CALL US Am I in Menopause? OB-GYN Associates of Marietta Blog Am I in Menopause? Tweet Maybe you’ve started suffering from hot flashes. Maybe your weight seems to be creeping up for no clear reason. Or maybe, your sex drive isn’t what it used to be. Menopause is a hormonal change that every women goes through, and it can have significant effects on your body, mood, sex life, and more. The average American woman starts menopause around age 51, but those symptoms can start appearing years before that. At OB-GYN Associates of Marietta, our gynecologists work with women in perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. The symptoms of menopause are numerous — and every woman experiences them differently — so it’s not always easy to know if you’ve started this infamous transition. If you’re wondering whether your symptoms mean you’re in menopause, take a few moments to learn what you can expect in this new chapter of life. Signs of perimenopause Perimenopause is the precursor to menopause. It's the stage between your most fertile years and menopause itself, and it can start in your late 30s, your 40s, or even your 50s. Most women are in perimenopause for about four years before menopause. However, perimenopause and its symptoms vary from woman to woman — and it can last anywhere from a few months to 10 years. When you start perimenopause, your estrogen and progesterone levels (and your fertility) naturally start declining. As hormone levels drop, you might start noticing symptoms like: Hot flashes Mood swings Low libido Irregular menstrual periods Vaginal dryness Urinary incontinence Fatigue Weight changes These symptoms are classic signs of menopause, but they’re also very common in perimenopause. Because the symptoms can be identical, it’s not always easy to know if you’re in perimenopause or menopause. The start of menopause Menopause begins once you’ve gone 12 months without a menstrual period. During perimenopause, your body gradually stops preparing itself for possible pregnancy. You still have menstrual periods, but they become irregular. If it’s been a full year since your last period, your ovaries are no longer releasing eggs. You can no longer get pregnant, and you’re in menopause. Your symptoms may be the same during perimenopause and menopause, but many women find that symptoms intensify once menopause starts and remain about the same for 4-5 years afterward. Life after menopause begins Some women find that their menopausal symptoms are mild or short-lived. For others, menopausal symptoms can be severe. If your life is interrupted by symptoms of menopause, seeking treatment can help you adjust. Our team specializes in managing menopausal symptoms. We may recommend lifestyle changes, like regular exercise and healthy eating, to reduce symptoms naturally. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, hormone replacement therapy can be an effective treatment. We can prescribe hormonal supplements in the form of skin patches, oral pills, or vaginal creams and inserts, depending on your needs. Since menopausal symptoms aren’t permanent, we work closely with you to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Many women find that menopausal symptoms begin to fade on their own about five years after menopause starts, because their hormones naturally stabilize again. Don’t navigate perimenopause and menopause alone. If you’re wondering what your symptoms mean, schedule a consultation with our team. Call our Marietta and Woodstock, Georgia, offices for your first appointment. You Might Also Enjoy... The Nurse-Midwife Model of Care Certified nurse-midwives are medical professionals dedicated to pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Midwives prioritize personalized care and natural birth — and this model of care is becoming more popular among American moms. It’s time to learn more. What's Included in Prenatal Care? During pregnancy, your health needs change. Regular prenatal care is one of the best ways you can protect your health and give your baby a healthy start — but what exactly does prenatal care include? Make sure you know what to expect. 3 Telltale Symptoms of HPV Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. While it often goes away on its own, certain types of HPV can cause serious complications. Learn the signs and find out how to protect your health. Everything You Should Know About Breastfeeding Choosing how you’ll feed your newborn might be one of the biggest decisions you make during pregnancy. Breastfeeding gives your baby all the nutrients they need for a healthy start, but there’s a lot to learn. Start with the basics here. Why You Should Never Ignore Pelvic Pain Most women experience pelvic pain at one time or another. It’s a common complaint, but it’s one that should never be ignored. Pelvic pain could be a sign of an underlying condition, and seeking care is the best way to find relief from your pain. Benefits of Having a Midwife Certified nurse midwives specialize in pregnancy care, from conception to the postpartum period. If you’re seeking a personal, natural experience for your pregnancy, it’s time to learn more about the benefits of having a midwife by your side. Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Accessibility Notice Contact Us OB-GYN Associates of Marietta, Marietta, GA Phone (appointments): 770-233-7393 Phone (general inquiries): 770-422-8700 Address: 699 Church Street, Suite 300, Marietta, GA 30060 OB-GYN Associates of Marietta, Woodstock, GA Phone (appointments): 678-293-4449 Phone (general inquiries): 770-422-8700 Address: 100 Stone Forest Dr., Suite 150, Woodstock, GA 30189 4.94/5 (2161 reviews)