Perimenopause & Menopause
Hot flashes are sudden feelings of intense heat in the upper body (face, neck, chest) often with sweating and flushing, caused by changing hormone levels during perimenopause/menopause; when they occur at night and cause heavy sweating, they're called night sweats and can disrupt sleep.
As estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate in perimenopause, menstrual cycles can become unpredictable — they may come more or less often, last longer or shorter, and may be lighter or heavier than usual.
Declining estrogen around menopause causes the vaginal tissues to become thinner and less lubricated, which can lead to dryness, irritation, itching, and pain during intercourse.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause — especially drops in estrogen and testosterone — can reduce sexual desire, make arousal harder, and contribute to discomfort during sex.
Fluctuating hormone levels can affect brain chemicals like serotonin, leading to rapid changes in mood, increased irritability, anxiety, or a greater risk of depressive symptoms in some women during the menopausal transition.
Changes in hormone levels — particularly lower estrogen and progesterone — can make it harder to fall and stay asleep, often worsened by night sweats, temperature changes, and stress, leading to poor sleep quality and fatigue.
During perimenopause and menopause, fluctuating and declining hormone levels can lead to unpredictable physical and emotional symptoms — including hot flashes, sleep disruption, mood changes, weight shifts, and cognitive fog — making many women feel like their bodies are suddenly behaving in ways they can't manage or predict.
Many women report that menopause symptoms — especially emotional or cognitive ones — are minimized or dismissed by clinicians, partly because menopause education in medical training is limited and cultural stigma still surrounds this life stage, which can lead to delays in recognition, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
Hormone therapy (HRT) can be highly effective for managing menopause symptoms and long-term health risks, but confusion persists because older studies were misinterpreted, risks vary by age and timing, and mixed messages about "natural" approaches versus medical hormone treatments leave many women uncertain about the benefits, safety, and best choice for their situation.
Beyond immediate symptoms, women may worry about lasting impacts of menopause — such as increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, chronic pain conditions, and metabolic changes — especially if symptoms are unmanaged or if they feel they lack clear guidance on prevention and long-term care.
Our evidence-based articles and resources will explore these important topics to support your informed decision-making:
"Is this perimenopause?" self-assessment
Treatment options overview
What's normal vs when to see a doctor
Access our evidence-based articles and resources on hormonal changes to support your informed health decisions.
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