IN Sewickley Fall 2019 | Page 22

INDUSTRY INSIGHT WOMEN’S HEALTH SPONSORED CONTENT Perimenopausal Disorder by Frank DiCenzo, DO, CCD at Premier Women’s Health D o you have irregular or heavy menstrual cycles, sleep disturbances, mood disturbances? Do you have memory lapses, lack of energy and weight gain? Or do you suffer from increased breast tenderness and bloating? If you are in your 40s, welcome to Perimenopause! The transitional years between normal cyclic menstruation and cessation of menses can be the most challenging time of a woman’s life. During this period of time, lasting for 5 – 7 years, the ovaries begin to produce less estrogen. This is the prelude to menopause, or Perimenopause. Perimenopause lasts up until Menopause, the point when the ovaries stop releasing eggs. Menopause is defined as one year of absent menses. Menopause can be a difficult time but it is treatable. The Perimenopausal years are difficult to recognize by some clinicians. It doesn’t help that a woman’s hormones are wildly fluctuating during this time. It would be nice if female hormones just gradually declined as she approaches menopause. But instead, hormones rise and become erratic before they completely fail. In addition, symptoms can vary from patient to patient. Some women are bothered most by hot flashes and sleep disturbances while mood changes and heavy menstruation affects others. No matter the symptoms, a careful, thorough evaluation is needed to be sure there are no underlying, serious conditions masquerading as Perimenopause. Your health care provider needs to have a full understanding of Perimenopause in order to treat it appropriately. Treatment of the perimenopausal woman requires an understanding of the hormonal fluctuations she is experiencing and the careful tailoring of treatment to the specific symptoms present and any other underlying medical conditions. Time is precious for all of us. If you are one of the many women who are suffering from the Perimenopausal Symptom Complex, consider seeing your OB-GYN for an evaluation and treatment options. Why waste the 40s? Make the most of all your years! Dr. Frank DiCenzo is a graduate of Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. He received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his medical internship at Richmond Heights General Hospital in Ohio. He served as resident, and chief resident, of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Allegheny General Hospital. He is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has special interest and expertise in menstrual disorders, menopause management and urinary incontinence. Dr. DiCenzo is also certified in densitometry for assessing osteoporosis. Dr. DiCenzo is welcoming new patients at the following locations: Premier Women’s Health Edgeworth Medical Commons 301 Ohio River Boulevard, Suite 301 Sewickley, PA 15143 412.741.6530 Edgetowne Commons 1009 Beaver Grade Road, Suite 200 Moon Township, PA 15108 412.264.2450 Call to schedule your appointment today! 20 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE ❘ icmags.com