Temperature changes
Hot flashes, night sweats, chills, or waking overheated.
Perimenopause & menopause · Libertyville, IL
You deserve to feel heard through every change
Hot flashes, disrupted sleep, changing periods, vaginal discomfort, or feeling unlike yourself can affect everyday life. Dr. Yasir A. Mekki and the Alliance OB/GYN team take your symptoms seriously and help you understand your options in Libertyville.
Your experience is personal
There is no “right” way to feel during menopause
Some women have few symptoms. Others experience changes that affect sleep, work, relationships, intimacy, or emotional well-being. Both experiences are valid.
More than hot flashes
Menopause can affect many parts of your health
Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause and may last several years. Menopause is reached after 12 months without a menstrual period. Symptoms can change over time, and you do not have to manage them alone.
What are you noticing?
Bring the symptoms that are affecting you
You do not need to decide whether a symptom is “hormonal” before your visit. We can discuss the full picture and consider other possible causes when appropriate.
Sleep & energy
Trouble falling asleep, waking often, fatigue, or lower daytime energy.
Periods & bleeding
Cycles that become irregular, closer together, farther apart, heavier, or lighter.
Mood & focus
Irritability, anxiety, mood changes, forgetfulness, or difficulty concentrating.
Vaginal & urinary health
Dryness, irritation, painful sex, urinary urgency, or repeated urinary infections.
Sexual well-being
Changes in desire, comfort, arousal, or how you feel about intimacy.
Care built around you
Options — not a one-size-fits-all plan
Treatment depends on which symptoms bother you, your personal and family history, medications, preferences, and individual risks.
Lifestyle & comfort strategies
Sleep habits, movement, nutrition, stress support, vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and other practical changes may help specific symptoms and overall health.
Nonhormonal treatment
Nonhormonal prescription options may help with hot flashes, sleep disruption, vaginal discomfort, or other symptoms when appropriate.
Menopausal hormone therapy
Hormone therapy can be effective for some symptoms, but it is not right for everyone. We review potential benefits, risks, forms of treatment, and whether it fits your health history.
A visit focused on your goals
What to expect when we talk
We begin with what has changed and how it affects your life. Testing is not automatically needed to identify perimenopause; recommendations are based on your age, symptoms, cycle changes, and health history.
1
Tell us what you are experiencing
Share the symptoms that matter most — even if they feel unrelated.
2
Review your health history
We consider medications, personal and family risks, prior surgery, and preventive-care needs.
3
Compare appropriate options
We explain benefits, limitations, and possible risks in clear language.
4
Make a follow-up plan
Symptoms and needs can change, so care may be adjusted over time.
Please do not ignore bleeding changes
Bleeding after menopause should be evaluated
Periods often change during perimenopause, but heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods, or any bleeding after 12 months without a period deserves a conversation with your OB/GYN.
Request an EvaluationClear answers for a changing season
Do I need hormone testing to know if I am in perimenopause?+
Often, perimenopause can be recognized from your age, symptoms, and changes in your periods. Testing may be considered in certain situations, including symptoms at a younger age or when another condition needs to be ruled out.
Is hormone therapy the only treatment?+
No. Depending on your symptoms and health history, options may include lifestyle measures, nonhormonal medication, local vaginal treatment, or menopausal hormone therapy.
How do we decide if hormone therapy is appropriate?+
We review your symptoms, age, time since menopause, whether you have a uterus, and personal and family history. Together, we consider potential benefits and risks and revisit the decision over time.
Can you help with vaginal dryness or pain during sex?+
Yes. These symptoms are common and treatable. Options may include moisturizers, lubricants, local prescription treatment, or other care based on the cause and your history.
Do I still need gynecology visits after menopause?+
Yes. Preventive care, breast and bone health discussions, sexual and urinary health, and evaluation of new symptoms remain important after menopause.
Let’s talk about what has changed
You deserve thoughtful answers and a plan that reflects your whole health — not just a list of symptoms.