Perimenopause: Silent Hormonal Shift Women Need to Know About

Perimenopause: Silent Hormonal Shift Women Need to Know About – Perimenopause can begin as early as 13 years before menopause, leaving many women confused, frustrated, and struggling with unexplained symptoms. If you’ve been feeling ‘off’ but think you’re too young for menopause, it’s time to consider that your hormones might be shifting. You’re not crazy, and you’re certainly not alone.

Common Symptoms of Perimenopause: Silent Hormonal Shift

Many women don’t recognize perimenopause because its symptoms can mimic stress, aging, or even thyroid disorders. Here are some of the most common complaints:

Irregular periods – Cycles become unpredictable, either shorter or longer, with heavier or lighter bleeding.
Mood swings, anxiety, and depression – Hormonal fluctuations can cause intense emotional highs and lows.
Fatigue and brain fog – Low energy levels and difficulty concentrating are common concerns.
Night sweats and hot flashes – Sudden heat surges that disrupt sleep and daily activities.
Weight gain and slowed metabolism – Increased belly fat and difficulty losing weight can be frustrating.
Sleep disturbances – Many women experience insomnia or frequent waking at night.
Decreased libido and vaginal dryness – Hormonal shifts can impact sexual health and comfort.

Perimenopause vs. Menopause

Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, marked by fluctuating hormone levels and irregular cycles. Menopause, on the other hand, is officially diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. While perimenopause can last for years, menopause signals the end of ovarian hormone production. Symptoms may overlap, but perimenopause tends to have more unpredictable fluctuations, whereas menopause brings a more consistent decline in hormones. Understanding this distinction helps women navigate their symptoms and seek the right treatments.

Curious about where you stand in your menopause journey? Our in-house labs offer comprehensive testing to help you gain clarity and take control of your health.

Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy (BHRT): A Game-Changer for Women

Unlike synthetic hormones, Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy (BHRT) is derived from natural sources and closely mimics the body’s own hormones. This personalized treatment helps restore hormonal balance, reducing or even eliminating many perimenopause symptoms.

At Dr. Scott’s Restorative Health in Charlotte, NC, we offer BHRT through two effective methods:

Pellets – Tiny, customized implants placed under the skin that release hormones consistently over time.
Creams – Applied topically for a controlled and adjustable hormone dose.

BHRT has been shown to improve mood, energy, sleep, metabolism, and overall well-being. Women who choose BHRT often report feeling like themselves again after years of discomfort.

Supplements That Support Perimenopause Relief

In addition to BHRT, nutritional support plays a key role in balancing hormones. Some helpful supplements include:

Magnesium – Supports mood, sleep, and muscle relaxation.
Vitamin D – Essential for hormone regulation and bone health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Helps reduce inflammation and support brain function.
B-Complex Vitamins – Aids in energy production and nervous system health.
Ashwagandha & Adaptogens – Helps manage stress and balance cortisol levels.

Shop for these and other high-quality supplements through our FullScript online store for physician-approved selections.

Comprehensive Female Hormone Testing

For a deeper understanding of your hormonal health, we offer comprehensive Female Hormone Panels at our in-house lab. These tests provide valuable insights into:

Hormone levels – FSH, Total & Free Testosterone, Estradiol, Progesterone, DHEAS, IGF-1
Thyroid function – TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3
Metabolic health – Lipid Panel, HgbA1C, Insulin, Vitamin D, 25OH
Overall health indicators – CBC w/ diff and platelets, CMP-14

Take Control of Your Health in Perimenopause

If you’ve been struggling with unexplained symptoms and suspect perimenopause may be the cause, Dr. Scott’s Restorative Health in Charlotte, NC, is here to help. With personalized hormone therapy, expert guidance, and holistic support, you can regain control of your well-being.

Contact us today at 704-282-9355 or visit our website to schedule a consultation.

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