Menopause & Perimenopause: Signs and Symptoms
Hot Flashes [happen at any time (more common at night) at unpredictable intervals lasting a few minutes, sudden sensation of flushing/heat centered over upper chest/face that rapidly becomes generalized, may be accompanied by palpitations and followed by chills/shivering or anxiety]. Greatly improves with estradiol!
Night Sweats improve with estradiol!
Poor Sleep improves with estradiol and progesterone!
Irregular Periods improves with estradiol and progesterone!
Weight Gain. Improves with estradiol +/- testosterone if indicated!
Fatigue. Might be misdiagnosed as “chronic fatigue syndrome.” Improves with estradiol +/- testosterone if indicated!
Palpitations
Migraines may improve is estradiol is stable.
Vaginal dryness, burning, itching, or irritation. Greatly improves with estradiol vaginal cream!
Increased frequency of urination or urge to urinate. Painful urination. Might be misdiagnosed as “over active bladder” or “UTI.” Improves with estradiol vaginal cream!
Anger/irritability, anxiety/tension, depression, loss of concentration, and loss of self-esteem/confidence. Improves with estradiol. Improves with estradiol!
Forgetfulness, “brain fog,” trouble with word retrieval. Trouble learning. Improves with estradiol!
Less sexual desire and function, with possible painful intercourse. Improves with testosterone.
Joint and muscle pains. Often improves with estradiol. Might be misdiagnosed as “fibromyalgia.” Improves with estradiol +/- testosterone if indicated.
Breast tenderness.
Dry skin, eyes, or mouth. Improves with estradiol!
Reduced skin collagen. Improves with estradiol!
Thinning hair. Improves with estradiol!
Bloating, indigestion, or change in bowel habits.
Thinning of the bones. Improves with estradiol!
Increased risk for heart disease. If started early your risk of death will decrease with estradiol.