In recognition of Women’s Health Month, Dr. Avent responds to one of the most frequently asked reproductive health questions.
Menopause and peri-menopause can have varying effects on a person’s well-being. For some, the symptoms are mild and do not impact their daily life but for others symptoms can be debilitating and last years. Symptoms that impact your life should not be written off as expected based on age as no one should suffer symptoms that impact their ability to carry on their day to day activities. There are both medical and lifestyle changes that can help you or your loved ones during this normal transition.
Three common questions:
What is menopause?
Menopause is defined by a lack of a menstrual cycle for a full year. Any bleeding after one year without a period may indicate a conversation with your doctor.
What is peri-menopause?
Peri-menopause is the time leading up to menopause when periods become more unpredictable. This can mean skipping periods, lighter periods, heavier periods and sometimes all three! This time can last for up to ten years and can be associated with other common symptoms like hot flashes.
What tests do I need to see if I am in peri- menopause?
NONE! Just like when you didn’t need testing to tell you when you were in puberty, there is NO testing to diagnose menopause OR peri-menopause. If you are in the correct age range and are exhibiting symptoms consistent with peri-menopause (see above) then you have your diagnosis!
Dr. Kassi Avent is a family medicine trained physician with a focus on reproductive health and gender affirming care.
