Frequently Asked Questions About Perimenopause & Menopause
Offering Expert Menopause Care
Have questions about perimenopause, menopause, or your treatment options? You're not alone. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about menopause care, hormone therapy, and what to expect when working with Dr. Nalya Jessamy.
General Menopause FAQs
Q. What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
Answer: Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause when hormone levels begin to fluctuate and symptoms can start. Menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Many women experience symptoms for years before reaching menopause.
Q. What are the most common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause?
Answer: Symptoms can vary widely and may include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood changes, anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating, brain fog, changes in menstrual cycles, vaginal dryness, and changes in sexual health.
Q. Can menopause symptoms affect my mental health?
Answer: Yes. Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can contribute to changes in mood, anxiety, irritability, sleep difficulties, and concentration. Some women describe feeling unlike themselves, and these symptoms deserve thoughtful assessment and care.
Q. When should I seek help for menopause symptoms?
Answer: You don’t need to wait until symptoms become severe. If changes in your mood, sleep, periods, hot flashes, or overall well-being are affecting your quality of life, it may be helpful to discuss your options with a menopause-trained healthcare provider.
Hormone Therapy FAQs
Q. Is hormone therapy safe?
Answer: For many women, hormone therapy is a safe and effective treatment option when personalized to their individual health history and risk factors. A thorough assessment helps determine whether hormone therapy is appropriate for you.
Q. What symptoms can hormone therapy help with?
Answer: Hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats. It may also help with sleep disruption, mood changes related to menopause, and genitourinary symptoms such as vaginal dryness and discomfort.
Q. Am I too old to start hormone therapy?
Answer: The generally accepted guideline is that hormone therapy is safest when started within 10 years of the final menstrual period and under 60 years of age. But a nuanced discussion that involves looking at other health conditions, risk factors, types and severity of symptoms is needed to determine if hormone therapy is right for you.
Q. Do I need progesterone if I take estrogen?
Answer: If you have a uterus, progesterone is typically prescribed alongside estrogen to protect the uterine lining. The type and dose depend on your individual situation.
Q. Will hormone therapy cause weight gain?
Answer: Many women notice changes in body composition during midlife, but hormone therapy itself does not typically cause significant weight gain. Lifestyle, aging, metabolism, sleep, stress, and hormonal changes can all play a role.
Mental Health + Menopause FAQs
Q. Can perimenopause cause anxiety or depression?
Answer: Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can contribute to changes in mood, anxiety, and emotional well-being. These symptoms can be overlooked, especially when they appear before more recognizable menopause symptoms like hot flashes.
Q. Can menopause symptoms look like ADHD?
Answer: Some women experience increased difficulty with focus, memory, and organization during perimenopause. These changes may overlap with ADHD symptoms and deserve a careful evaluation to understand the underlying causes.
Q. Why don’t I feel like myself anymore?
Answer: Many women describe feeling different during perimenopause due to changes in hormones, sleep, stress, and mental health. Understanding what is happening can be the first step toward finding effective support.
Working with Dr. Jessamy
Q: Do I have to pay for a consultation with Dr. Jessamy?
Answer: Dr. Jessamy’s services are covered under OHIP. So if you have a valid Ontario health card, you will not have to pay out of pocket for an assessment.
Q: Do I need a referral to see Dr. Jessamy?
Answer: Yes. You will need a referral from a physician to be seen by Dr. Jessamy. See the contact page for information on where to send the referral.
Q: Does Dr. Jessamy provide ongoing medical care?
Answer: In the interest of being able to provide care to the many woman who need it, Dr. Jessamy is unable to provide long-term care. After the initial assessment, a follow-up will be booked to assess response to treatment. At that point, if symptoms have improved, a letter will be sent back to your family physician/referring physician outlining the treatment plan for them to be able to provide future prescription renewals and ongoing support. For more complex cases or when symptoms persist despite initial treatment further follow-up appointments may be necessary. Once symptoms have stabilized, there will be a transfer of care back to your referring physician.