Perimenopause: From Research to Practice.
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine , Aurora, Colorado.
Journal of Women'S Health (2002)
|December 15, 2015
Summary
Menopause transition brings common symptoms like hot flashes, sleep issues, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. Many women seek help, with treatments including hormone therapy and behavioral strategies.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology and women's health.
- Understanding the biological and psychological changes during menopause.
Background:
- The menopausal transition (perimenopause) involves significant hormonal shifts and associated symptoms.
- Longitudinal studies have clarified the natural history and prevalence of menopausal symptoms.
- Nearly 90% of women seek healthcare for bothersome menopausal symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the common symptoms experienced during the menopausal transition.
- To discuss the prevalence, duration, and interactions of these symptoms.
- To outline current clinical approaches for managing menopausal symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Review of findings from long-term, longitudinal cohort studies on women's health.
- Analysis of symptom patterns, natural history, and prevalence during perimenopause.
- Synthesis of information on clinical management strategies.
Main Results:
- Hot flashes are a classic, prevalent symptom, problematic for about one-third of women.
- Sleep disturbances, depressed mood, and anxiety increase during the menopausal transition.
- Vaginal dryness and dyspareunia affect approximately one-third of women and often require treatment.
Conclusions:
- Menopausal symptoms are highly prevalent and can significantly impact quality of life.
- Symptoms often interact, exacerbating each other.
- Management options include hormone therapy and nonhormonal/behavioral strategies.
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