What is Perimenopause and when does it start?
Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause, during which a woman's body undergoes various changes as it moves towards the end of the reproductive years. This phase can start several years before menopause, which is defined as the point when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.
Typically, perimenopause begins in a woman’s 40s, but it can start as early as the mid-30s or as late as the early 50s. The duration of perimenopause can vary widely among women, lasting anywhere from a few months to several years.
During perimenopause, women may experience irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and changes in libido. The ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone, leading to these symptoms.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns about perimenopause, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and management options.
What are the symptoms of Perimenopause?
Perimenopause can bring a variety of symptoms as your body adjusts to changing hormone levels. Common symptoms include:
Irregular Periods: Changes in menstrual cycle length, flow, or frequency are common.
Hot Flashes: Sudden feelings of intense heat, often accompanied by sweating and flushing.
Night Sweats: Similar to hot flashes but occurring at night, disrupting sleep.
Mood Changes: Increased irritability, anxiety, or depression.
Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, often related to night sweats.
Vaginal Dryness: Reduced moisture and elasticity, leading to discomfort or pain during sex.
Decreased Libido: Reduced interest in sexual activity.
Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or low on energy.
Memory Issues: Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses.
Weight Gain: Changes in metabolism may lead to weight gain, often around the abdomen.
Breast Tenderness: Soreness or swelling in the breasts.
Joint and Muscle Pain: Achiness or stiffness in the joints and muscles.
These symptoms can vary widely among individuals in terms of severity and duration. If you're experiencing significant discomfort or have concerns, it's a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider who can offer guidance and potential treatment options.
Joi Hormone Testing for Perimenopause
Joi offers three series of lab tests (blood work) to start their Hormone Replacement Therapy process. Any one of the three options is enough data to get you started on one or more of Joi's HRT and Wellness products.
Complete Hormone - Analyzes 45 Biomarkers ($149)
Hormone + Metabolic + Thyroid - Analyzes 66 Biomarkers ($399)
Comprehensive Panel - Analyzes 77 Biomarkers ($699)
I chose the middle test, Hormone + Metabolic + Thyroid. Once I made my choice, I put the test in my cart and checked out. Be sure to use coupon code BRONSON to get 10% off your labs. Upon receipt of my payment, I received an email less than a day later with my lab orders to take with me to my nearest LabCorp.
I chose the Hormone + Metabolic + Thyroid panel because I was also curious about my A1C and wanted to see if my thyroid levels were in line. My mother had some issues with her thyroid at my age and I wanted to be sure I didn't have the same. Click here to see the full range of what each panel tests for.
What is the most common hormone prescribed for Perimenopause?
The most commonly prescribed hormone for managing symptoms of perimenopause is estrogen. Estrogen therapy can help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness by compensating for the declining levels of estrogen that occur during perimenopause.
In some cases, healthcare providers may also prescribe progesterone (or progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone) alongside estrogen, especially for women who still have their uterus. This combination helps protect the uterine lining from the effects of estrogen alone.
The specific type of hormone therapy and the dosage will depend on individual symptoms, health history, and risk factors. It's essential to have a detailed discussion with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs.
Joi Hormone Replacement for Perimenopause
I was so impressed by my HRT specialist, Dr. Brook that when she suggested certain product formulations, I also didn't hesitate when she suggested some add-on's as well.
The HRT she prescribed to me, consisted of an estrogen patch which was a new formulation for me, but one I was really excited to try. It's small patch that I change out every 3-4 days. You peel off the film and place somewhere on your torso. A Progesterone cream, which I rub on the inside of my arms before bed and then my testosterone injections.
This is my first experience with testosterone injections. I give myself the injection one-time per week with an insulin type needle, which is very small and feels no different than a small prick. I reached out to Joi a few days after my initial order arrived and also asked for a vaginal cream. I've read and seen so much good that it can provide that I wanted to add this to my routine as well.
When I mentioned to Dr. Brooke that I had quit drinking and now had a huge, sweet tooth, she suggested we add a semaglutide (generic, compounded Ozempic) as well. She went on to explain how the semaglutide could help with hunger and food noise and that it could be just what I needed to get that last 12 pounds off. She said I could expect to lose up to 15% of my weight using the semaglutide along with my HRT.
The next day after my 30-minute call with Dr. Brook, I received an invoice with my HRT and semaglutide options for purchase. I opted to go all in. Joi requires that your purchase your Hormone Replacement Therapy in three-month quantities.
Joi Perimenopause HRT Review
I wish I had known that Perimenopause was a thing in the late 30's. I'm certain it was the cause of my unexplained anger the few days leading up to my period. It also would have been great to have an understanding of why my periods were so heavy on some months and why they were becoming so sporadic.
Like most, I was aware of menopause but until recently I think it just assumed you were normal then bam, you were in menopause. It makes so much more sense to understand that it's a transition period for our bodies as we begin to experience decreasing estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Like puberty takes a few years to run it's course so does menopause.
Hormone Replacement Therapy isn't just for women in their 50's and 60's who are no longer menstruating, it's also very beneficial for any women as early as some in their 30's when things just start to feel off.
While perimenopause and menopause are considered ‘normal’ life changes, you get no medals for suffering through it alone.
Join Joi Women's Wellness in their movement where all women get to look and feel great from the inside out. Welcome to the Sisterhood!
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