Who diagnoses the perimenopause?
You can!
If you would like to learn more about diagnosing perimenopause and who can diagnose your symptoms and tell you if your Perimenopausal or not, look no further than yourself!
Up until recently the perimenopause wasn’t discussed. If you are suffering with any of the up to 48 symptoms such as:-
– hot flushes
– memory loss
– period problems
and aching joints to name a few then you could be perimenopausal. You know your body and shouldn’t hesitate with seeking out advice and treatment.
If you are in the midst of the perimenopause it is likely that you will be suffering some of the many symptoms associated with the fluctuating hormones.
Being in your 40s or early 50s will be another indicator as to identifying if you are perimenopausal or not. Whilst tests are available to monitor hormone levels, because hormones are fluctuating greatly at this time the results may prove inaccurate.
A doctor or your healthcare provider will likely ask questions as to what symptoms you are experiencing such as anxiety, hot flushes, night sweats and disrupted periods. They will also take into account your age.
The perimenopause is very much a transitional time which can last many years leading up to menopause, which is when you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months.
Once symptoms have been classed as you being perimenopausal, then treatment can begin. This can be in the form of:-
– hormone therapy commonly known as HRT
– antidepressants
– natural remedies
– lifestyle changes
– diet
Individuals have the right to discuss and make their own choices as to what if any treatments they would like to pursue.
A doctor or healthcare provider will explain the stages of perimenopause and menopause to you and what to expect in terms of symptoms. They will also equip you with the knowledge of what medication or treatments are available to you and what lifestyle changes you could make to help with this transitional time. If you decide to opt for any treatments the benefits and risks and any health implications should be made aware to you.
Cognitive behavioural therapy was not something I knew could help tackle the psychological symptoms of perimenopause, I naïvely thought HRT was the only option.
Although some doctors will discuss complimentary therapies and herbal preparations, some of these treatments are unregulated and therefore will not always be offered to you. Always seek out qualified complimentary practitioners who are fully insured.
By remaining positive and being adaptable to the changes in your life due to the perimenopause, the symptoms should be easier to cope with.
Help is out there if you reach out to a doctor or medical practitioner, or even a friend who may be going through similar things to you and can offer sympathy and advice on what works for them.