual cycle.
Hormone levels do not decline in a straight line. Instead, they rise and fall in unpredictable ways, which is why symptoms may appear one month and then disappear the next. These fluctuations, especially in estrogen and progesterone, can affect the body and mind in a variety of ways.
Early Signs of Perimenopause
Every woman experiences perimenopause differently, but there are some common early signs:
Irregular Periods
Menstrual cycles may become shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter. Some women skip cycles before they return at random.Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Sudden waves of heat, flushing, or sweating, particularly at night, are often linked to changing estrogen levels. These episodes can make it difficult to sleep comfortably.Mood Changes
Hormonal shifts can influence mood, sometimes causing irritability, anxiety, or feelings of depression. Lack of sleep or added stress can make these changes more noticeable.Sleep Problems
Many women have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, and night sweats can make rest even harder to come by.Changes in Libido and Sexual Health
Vaginal dryness, discomfort during intimacy, and lower sexual desire are often connected to declining estrogen.Brain Fog and Memory Issues
Difficulty concentrating or forgetting small details is a common frustration during perimenopause.Physical Changes
Weight gain around the midsection, changes in skin elasticity, and shifts in hair texture can all be early indicators.
Managing Perimenopause Symptoms
Although perimenopause is a natural phase, you do not have to simply tolerate the symptoms. With the right strategies, many women find significant relief.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Balanced Nutrition: Eating whole foods, lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber supports hormonal balance and weight control. Calcium and vitamin D are especially important for bone health.
Regular Exercise: Activities such as strength training, walking, or yoga can ease hot flashes, improve mood, and help maintain a healthy weight. Pairing regular exercise with a structured medical weight loss program can be particularly effective.
Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, or deep breathing can reduce mood swings and support emotional well-being.
Healthy Sleep Habits: Setting a regular bedtime, limiting caffeine, and keeping your bedroom cool can improve sleep quality.
Medical and Hormone Support
Hormone Therapy: Some women benefit from hormone replacement. At Revive Health, Dr. Kaisa Schmitz can help determine whether hormone therapy is the right option based on your personal history and goals.
Non-Hormonal Medications: Certain medications may help relieve hot flashes, improve mood, or ease sleep problems without added hormones.
Vaginal Estrogen: Localized estrogen treatments can be effective for dryness and discomfort during intimacy.
Complementary Approaches
Acupuncture or Herbal Remedies: Some women find that natural therapies ease hot flashes or mood changes. Always discuss these options with a healthcare provider to ensure safety.
Counseling and Support Groups: Emotional support is often just as important as physical care. Talking with others going through similar changes can make symptoms feel easier to manage.
When to Seek Professional Help
Even though perimenopause is natural, certain symptoms should not be overlooked. Make an appointment with your provider if you notice:
Very heavy bleeding or passing clots
Periods that last longer than 10 days
Persistent mood changes or depression
Ongoing sleep problems that interfere with daily life
Rapid weight gain or other unexplained changes
Dr. Kaisa Schmitz and her team at Revive Health Medical Weight Loss & Wellness can help identify the cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan.
Embracing the Transition
Perimenopause can feel overwhelming at times, but it also presents an opportunity to take control of your health. Recognizing the early signs and making thoughtful lifestyle adjustments can ease discomfort and help you stay balanced.
With professional guidance, supportive therapies, and healthy habits, many women not only manage perimenopause successfully but also come out of it with a renewed focus on their long-term wellness.
Final Thoughts
Perimenopause marks the beginning of a new stage in life, not the end of one. With the right care and support, it is possible to move through this transition with strength and vitality. If you are noticing changes that may signal perimenopause, reach out to Revive Health Medical Weight Loss & Wellness to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaisa Schmitz. Together, you can create a plan that helps restore balance and allows you to feel your best at every stage of life.