Hot Flashes and Mood Swings? When to See a Doctor

Dr. Jennifer Samson offers naturopathic care in Portland, Oregon, specializing in helping people manage perimenopause symptoms.

Perimenopause is the time in a female-bodied person’s life when her body starts preparing to stop having menstrual periods. It’s a natural stage that happens to every person who has menstrual cycles. During perimenopause, the ovaries begin to slow down, producing less estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes even a bit less testosterone. These hormonal changes lead to the gradual end of a woman’s reproductive years.

Perimenopause typically begins sometime in a woman’s 40s, although it can start earlier—in the mid-30s—or later—in the early 50s. The timing varies significantly from one person to another, but sooner or later, every person who menstruates will go through it.

What’s Actually Happening in Your Body When You Experience Perimenopause Symptoms?

As estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels decrease, you may start noticing several symptoms. Some people have mild or even no symptoms, while others find the experience challenging. Common symptoms include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats: Sudden waves of heat, especially at night, causing sweating and discomfort.
• Loss of libido: Decreased interest in sexual activity.
• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy.
• Vaginal dryness and skin dryness: Lower estrogen levels reduce moisture in vaginal and skin tissues, leading to discomfort.
• Joint pain and extreme fatigue: When estrogen levels become very low, some people feel profound fatigue or joint discomfort, sometimes described as feeling flu-like.

Menstrual cycle changes are very common during this transition. Periods might become irregular—shorter or longer cycles, heavier or lighter bleeding, or cycles may become closer together or farther apart. Typically, these changes are natural and not concerning. However, if your menstrual cycles become less than 21 days apart, you should consult a healthcare provider.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or wondering if you’re entering perimenopause, simple blood tests can help measure your hormone levels, including estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone. These tests can help determine your hormonal status and guide symptom management.

Remember, everyone’s experience with perimenopause is different. Some people have minimal symptoms, while others experience significant changes. If your perimenopause symptoms become challenging or you’re unsure about what’s happening, don’t hesitate to reach out to reach out to us at Northwest Integrative Medicine.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you’re looking for a naturopathic doctor who truly listens, supports your health journey through perimenopause symptoms, Dr. Jennifer Samson is accepting new patients!

References

1. “Hot Flashes.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/symptoms-causes/syc-20352790.
2. “How Sex Changes After Menopause.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/how-sex-changes-after-menopause.
3. “Low Libido (Low Sex Drive).” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15216-low-libido-low-sex-drive.
4. Watson, Stephanie. “Perimenopause Periods: Spotting, Heavy Bleeds, and More.” Healthline, 16 Aug. 2021, www.healthline.com/health/menopause/perimenopause-periods.