Women’s health
Understanding
Perimenopause
by BRIT CREW
PuttING WoMeN At eASe tHRouGH tHe tRANSItIoNAL PHASe
The word perimenopause
translates to “around menopause” and is defined as the
transitional period of a woman’s life before the occurrence
of menopause, which is permanent infertility.
Dr. Meredith Morgan, an oB/
GYN and leading practitioner
in menopause and osteoporosis, explains the importance of
understanding that perimenopause is a normal and natural
process, and majority of women will experience it. “It starts in
their mid-forties,” says Dr. Morgan. “Now, the average age of
onset is 47 and on average, it
lasts about four years.”
While the average length of
perimenopause is four years,
according to Web MD, some
women could experience this
stage for only a few months or it
could continue up to ten years.
There are a several symptoms to look for if a woman
thinks she is experiencing perimenopause. Those symptoms
include: hot flashes, fatigue,
irregular periods, decreased libido and mood swings. “this is
a time of relative estrogen deficiency and it brings on mind,
mood, memory, and even
sleep disorders and irregularities,” says Dr. Morgan.
Perimenopause is over and menopause is reached
once a woman has gone 12 consecutive months
without a menstrual cycle.
www.mayoclinic.org
According to the Mayo Clinic, women experiencing symptoms that interfere with their
daily life or general well-being
should take that as a good sign
to see their doctor.
2014 | Volume 2 | Edition 1
Q
Can I still get pregnant
if I am perimenopausal?
A
The simple answer is
yes. Even with a decline
in fertility, it is possible to
become pregnant. Continue
with a form of birth control to
prevent pregnancy during the
perimenopause stage.
www.webmd.com
Dr. Morgan further explains
that the differentiation between transitioning and a
non-cycling constant state is
the unpredictability and uncertainty that can be so distressing
to a woman.
If determined a woman is
experiencing perimenopause,
there are treatments available
to subside symptoms. Dr. Morgan says he begins treatment
with three levels of management.
“First, we suggest lifestyle adjustments and home remedies,”
says Dr. Morgan. “Second is to
try non-hormonal medical prescriptions, and third is to try hormonal management.”
As with any treatment, it is
best to speak with a doctor
about options, risks, and benefits to make an appropriate decision that work best for each
individual.
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