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Menopause & Perimenopause

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. When there isn’t a period in full 12 months, menopause has begun.

Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause. During perimenopause, levels of estrogen (a key female hormone), start to decrease. Women usually start experiencing symptoms in her mid-40s or 50s. Perimenopause can last from months to years.

 

What happens during perimenopause

Some common signs and symptoms that women report during their perimenopause are:

  • Changes in the pattern of period
  • Hot flashes
  • Heart palpitations
  • Poor quality of sleep and night sweats
  • Mood changes, depression
  • Vaginal health and sexuality (genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) such as vaginal atrophy and urinary urgency)
  • Sexual dysfunction and disorders

* Symptoms marked in bold may be managed through the Viveve women’s health solution

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)

Stress urinary incontinence / loss of bladder control are main symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), occurs in over 50% of menopausal women.

Vaginal Atrophy

Vaginal atrophy (or atrophic vaginitis) frequently affects menopausal and postmenopausal women. It’s a condition where the lining of the vagina gets drier and thinner. Burning, itching, spotting and pain with sex are common symptoms, as are frequent urination and urinary tract infections.

Vaginal atrophy most often occurs during menopause, the “change of life.” This happens due to a decrease in the estrogen hormone. It is a common condition, affecting more than half of women who enter menopause.

How do menopause & perimenopause affect sex satisfaction?

The reduction of estrogen can lead to changes in a woman’s body and sexual drive. Menopausal and postmenopausal women may notice they’re not as easily aroused, and they may be less sensitive to touching and stroking. That can lead to less interest in sex. Besides, lower levels of estrogen can cause a drop in blood supply to the vagina, affecting vaginal lubrication and causing the vagina to become too dry for enjoyable sex.

Sexual dysfunction is a problem preventing one from experiencing satisfaction from sexual activity. The sexual response cycle traditionally includes excitement (including desire and arousal), plateau, orgasm and resolution. It’s important to know women don’t always go through these phases in order.

Management and Treatment

Menopause is a natural and normal progression in a woman’s reproductive cycle and there’s no way to stop it. The perimenopause experience varies greatly from one woman to the next.

Many people notice and tolerate the changes in their bodies without a formal diagnosis. However, if you have symptoms that interfere with your daily activities, you should consider seeking medical help.

There are medical treatments to help ease some symptoms:

  • Antidepressants medications to help with mood swings or depression
  • Hormonal medications (e.g. cream, gel, patch or pill) to stabilize hormone levels and typically relieve symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness
  • Women’s health solutions such as Viveve to address stress urinary incontinence (SUI), sexual dysfunction and vaginal dryness

In our experience, Viveve is effective in managing several perimenopausal symptoms to enhance women’s intimate health. It is clinically proven to increase sexual sensation and lubrication, tighten the vaginal tissues and stop bladder leakage with sustained results. Learn more about the Viveve system.

Book Your Assessment

Call us at 604-284-5501 for any questions or book online for a consultation with our doctor to discuss your needs and options. No obligation to proceed with any treatment or service – just information so you can decide later when you want some changes. We are all happy to assist you every step of the way.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prevent perimenopausal symptoms from appearing?

Menopause is a natural and normal progression in a woman’s reproductive cycle and there’s no way to stop it. Symptoms vary from person to person. However, if you have symptoms that are negatively impacting the quality of life, you might consider seeking medical advice and help to relieve them.

You’re not alone in this journey and we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation with our doctor today to discreetly discuss your needs and concerns.

What is Viveve?

The Viveve System is indicated for the treatment of vaginal laxity (looseness), sexual function or urinary incontinence with positive side effects such as enhanced lubrication. It is a non-surgical option that is clinically proven to address issues that have a profound impact on a woman’s daily life. It is FDA and Health Canada cleared and is available in more than 50 countries including Canada.

To learn more about Viveve, click here.

What are the disadvantages of menopausal medications and therapies?

Although proven effective in relieving some symptoms, hormone medications and therapies often come with certain health risks and results may be temporary. Vaginal creams can mask the dryness symptom but the actual cause/problem is not addressed.

In our assessment, Viveve is effective in managing several perimenopausal symptoms by targeting the vaginal and pelvic floor muscles and tissues for feminine rejuvenation, without adverse effects and side effects reported. Clinical reports show results last for 12 months and more.

What are the risks of hormone therapy?

Hormone therapy can come with the following increased risks of:

  • Uterine cancer
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack
  • Blood clots
  • Gallbladder disease
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