Menopause and Perimenopause: Symptoms, Tips & Support

Menopause is something every woman will go through. But for many, the experience raises more questions than answers. Leanne Bishop, a nurse midwife at Riverside's Women's Health Office, has spent years helping women navigate this transition… and she wants them to know that they do not have to go through it alone.

What Is the Difference Between Perimenopause and Menopause?

Many women use these terms interchangeably, but they mean different things. Menopause has a clear definition. "When you've gone a whole year without a period, you are in menopause," Bishop explains. The average age for that to happen is around 51 or 52.
Perimenopause is the years leading up to that point. It can start four, five, or even seven years before menopause. During this time, hormones are shifting—and that is when many women first start to notice changes.

More Than Just Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are the symptom most people associate with menopause. But, they are far from the only one. Many women are caught off guard by other changes they did not expect.
"Women will often report, 'I just don't feel like myself, but I can't really put my finger on what's changed,'" Bishop notes. Joint pain, weight gain, trouble sleeping, mood swings, and brain fog are all common. Some women wake up at four in the morning every day and have no idea why. Others feel more anxious or irritable than usual without any obvious cause.
Brain fog is one of the most talked-about symptoms in Bishop's practice. Women sometimes worry they are developing early dementia. Her message is clear and reassuring. The changes are real, she says, but they are not dementia, and many of them can be treated.

Symptoms That Come and Go

One reason women hesitate to seek help is that symptoms during perimenopause can be inconsistent. Hormones go up and down throughout this transition. A woman might feel terrible for a few months, then better, then off again. "That can be something that's kind of on and off, and that's also difficult for her to figure out how significant it is," Bishop emphasizes.
Her advice is simple… Bring it up anyway. Even if a woman is not sure whether she wants treatment, having the conversation matters. Understanding what is normal (and what is not) can bring real peace of mind.

Treatment Is Not One Size Fits All

There is no single answer for every woman. Options range from hormone therapy and non-hormonal prescription medications to lifestyle changes, herbal supplements, and cognitive behavioral therapy. What works depends on a woman's symptoms, her health history, and her own preferences.

You Do Not Have to Suffer Through It

Bishop wants to push back on one of the biggest myths she hears. "Some women think it's just misery is the destiny here and there's nothing that can be done to help them. And I think that's a myth."
Menopause is a natural transition. But, it is also one where support is available. "They should feel confident in seeking care," she assures. "Somebody is there to listen and ready to help them through it." Explore the Women's Health page.
If you do not yet have a provider to talk to, visit the providers accepting new patients page to find one near you.

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