What Is Perimenopause and Menopause?
If you’ve noticed changes in your sleep, mood, energy, weight, or how your body feels overall—and you’ve been told “your labs are normal” or “this is just aging”—you’re not alone.
At Radiant Health for Women, we specialize in helping women understand what’s happening during midlife hormonal transitions and whether treatment may be helpful..
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. It often begins in a woman’s late 30s or 40s and can last several years.
During perimenopause, hormone levels—especially estrogen and progesterone—begin to fluctuate unpredictably. These ups and downs (rather than absolute hormone levels) are what cause many symptoms.
Common Perimenopause Symptoms
Changes in menstrual cycles (shorter, longer, heavier, or irregular periods)
Hot flashes or night sweats
Sleep disruption or insomnia
Anxiety, irritability, or mood changes
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Fatigue or low energy
Weight gain or changes in body composition
Lower libido or changes in sexual response
New or worsening PMS symptoms
You do not need to have skipped periods or abnormal lab results to be in perimenopause.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. The average age is 51, but it can occur earlier or later.
After menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels remain consistently low. While some symptoms improve, others may persist or newly appear.
Common Menopause Symptoms
Hot flashes and night sweats
Vaginal dryness or discomfort with sex
Urinary symptoms or recurrent UTIs
Sleep problems
Mood changes or low motivation
Joint pain or stiffness
Changes in skin, hair, and body composition
Menopause also marks a shift in long‑term health risks, including:
Bone density loss
Cardiovascular disease risk
Metabolic changes
Do I Need Treatment?
Not every woman needs hormone therapy—but many women benefit significantly when symptoms are affecting quality of life, sleep, relationships, or overall health.
Treatment decisions are based on:
Your symptoms and how they impact daily life
Your personal health history and risk factors
Your goals for midlife and long‑term health
At Radiant Health for Women, we do not treat lab numbers in isolation. Hormone testing can be helpful, but care is guided primarily by symptoms, evidence‑based guidelines, and shared decision‑making.
How Hormone Therapy Can Help
For appropriate candidates, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT/HRT) may help:
Reduce hot flashes and night sweats
Improve sleep and energy
Support mood and cognitive clarity
Improve vaginal and sexual health
Protect bone density
Support cardiovascular health when started at the right time
When prescribed thoughtfully and monitored appropriately, hormone therapy is considered safe and effective for many women.
A Personalized, Whole‑Body Approach
Hormones are only one piece of the puzzle.
At Radiant Health for Women, we also address:
Metabolic health and weight changes
Bone health
Sexual health
Skin and hair changes
Cardiovascular risk reduction
Nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress
Our care is personalized, unrushed, and focused on helping you feel like yourself again—not just getting through midlife, but thriving in it.
Next Steps
If you’re wondering whether perimenopause or menopause could be contributing to how you’re feeling, we’re here to help.
A consultation at Radiant Health for Women is an opportunity to:
Understand what’s happening in your body
Get clear, evidence‑based guidance
Explore whether treatment options—including hormone therapy—make sense for you
You deserve informed, compassionate care during this stage of life.