Sometimes called "the change," menopause is a normal, natural part of aging for people who menstruate. But just because this transition is a natural process doesn't mean it's always a smooth one.

Perimenopause: The first stage

Menopause is the time when your menstrual cycle slows down and eventually stops. It typically begins in your late 40s, and this first stage—called perimenopause—lasts about seven years.

During perimenopause, your ovaries begin to make less of the hormone estrogen. Your periods may start to become irregular. You can still get pregnant during this time, so continue to use birth control if you do not want to conceive. When you haven't had a period for 12 consecutive months, you've reached menopause. Once at this point, you can no longer get pregnant.

While in perimenopause, you may experience other symptoms in addition to irregular periods. The type and severity of these symptoms can vary, but the most common ones are:

Hot flashes. These intense feelings of heat in the upper body come on quickly and last a few minutes.

Night sweats, hot flashes that happen while you're sleeping, can make it difficult to sleep through the night.

Mood changes. You may feel more irritable, emotional or anxious.

Brain fog, which can cause you to be easily distracted or have trouble remembering things.

Bladder control problems. You may have a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate. Or stress on your bladder—from a cough or a sneeze, for instance—can make you leak urine.

Vaginal dryness. Low estrogen levels can cause vaginal tissue to become thinner and drier.

Sex drive changes. It's common to experience a dip in your sex drive during perimenopause.

Overall body changes. You may gain weight, lose muscle tone, or feel joint stiffness and pain.

Managing menopause symptoms

Fortunately, you have many options when it comes to managing uncomfortable symptoms, such as:

• Menopause hormone therapy.

• Certain antidepressants.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy.

• A healthy diet.

• Daily physical activity.

• Stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness.

Speak to your Watson Clinic OB-GYN about the pros and cons of these treatment options. They can help you decide which option is right for you. Call 863-680-7243 or visit WatsonClinic.com/OBGYN.

Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; MedlinePlus; National Institutes of Health; The Menopause Society