Embracing Perimenopause and Menopause: Thriving Through Hormonal Shifts at the Peak of Your Career

Embracing Perimenopause and Menopause

As you stride into your 40s and 50s, you still start to experience symptoms of perimenopause, which is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. Menopause, on the other hand, is the point in a woman’s life when her menstrual periods have stopped permanently, marking the end of her reproductive years. Medically speaking, a woman is officially menopausal when she has gone 12 months without her menstrual period.

It’s important to recognize that perimenopause and menopause are not setbacks but part of the natural seasons of hormonal shifts that all women undergo. This period is usually anticipated as an experience fraught with apprehension, stress, and anxiety; however, it is a normal part of life.

With the proper knowledge, attitude, and guidance from a medical professional, the transition can be managed effectively, allowing you to continue to thrive both in your professional career and personal life.

Identifying the Symptoms of Perimenopause

Janet is a 50-year-old woman who just made a career switch from corporate to entrepreneurship. She needs all the focus and energy that she can muster to get her business off the ground and flourish. She is starting to feel brain fog and hot flashes, and she fears that these perimenopause symptoms will hinder her from pursuing a successful business.

Let’s take Andrea, who is approaching 48 years old and daunted by the fact that she is starting to gain weight and pack on fat around her belly, even if she has maintained healthy eating habits and exercise regimen. She had always thought it was “mind over matter,” so she gets into a restrictive diet and an even more intense exercise program to counter the weight gain, but to no avail.

Janet and Andrea (both hypothetical) are undergoing the perimenopause phase; when their menstrual period stops, they will be menopausal. It’s important to remember that each woman’s experience is unique. The type of symptom and its severity can vary for each woman, and you are not alone in this journey.

For some, perimenopause symptoms can be excruciating, from severe night sweats leaving them sleepless and exhausted during the day to extreme mood swings peppered with anxiety and irritability that strain relationships with loved ones. The average length of these symptoms is about seven (7) years, but it can last up to 10 years until menopause finally occurs.

Symptoms of menopause can include:

• Hot Flashes: Sudden bursts of heat and sweating can be uncomfortable and distracting.
• Night Sweats: These can disrupt your sleep, leading to daytime fatigue.
• Mood Swings: Hormonal fluctuations may result in increased irritability, anxiety, or depression.
• Fatigue: Low energy levels can affect your productivity and enthusiasm.
• Memory Issues: You might experience difficulties with concentration and short-term memory.
• Irregular Periods: Changes in your menstrual cycle can be unpredictable and inconvenient.
• Weight gain: Many women gain weight around the belly during menopause, even if they eat less.
• Hair loss: Some women may experience thinning or hair loss during menopause.
• Vaginal Dryness: This can impact sexual comfort and overall well-being.

Those who are lucky may not experience any symptoms at all.

Thriving at the Peak of Your Career

Nowadays, many women in their 40s and 50s are at the height of their careers, leading teams and companies, managing projects, and making significant professional strides. Perimenopause should not be a barrier to your success. With the proper knowledge and support, you can thrive in your career and personal life.

Although the symptoms of perimenopause may pose a challenge, this should not stop you from living a vibrant and active life. With knowledge about how menopause may affect your life, you can mitigate these impacts.

Alleviating Symptoms 

As many as 90% of women experience perimenopause symptoms. There is no treatment to these as it the natural course of women’s bodies.

There are, however many options to alleviate these symptoms, including supplementation, hormone restoration, and even lifestyle changes like

• Healthier eating
• Avoiding alcohol
• Reducing caffeine
• Regular exercise
• Stress reduction
• Even using a sauna for detoxification of Estrogen

The Role of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)

For many women, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) offers a safe and personalized approach to alleviating symptoms effectively.

Bio-identical hormones are lab-produced (manufactured) compounds that can mean natural (versus artificial) compounded or derived from plants. They are chemically similar to the hormones naturally produced by the human body[1]. The Endocrine Society has defined bioidentical hormones as “compounds that have exactly the same chemical and molecular structure as hormones that are produced in the human body.” [2]

Safety and Considerations:

It is essential to note that BHRT is not for everyone. It is critical to consult with a trained medical professional. Like any other medication, there could be possible risks depending on your health history.

Consultation: It is of paramount importance to discuss with a credible medical professional before using any kind of hormone replacement therapy. A medical professional can provide personalized advice based on your health history and current symptoms. Regular check-ins and adjustments will ensure that your treatment remains effective and safe.

Personalized Dosage: Your dosage will be carefully monitored and adjusted based on your needs, providing a balanced approach to managing symptoms.

Testing: Equally important is hormone testing to monitor therapy effectiveness. Tests such as the Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones (DUTCH) provide in-depth information on sex and adrenal hormones, including metabolites. The DUTCH test evaluates primary hormones and their metabolites to assess how your body is handling the breakdown of essential hormones. Regular testing ensures that your hormone levels are balanced and your treatment is safe and effective.

Embracing Menopause as a New Chapter

Perimenopause and menopause are not barriers to success but natural phases of life that you can manage with the right strategies and support. By understanding their symptoms, recognizing their impact on your work life, and exploring effective treatments like BHRT, you can continue to excel in your career and enjoy a fulfilling personal life.

Remember, these phases are merely a transition,  not an end. With proactive management, a healthy lifestyle, and a positive mindset, you can embrace this season with confidence, knowing that it does not define your capabilities or limit your potential. Continue to lead, innovate, and thrive because menopause is simply another chapter in your remarkable journey.

[1] Bioidentical Hormone Therapy https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3127562/

[2] Endocrine Society Bioidentical hormones: position statement. 2006. http://www.endo-society.org/advocacy/policy/upload/BH_position_Statement_final_10_25_06_w_Header.pdf Accessed April 6, 2011 [Ref list]