Menopause
  • Lesson Menu
    • Study Guide
      Study Guide
      Would you like to create a study guide ?
    • Glossary
    • Notes
    • Help
  • Keyboard-only View
  • Alternate View
Open in a new window/tab

TOPIC 02: Menopause - Before and After Perimenopause

Skip Navigation
Perimenopause
Previous PageNext Page
Lesson Splash, Page 1
Splash
Lesson Overview, Page 2
Overview
Topic 01: Introduction, Page 3
Vulvo-Vaginal Atrophy
Topic 01: Facts, Page 4
Vulvo-Vaginal Atrophy
Topic 01: Causes and Effects, Page 5
Vulvo-Vaginal Atrophy
Topic 01: Changes in the Vaginal Epithelium with Menopause, Page 6
Vulvo-Vaginal Atrophy
Topic 01: Atrophic Vaginitis, Page 7
Vulvo-Vaginal Atrophy
Topic 01: Treatment, Page 8
Vulvo-Vaginal Atrophy
Topic 01: Treatment, Part II, Page 9
Vulvo-Vaginal Atrophy
Topic 01: Check Your Understanding, Page 10
Vulvo-Vaginal Atrophy
Topic 01: References, Page 11
Vulvo-Vaginal Atrophy
Topic 01: Review, Page 12
Vulvo-Vaginal Atrophy
Topic 02: Introduction, Page 13
Menopause - Before and After Perimenopause
Topic 02: Objectives, Page 14
Menopause - Before and After Perimenopause
Topic 02: Menstrual Cycle, Page 15
Menopause - Before and After Perimenopause
Topic 02: Reproductive Aging, Page 16
Menopause - Before and After Perimenopause
Topic 02: Estrogen Target Tissues, Page 17
Menopause - Before and After Perimenopause
Topic 02: Perimenopause, Page 18
Menopause - Before and After Perimenopause
Topic 02: Check Your Understanding, Page 19
Menopause - Before and After Perimenopause
Topic 02: Check Your Understanding, Page 20
Menopause - Before and After Perimenopause
Topic 02: Check Your Understanding, Page 21
Menopause - Before and After Perimenopause
Topic 02: References, Page 22
Menopause - Before and After Perimenopause
Topic 02: Review, Page 23
Menopause - Before and After Perimenopause
Topic 03: Introduction, Page 24
Menopause - Before and After Menopausal Phase
Topic 03: Definition, Page 25
Menopause - Before and After Menopausal Phase
Topic 03: Definition, Part II, Page 26
Menopause - Before and After Menopausal Phase
Topic 03: Etiology, Page 27
Menopause - Before and After Menopausal Phase
Topic 03: Menopause, Page 28
Menopause - Before and After Menopausal Phase
Topic 03: Hormone Replacement Therapy, Page 29
Menopause - Before and After Menopausal Phase
Topic 03: Check Your Understanding, Page 30
Menopause - Before and After Menopausal Phase
Topic 03: Check Your Understanding, Page 31
Menopause - Before and After Menopausal Phase
Topic 03: Review, Page 32
Menopause - Before and After Menopausal Phase
Lesson Summary, Page 33
Lesson Summary
18 of 33

Perimenopause

Learn more about perimenopause: 
Select each item to learn more.
Facts
  • This marks the period “around menopause”
  • Declining fertility
  • Transition towards menopause
  • Usually in the 40’s
  • Estrogen levels rise/fall – “unstable”
  • Biggest complaint is menstrual irregularities
  • Duration 2-8 years (average 5 yrs.)
Presenting Symptoms
  • Irregular periods 
  • Menopausal symptoms
  • PMS symptoms
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Mood swings
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Decreased fertility
Risk Factors
  • Family history – research shows no link
  • Undergo menopause at a younger age
    • Smokers
    • Type 1 DM
    • Increased altitude
    • Undernourished/vegetarians
  • Cancer treatment
  • Hysterectomy
Managing Perimenopause Transition
  1. Patient education
  2. Prevention of endometrial cancer
  3. Individualized symptomatic relief
  4. Menstrual control
  5. Minimizing hot flashes
  6. Mood disturbances
Treatment Begins with Education
  • Anticipatory guidance - Should begin at age 40 at yearly visits
  • Vaginal dryness/Atrophy: Replens, Astroglide, KY jelly, lubrin, Canola oil, Vit E 100-600/day, evening primrose oil 2-4 capsule/day
  • Diet, Exercise for prevention of osteoporosis, Calcium 1000-1200mg/day with 1000IU/day of Vit D
  • Yearly mammogram and pelvic examination & BSE
  • Need for contraception until 1 year of no menses
  • Post menopausal bleeding and risks
  • Prolapse- Kegels/pelvic floor PT
Treatment of Perimenopause Symptoms
  • Treatment should be catered towards presenting symptoms
  • Bleeding – after confirming bleeding is benign and from hormonal instability, COC, POP, LNG-IUD, cycling progesterone, cryoablation
  • Vaginal atrophy – OTC lubricants, vaginal estrogen RX
  • Mood irritability – antidepressants – SSRI (fluoxetine 10mg), Effexor 37.5mg
  • Menopausal symptoms – often relieved if you can stabilize hormones.  COC a good option. Gabapentin (neurontin) reduced HF/NS
PreviousNext
18 of 33