Psychosexual changes associated with the perimenopausal period

The perimenopausal period is often a frustrating time for the woman who is experiencing it and for the health care professional who provides care for her. Although menopause is a universal experience for women, how it is experienced is not universal. Physiology, anatomy, social support systems, culture, expectations, and the woman's attitudes (especially her self-image) all have an influence on how easy or difficult the perimenopausal transition period is for an individual. This paper discusses psychosexual aspects of the perimenopausal period and suggests how nurse-midwives or other health professionals can make this often difficult period easier.