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Perimenopause Relief from Home

Perimenopause, the transition phase of menopause, occurs when women start to have symptoms of menopause. Most women start to notice perimenopause symptoms in their 40s, but it can also happen a little earlier or later. Perimenopause may last for 4 to 8 years.

Get the Treatment You Need

Both prescription and over-the-counter treatments exist to help with perimenopausal vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia) and vaginal symptoms (painful intercourse, vaginal dryness, and bladder problems).

Relief for Vasomotor Symptoms

Sleep Medications
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  • Doxepin (pill)
  • Ramelteon (pill)

    Relief for Vaginal Symptoms

    Vaginal Medication (Estrogen-only)
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    • Estring (vaginal insert; brand for Estradiol)
    • Estradiol (vaginal cream; generic for Estrace)
    • Estrace (vaginal cream; brand for Estradiol)
    • Femring (vaginal insert; brand for Estradiol Acetate)
          • Premarin (vaginal cream; generic for Conjugated Estrogens)
          • Vagifem (vaginal insert; generic for Vagifem)
          • Vagifem (vaginal insert; brand for Vagifem)
            DHEA
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            • Intrarosa (vaginal insert; generic for Prasterone)

            Hormonal Contraceptives

            Birth Control Pill
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            The pill is a hormone medication that you take daily. The combination pill contains both estrogen and progestin and requires a blood pressure reading. The mini pill contains progestin only and doesn't require a blood pressure reading.

            See all the brands we carry

            • Sprintec
            Birth Control Patch
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            The contraceptive skin patch is a small (1.75 square inch), thin, adhesive patch that you place on your skin every month. It is removed every 3 or 4 weeks. The patch releases both estrogen and progestin, which are absorbed through the skin into the body.

            • Xulane
            Birth Control Ring
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            The vaginal ring is a flexible, plastic ring that is placed in the upper vagina. It releases estrogen and progestin that are absorbed through the vaginal tissues into the body. It is removed every 3 or 4 weeks.

            • Nuvaring
            Birth Control Shot
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            Depo-subQ Provera 104 is a shot (injection) that helps relieve endometriosis related pain. It contains a hormone called medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). The shot is given once every 3 months, just under the skin on your thigh or belly, and can be self-administered.

            • Depo-SubQ Provera 104
            Norethindrone
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            Norethindrone 5mg is a form of progesterone, a female hormone important for regulating ovulation and menstruation. The medication dosages need to be adjusted for treatment of endometriosis related pain.

            • Norethindrone 5 mg (generic for Aygestin)

            Top Questions

            How can I get treated for my mental health symptoms in the perimenopause transition?
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            Patients seeking diagnosis or treatment for depression or anxiety are encouraged to visit the Alpha Mental Health Service, which is a part of Alpha Membership Plus.

            Is blood work necessary to determine if I am in perimenopause?
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            Blood work is rarely necessary. Clinicians can diagnose when most women are in the perimenopause based on responses to a detailed medical history.

            What type of hormones can I take for hot flashes if I am still having periods?
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            The types of hormones depend upon your where you are in the menopause transition, your medical history, and treatment preferences. If you are still having periods, even if they are sporadic, hormonal contraceptives (birth control) may be appropriate for you because menopausal hormones do not suppress ovulation, and can potentially lead to an unplanned pregnancy or irregular periods.

            What are some of the reasons for earlier menopause?
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            Certain lifestyle choices or life events may influence when you start perimenopause including: smoking, family history, cancer treatment, or removal of ovaries. The onset of menopause occurs one to two years earlier in women who smoke due to smoking’s effect on circulating estrogen levels.

            How it works

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            Describe Your Symptoms

            Answer questions about your health condition online.

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            Connect with a Medical Provider

            A medical provider will review your responses and send an appropriate treatment plan. Your care is evidence-based and personalized at every visit.

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            Get Whole-person Care

            Your care team will respond to any questions through our secure messaging platform and you can get medication at your preferred pharmacy.

            Even More with Alpha Membership

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            Care for Top Conditions

            Access treatment for over 100 medical conditions, including urgent care and women's health

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            Exclusive Benefits

            Up to 2 medical visits covered per month, and get additional visits at a special rate

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            Mental Health and Weight Loss

            Choose Alpha Membership Plus for $64/month to access weight loss, diabetes, and mental health services

            Join Membership

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