Nerlandes’ Story

Nerlandes Themistocle is a pharmacist and Pharmacy Manager at CVS Caremark, having worked in pharmaceuticals for over 25 years. She is a wife and a mother of two, currently residing in Rhode Island and finds joy with her family, listening to music, dancing, traveling, and exploring new foods. Nelandes Themistocle shares her truth about menopause, from what she experienced to what she wishes she knew about this important part of the reproductive health journey.

Can you tell us a little bit about your menopause experience?

I didn’t experience symptoms or body changes during the perimenopause stage as many others have. All of the symptoms started once my periods stopped very suddenly at the age of 50. What I’ve learned throughout this process and when talking with others is that not everyone experiences menopause in the same ways. Some may experience vaginal dryness, while others may feel more irritable or depressed. No experiences are one and the same.

What symptoms did you experience?

My symptoms were mainly hot flashes and night sweats, as well as trouble sleeping. The hot flashes, however, were pretty severe for me. I’d have to have fans on me at all times at work and when I go to bed.

Were there any other symptoms that caught you by surprise?

The symptom that really caught me by surprise was anxiety. I started to feel anxious about things I normally wouldn’t. For instance, I never felt or experienced anxiousness when it came to my work, especially because I have worked at the same place for years, however, one day I had such an overwhelming experience I had to call my husband. The palpitations were very intense, and this lasted for an entire week. I still feel anxiety from time to time, but I find ways to manage.

Did you feel prepared going into menopause?

Going into menopause is not something any woman can ever be fully prepared for. It took me an entire year to realize that I was going through the change . I definitely was not prepared. I did not have any idea what to expect or even how to identify if I was really experiencing it.

What do you wish more people knew about menopause?

Menopause is not as simple as people think. It is a very complex process that can be long and at times frustrating. The symptoms can last several years after your period stops and can be disruptive to your everyday life. Everyone experiences menopause differently, like I mentioned earlier, no experience is one and the same, so be patient with yourselves.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about menopause?

Menopause is still considered a very sensitive topic. I think that a lot of women struggle with this idea that once they go into menopause, their womanhood is stripped away. They may feel life is going to change forever, and people, including their spouses, will not look at them the same way. I felt that at one point, but my husband still treats me the same. Life may change in some ways, but the most important things don’t. People, not just women, need to be more educated about menopause to help with these feelings.

Is there any message you’d like to give to someone going through or preparing for menopause — maybe someone experiencing the same symptoms as you?

Menopause is not a medical condition but a natural process that will become a part of your life. Our bodies go through a lot of changes during this time, but there are so many ways to manage it. Don’t be afraid of talking about your symptoms; there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Challenge yourself, change your lifestyle, exercise, keep yourself hydrated, lastly and most importantly, seek medical advice or talk to your provider. There are also so many drugs on the market that can help with the symptoms. I have learned to live with it and be happy.

Learn more about menopause

Menopause

Menopause 101

Menopause symptoms

Hot flashes (or night sweats, if they happen at night) are one of the most infamous menopause symptoms. Everyone will experience them differently and the frequency, intensity, and overall duration can vary. This hormone-related temperature instability is often referred to as “vasomotor symptoms” (VMS).

Hot flashes feel like episodes of perceived heat and/or sweating and typically last less than two minutes. You might feel a sudden sensation of warmth that spreads through the upper body and face. A flushed appearance, red or blotchy skin, rapid heartbeat, perspiration, and (ironically) chills are also common symptoms. 

Why do hot flashes happen?

Although the causes aren’t yet fully understood, evidence points to hormone changes. When estrogen levels drop (which happens during menopause), the hypothalamus — our body’s internal thermostat — becomes more sensitive to slight changes in body temperature. Thinking it’s overheated, the hypothalamus starts working to cool the body by pulling blood away from the core to the skin. This kick-starts a chain of events that causes flushing, sweating, and an internal sensation of heat despite the fact that body temperature isn’t actually rising.

There are four primary types of hot “flashers:”

• None (or relatively few) flashes: a rare and lucky bunch!
• Early onset: flashes begin in perimenopause and decline soon after menopause
• Late onset: flashes begin during menopause and persist into postmenopause
• Super flashers: flashes begin in perimenopause and persist well after menopause

What else can I expect from hot flashes?

Most people experience symptoms for six months to two years. Although more people report daytime hot flashes, night sweats are often more bothersome. Which makes sense — when you’re sleeping, you can’t anticipate a hot flash like you can during the day, and take the necessary steps to mitigate it (e.g., shed layers, move to a cooler room, or crank up the A/C). So where does that leave you? Often, waking up drenched in sweat. What’s particularly frustrating is that a common trigger for hot flashes and night sweats is stress. So stress leads to night sweats which leads to poor sleep, which is stressful and that makes it difficult to manage said stress…you get the picture.

Night sweats can bring on a lot of anxiety for people — especially when they start to impede your life. If you’re suffering from night sweats that routinely disrupt your sleep — and especially if you qualify as a “super flasher” — talk to your healthcare provider to create a plan for managing your symptoms.

Read more about hot flashes and symptom management here. 

Sources 

• Leon-Ferre, R. A. et al. “Oxybutynin vs Placebo for Hot Flashes in Women With or Without Breast Cancer: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial “ JNCI cancer spectrum. 4(1) pkz088. Web. October 21, 2019.
• El Khoudary, S. R. et al. (2019). “The menopause transition and women’s health at midlife”. Menopause. (10):1213-1227. Web. October 26, 2019.
• “Why Do Women Have Hot Flashes?” University of Utah Health. University of Utah Health. November 12, 2020. https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_ypv7dl6i#:~:text=All%20women%20who%20live%20long,off%20will%20experience%20hot%20flashes. 
• Deecher, D. C., & Dorries, K. (2007). “Understanding the pathophysiology of vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes and night sweats) that occur in perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause life stages”. Archives of Women’s Mental Health. 10(6), 247–257. Web. December 12, 2007.
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Hot flashes – Symptoms and causes”. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. April 24, 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/symptoms-causes/syc-20352790#:~:text=Although%20other%20medical%20conditions%20can,treatments%20for%20bothersome%20hot%20flashes. 
• Freeman, E. W., & Sammel, M. D. “Anxiety as a risk factor for menopausal hot flashes”. Menopause. 23(9) 942–949. Web. September 23, 2016. 
• Ferrari, N. (2020, August 19). “Menopause-related hot flashes and night sweats can last for years”. Harvard Health Blog. Harvard Health Blog. August 19, 2020. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/menopause-related-hot-flashes-night-sweats-can-last-years-201502237745 
• Taku, K., Melby, M. K., Kronenberg, F., Kurzer, M. S., & Messina, M. “Extracted or synthesized soybean isoflavones reduce menopausal hot flash frequency and severity”. Menopause: The Journal of The North American Menopause Society. 19(7), 776–790. July 1, 2012.

The years before and after menopause are associated with a host of physical and psychological changes. And while some of these changes can feel liberating, others may bring on a sense of loss. 

A time of transition 

For many people, menopause is defined as the end of their childbearing years. And it brings on some unsettling symptoms caused by fluctuating hormones — like mood changes, irritability, and difficulty concentrating and remembering things. The combined effect is that some people just don’t feel like themselves at points throughout the menopause journey, which can be  unnerving. 

The good news is that most menopausal symptoms are temporary, and you are not actually “losing your mind,” which is how many people describe the often overwhelming anxiety about what’s happening to them. In fact, for many, menopause can usher in a new phase of freedom, self-care, and goal setting. 

Support and awareness 

Historically, there’s been an unspoken rule about keeping menopause hidden. Yet it’s a completely natural part of life for everyone with female sex organs. Instead of going it alone, seek out others who are experiencing many of the same changes to exchange support, suggestions, and likely a few laughs. 

Fortunately, there is also increasing awareness in the healthcare system about the need to address menopausal symptoms that can really cause misery, such as poor sleep due to hot flashes or insomnia. Talk to your provider about problematic symptoms and explore the treatment options available. 

Refocus on your wellbeing

With all of the curveballs of menopause, there’s no better time to prioritize yourself while also looking at what lifestyle changes might help ease you into this new chapter. In other words, consider it an opportunity to develop healthy habits, boost your resilience, and double down on self-acceptance. 

Yes, your life is shifting, biologically speaking, but that means you have the chance to reshape your perspective and reinvent your lifestyle for the better. Here are a few ideas: 

• Start a regular movement or exercise practice that you look forward to and enjoy. Those feel-good endorphins will help reduce stress and improve sleep.
• Look into new pursuits that might allow you to grow, find new interests, chase long-held dreams, release your creativity, or expand your social circle. 
• Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can negatively impact sleep, while incorporating relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga that can improve sleep. 
• Instead of dwelling on how your body may be changing, make it a practice to write down things you like about yourself, and review your list when you need a pick-me-up.

Reviewed by the Ovia Clinical Team

What exactly is the vulva?

The vulva refers to all of the external sex organs in your genital area, including:

• The labia majora (the outer folds of skin)
• The labia minora (the inner folds of skin)
• The vestibule (which the vagina and urethra open into)
• The Skene glands (located on either side of the opening to the urethra)
• The Bartholin glands (located on either side of the opening to the vagina)
• The clitoris (located at the top of the labia minora and covered by the clitoral hood)
• The perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus)

Issues associated with vulvar changes

When the tissue in the vulvovaginal area begins to lose moisture and elasticity, it can lead to a number of issues, including soreness, itching, burning, redness, rashes, and an increased risk of infections. Your body also makes less collagen after menopause, which can lead to a loss of fat tissue in the area. Urinary incontinence, which is also common, can increase the risk of some of these symptoms.

You may notice that your clitoris, which typically looks like a tiny, soft bump, has actually gotten smaller due to this loss of fat, fluid, and blood flow. As a result, the same touching, rubbing, and other clitoral stimulation that once led to pleasurable feelings may now sometimes cause pain, soreness, or oversensitivity. 

Treatment options

To start, there are some tried and true ways to decrease general irritation and increase moisture. Start by keeping your vulva protected from urine leakage by using incontinence products, not menstrual pads. Many experts also recommend avoiding any wet wipes, scented products, sprays, or douches. These can all further irritate and damage your vulva’s more sensitive skin. 

Other potential treatments may include over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers (again avoiding any scents), which can help with dryness and itching, and topical estrogen, which can help make vulvovaginal tissue more flexible and supple. 

Localized hormone therapy is both very effective and very safe for the vast majority of women. Topical estrogen is prescribed either as a cream or as a tablet or ring you insert into the vagina. Similarly, DHEA suppositories are prescribed for the same purpose as DHEA is a hormone that changes to estrogen within the vulvovaginal cells. Both increase the estrogen in the vulvovaginal tissues and can be life changing! Neither increase the risk of cancer or blood clots. So they are different from systemic hormone therapy in that regard. 

Most importantly, don’t hesitate to bring up issues like these to your healthcare provider. Most women don’t get treatment because they never mention they are experiencing these symptoms. But treatment is available. So advocate for yourself, you are worth it!

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources

American Urological Association: https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/genitourinary-syndrome-of-menopause

While this is not life-threatening, it can cause discomfort, embarrassment, and/or incontinence, although some people experience few to no symptoms. The important thing to know is that it is a treatable condition, and there are many things you can do to improve your quality of life.  

Other top risk factors

Beyond the hormonal shifts of menopause, which can contribute to weakening pelvic muscles and connective tissues, there are other risk factors that can play a role, including:

• Vaginal childbirth. Multiple vaginal births can raise your risk of pelvic organ prolapse later in life, as well as having a baby weighing more than 8 ½ pounds. 
• Long-term pressure on your abdomen. This can be caused by chronic coughing (such as from smoking), obesity, heavy lifting, or straining frequently during bowel movements (aka constipation). 
• Being over the age of 60. About 37 percent of women with pelvic floor disorders are between the ages of 60 to 79, and about half are age 80 or older. 

It’s also possible to have pelvic organ prolapse without any of these risk factors. Around 1 in 3 people will experience POP by their 60s, so knowing the symptoms and the range of what’s normal can benefit everyone.

Recognizing the symptoms

If you’ve seen or felt something coming out of your vagina, or you’ve experienced feelings of pressure, discomfort, aching, or fullness in the pelvis — particularly during sex or physical activity — it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation and exam with your OB/GYN or primary care provider. You can also meet directly or ask for referrals to specialized urogynecologists and pelvic floor therapists.

Other potential signs of pelvic organ prolapse include pelvic pressure that gets worse when standing or coughing, or over the course of the day. You may also start to have problems inserting tampons or controlling your bladder, leading to the involuntary leaking of urine (aka urinary incontinence). It’s also possible to have similar problems with stool, which is called fecal incontinence. 

Don’t wait to get treated

There are a range of options for managing and treating pelvic organ prolapse, and the exact interventions recommended will likely depend on the severity of your symptoms as well as your age, type of prolapse, and level of sexual activity. So many people are embarrassed or delay getting support because it’s hard to talk about their experience. POP is a treatable medical condition, and providers are here to listen and find a plan that works for you!

Potential treatments might include:

• Trying pelvic floor muscle therapy, which can strengthen your muscles and improve a wide range of symptoms.
• Adding more fiber to your diet is a key lifestyle change if you’re dealing with chronic constipation. Quitting smoking is another valuable change.
• Inserting a pessary, a removable vaginal device that can help support the pelvic organs

Undergoing surgery, which can help support the uterus or vagina. This is medically indicated surgery by a qualified urogynecologist, and not cosmetic or marketed as vaginal rejuvenation. Cosmetic surgery will not improve symptoms and has risks of its own.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources

“Pelvic Organ Prolapse”. Office on Women’s Health. Office on Women’s Health.https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/pelvic-organ-prolapse.

Dr. Cheryl Iglesia. “5 Things I Wish All Women Knew About Pelvic Organ Prolapse”. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. December 2021. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/5-things-i-wish-all-women-knew-about-pelvic-organ-prolapse#:~:text=When%20a%20pelvic%20organ%20drops,and%20others%20can%20be%20isolating

Types of incontinence

There are several different types of urinary incontinence, including:

• Stress incontinence. This generally occurs due to physical movement — such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising, and lifting things—and results in the occasional leaking of urine.
• Urge incontinence. Ever had a sudden, urgent need to urinate and not make it to the toilet in time? This is often a sign of urge incontinence, which can be linked to several underlying issues. 
• Mixed incontinence. Typically, this refers to people who are experiencing a combination of both stress incontinence and urge incontinence. 

How sex plays a role

Women are more likely to develop stress incontinence, the most prevalent type, due to factors such as childbirth and menopause. For women who’ve given birth, there’s a roughly 1 in 3 chance of having stress incontinence, compared to a 1 in 10 chance for women who’ve never had a baby.  

Female hormones, particularly estrogen, may also be involved. Estrogen helps keep the lining of the bladder and urethra healthy, so when estrogen levels begin to decline during perimenopause, these tissues can start to get thinner, making incontinence more serious and persistent.   

Ways to manage and treat incontinence

Treatment will depend on the exact type of urinary incontinence you’re experiencing and whether there are any underlying issues, such as pelvic organ prolapse, constipation, or urinary tract infections. (Constipation, for example, can affect the nerves in the bladder.)

Some of the lifestyle changes that may be recommended include:

• Limiting diuretic beverages like alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and sparkling waters
• Avoiding foods that can irritate the bladder, such as chocolate, chili peppers, and citrus fruits
• Doing pelvic floor exercises to learn how to contract the muscles correctly
• Taking measures to reduce constipation, from consuming more fiber to using stool softeners
• Carrying a change of clothing to avoid the skin irritation that may come with wet garments
• Using personal care items specific to incontinence (not menstrual pads) as they keep skin drier and more protected
• Removing trip hazards and using a night light to make it safer to get to the bathroom quickly

Other treatments that may be appropriate, based on your situation, include:

• Behavioral techniques, including bladder training, scheduled toilet trips, and fluid management
• Medications, such as topical estrogen, anticholinergics, alpha-blockers, and mirabegron
• Electrical stimulation, which may involve multiple sessions over several months
• Medical devices, such as a urethral insert or pessary ,both of which prevent urine leakage
• Botox injections, which may be helpful for urge incontinence if other treatments have failed
• Bulking material injections, where a synthetic material is injected to keep the urethra closed
• Nerve stimulators, which act on the sacral nerves involved in bladder control
• Surgical interventions, such as sling procedures, prolapse surgery, and bladder neck suspension

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources

“Urinary Incontinence in Women”. Australasian Menopause Society. Australasian Menopause Society. May 2020. https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets/urinary-incontinence-in-women.

How perimenopause disrupts your flow

During perimenopause, ovulation doesn’t occur every cycle. Because of this change, your ovaries produce less progesterone after ovulation (considering you’re not pregnant). “The most important role of progesterone is to get your uterus ready so that it can receive, implant, and support a fertilized egg during pregnancy,” according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. 

Heavy flows: When less progesterone is produced, the lining of the uterus builds up for longer and can cause heavier flows. High estrogen levels can also thicken the lining of the uterus, which results in more blood. 

Lighter flows: Bleeding may become lighter and shorter as estrogen levels drop and your uterine lining is thinner. 

Managing different flows

Birth control can stop menstruation completely and hormone therapy can prevent ovulation, which can make periods lighter and shorter. But if you don’t want to go on medication, you have other options.

Heavy flows: Wear an absorbent period underwear or menstrual cup for heavier period days. 

Lighter flows: Wear a panty liner or thin pad instead of a tampon because there won’t be enough blood to absorb.

It’s common to miss a period completely during perimenopause. You might also notice spotting between periods. 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources

Chad Haldeman-Englert, Maryann Foley, Raymond Turley. “Progesterone”. University of Rochester Medical Center. University of Rochester Medical Center. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx

As its name suggests, PMS occurs before the onset of your period. Symptoms include tender breasts, mood swings, fatigue, bloating, food cravings, and even depression. It typically starts 5-10 days before your period begins and dissipates shortly after or at the start of your period. PMS can be a telltale sign of when your period is about to begin. PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) is a severe form of PMS that occurs in about 5% to 8% of menstruating women. 

Both PMS and PMDD can worsen during the years of perimenopause and generally resolve when menopause begins. But during perimenopause, when periods are irregular, it can be hard to predict what to expect from your PMS symptoms.

What is PMS and PMDD during perimenopause

Just like during your period, PMS and PMDD can occur with similar symptoms during perimenopause. According to a study published in the British Menopause Society in 2004, “Women seem more prone to PMS symptoms during the perimenopause.” And perimenopause already has its own difficult set of symptoms, so when you add PMS to the mix, your other symptoms might feel worse. So, is PMS really worse during menopause or is it just less manageable as you get older and have other symptoms to manage? 

PMS symptoms may get worse as you reach your late 30s or 40s and approach menopause as your hormones are shifting. If you had challenging symptoms of PMS before perimenopause or if you find that your moods tend to be significantly impacted by your cycle, you’re more likely to feel the impact of the hormone fluctuation that happens during perimenopause and menopause.

Managing PMS during perimenopause

Since PMS typically occurs after ovulation, taking birth control or hormone therapy to suppress ovulation can help you avoid PMS in perimenopause. The same way you’d cope with PMS before perimenopause is similar to how you’d cope with it now. Depending on your symptoms and what your doctor suggests, you can try lifestyle changes and home remedies like getting plenty of sleep, modifying your diet, and taking multivitamins. 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources

“Premenstrual dysphoria disorder: It’s biology, not a behavior choice.” Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Health Publishing. May 30, 2017. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/premenstrual-dysphoria-disorder-its-biology-not-a-behavior-choice-2017053011768

Perry, Shannon. “PMDD and Menopause: What is it and why is it worse in perimenopause?” Gennev. Gennev. July 17, 2019. https://www.gennev.com/education/pmdd-and-menopause

Ismail Hassan 1, Khaled M K Ismail, Shaughn O’Brien. “PMS in the Perimenopause”. British Menopause Society. 10(4):151-6. Web. December 2004.

” Premenstrual Syndrome”. Office on Women’s Health. Office on Women’s Health. February 22, 2021. https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Premenstrual Syndrome”. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. Feb 25, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376787

If you notice your cycle start to change in your 30s, you may be experiencing early perimenopause. 

Physical changes during perimenopause 

During perimenopause, your menstrual cycle will change, but exactly how it changes varies from person to person. You may experience lighter, heavier or longer periods, or even no periods at all. Most people experience much heavier periods, including some people with periods so heavy urgent care is needed.

And your body functions will begin to shift as well. As estrogen rises and falls unevenly, you may notice hot flashes, moodiness and dry skin, in addition to irregular periods. Additionally, because fewer eggs are being released during this phase, your chances of getting pregnant decline. 

For some this last aspect of perimenopause is a relief, but for those still hoping to grow their families, it can be emotionally challenging. Take time to notice how you’re feeling, and if you think you would benefit from some professional support, ask your provider for a therapist recommendation. 

How hormones fit into the picture 

As your ovaries produce less estrogen over time to prepare your body to stop releasing eggs completely, your periods will become irregular. During a typical period, estrogen levels rise during the follicular phase to prepare for an egg, and drop after ovulation (unless you become pregnant). 

If estrogen doesn’t rise and fall when it typically does, you might notice irregular periods. Low estrogen levels during perimenopause will cause progesterone to be off balance too. And, since both estrogen and progesterone are responsible for ovulation and menstruation, when they’re out of sync, it will impact your cycle. 

Managing irregular periods

Medications like birth control or hormone therapy (cream or pill form) can help balance out estrogen and progesterone levels and certain kinds of birth control can prevent menstruation completely. These methods can also relieve symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. There are side effects associated with both, so if you’re interested in this route, talk to your provider about finding a safe plan based on your needs, unique health history and risk factors.

Eventually the irregularity will stop and your periods will stop appearing entirely. But for now, you’ll want to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Changes in your cycle can be frustrating, but it helps to be prepared in advance and knowledgeable about your treatment options. 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources

“Perimenopause” John Hopkins Medicine. John Hopkins Medicine https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/perimenopause

“Menopause” Mount Sinai. Mount Sinai https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/report/menopause

As people approach perimenopause, tender breasts will probably not be a new feeling for them as they may have experienced this symptom at another point in their life. When estrogen levels drop during perimenopause (the years before your period stops), your breasts may feel tender and achy. Why and how does this happen? 

Read more about tender breasts during perimenopause up ahead!

Irregular cycles 

When PMS symptoms occur before your period, fluid may build up in your breasts. Hormone changes during this phase in the menstrual cycle cause breast ducts to grow bigger. Not only can it increase the number of ducts you have, but it can also increase the number of milk glands in your breasts. 

Similarly, before menopause, your menstrual cycle can dictate how your breasts feel. As your cycle becomes irregular and less frequent, your hormones won’t follow a regular pattern and breast soreness can occur at any point. 

How to treat tender breasts

Your breasts should feel as comfortable as possible — which is why a well-fitting bra can give your breasts the support they need. If your breasts are already sore, a poorly fitted bra can make it so much worse. You can also use creams that soothe the breast and nipple area. Hormone replacement therapy can regulate the estrogen and progesterone changes happening in your body and in turn, decrease sore breasts. Additionally, heating pads or warm water from baths or the shower can ease your pain the way they can with menstrual cramps. 

Most perimenopausal breast pain will subside once your period stops for about a full year, and you reach menopause. If you have any concerns about whether your breast pain or changes are normal, it’s always recommended to check in with your provider and keep up with your scheduled breast health screenings.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources

S, Rebecca. “Breast Pain and Irregular Periods Management.” Menopause Now. Menopause Now. June 18, 2020. https://www.menopausenow.com/breast-pain/articles/breast-pain-and-irregular-periods-management

Johnson, Traci C. “How Menopause Affects Your Breasts.” WebMD. WebMD. June 14, 2020. https://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/breasts-menopause