PERIMENOPAUSE & MENOPAUSE
Perimenopause is the transitional time when hormones change and cycles often become erratic, before menstrual cycles stop completely.
Menopause is the point at which menstrual cycles have completely stopped beyond a one-year timeframe.
Given enough time, everyone who menstruates will go through perimenopause and reach menopause. This inevitable season of life is unique to each individual, with a variety of potential mental and physical symptoms.
Perimenopause can begin in the mid-to-late 30s, but the most common age of onset is from 40-45. This transition can last from several years to a decade, which is why knowledge and treatment is important.
Perimenopause Symptoms:
Anxiety/depression Sleep disruptions Itchy and/or dry skin
Joint and/or muscle pain Fatigue Brain fog Hot flashes
Night sweats Decrease in libido Pelvic floor dysfunction
Heart palpitations Irregular menstrual cycle Irritability
Frustration Lean muscle loss Body composition changes
After menopause, some symptoms may improve as hormonal decline settles to a reduced but consistent level. Although certain issues may remain such as: disrupted sleep, bone density loss, muscle mass loss, muscle pain, and others. Neither list of symptoms is complete, as it is an individual process and everyone may experience different changes.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
A balanced approach with a variety of medical providers (GP, OB/GYN, PT) can improve your peri-to-menopause transition.
Physical therapy can help improve movement, range-of-motion, flexibility, and strength. For patients who experience joint and muscle problems and/or pain during perimenopause/menopause, PT can help improve their symptoms and reduce discomfort.
For patients dealing with pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic health physical therapy can be a game changer. Pelvic health PT can help with stress, urge, and mixed incontinence, SI joint pain, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and more.*
Being proactive during this transitional time in your life can help ensure that you receive better care, feel better, and live better. Schedule your appointment with a Body One Physical Therapist today.
*Pelvic Health PT offered exclusively at our Fisher location with Dr. Chelsea Savage and PTA Pam Baker.
