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Treatment for Perimenopausal Symptoms

With the many supplements, pills and treatment plans available to help reduce or eliminate perimenopausal symptoms, many women are left confused and overwhelmed. For a basic look at common perimenopausal symptoms, review the details below; here you will discover what options are available and learn about easy lifestyle changes that can make your day-to-day life with perimenopause easier.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms associated with perimenopause include mood changes, changes in sexual desire, difficulty in concentrating, headaches, night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, joint and muscle aches, extreme sweating, frequent urination and symptoms similar to those of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

    Birth Control

    • According to the University of Virginia Health System, low-dose birth control pills can keep hormone levels more constant and reduce perimenopause symptoms. To obtain low-dose birth control pills, a woman suffering from perimenopause symptoms must contact her physician to obtain a prescription. A medical professional must monitor administration of the pills to achieve the correct dosage. Most insurance plans cover birth control pills.

    Antidepressants

    • Doctors often prescribe antidepressants to women suffering perimenopause symptoms to stabilize mood swings and evenly distribute serotonin to the body. Many women note a change in mood within weeks of beginning an antidepressant cycle. Side effects can include loss of libido, nausea and dry mouth; however, the persistence and level of severity of these side effects may vary depending on dosage.

    Progesterone

    • To minimize PMS-like symptoms in perimenopausal patients, doctors commonly prescribe progesterone. Like antidepressants, progesterone works to reduce mood swings and irritability as well as other symptoms like hot flashes, bloating and aches and pains.

    Lifestyle Changes

    • Doctors recommend several basic lifestyle changes to reduce perimenopause symptoms, including adding soy and flaxseed to meals, participating in sports or exercise several times a week, and taking vitamin E. Speak with a doctor about introducing ginkgo biloba, evening primrose oil and black cohosh into your diet.

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