The perimenopause is a confusing time for women. This article will hopefully help to explain and offer treatment options for this often frustrating transition.

The World Health Organization loosely defines the perimenopause as the period immediately prior to the menopause and the first year after menopause. We now tend to think that the perimenopause can occur up to ten years before natural menopause occurs. The hormonal fluctuations taking place probably represent the major cause of symptoms experienced. Contrary to popular belief, the perimenopause is usually associated with elevations of estrogen levels.

However, these elevations are generally followed by abrupt falls in estrogen levels. These large fluctuations can cause hot flashes, anxiety and sleep alterations. The shortening of the interval between menses also occurs during this transition, and is probably mediated by the alterations in hormones, as well as the age of the remaining follicles found in the ovary.

The average age of menopause in the United States is 51 to 52 years of age, Therefore the perimenopause may start as early as 40 to 45 years of age.Clinically, many practitioners note a continuum in certain patients. Patients with significant premenstrual symptoms at 30 to 40 years of age often proceed to perimenopausal symptoms.

Therefore, many of the treatments for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are effective for the perimenopause. According to the Study of Women Across the Nation, irritability and fatigue are common features of the perimenopause. Diminished libido and hot flashes also occur with relative frequency.

These hot flashes may be the classic, intense ones that leave women drenched afterwards...or they may be milder with a sensation of warmth and minor sleep disturbances. Women also note a change in their menstrual flow patterns. This change may include a shortening of the interval between menses as well as occasionally skipping their period for one to two months at a time. Heavier flow during the menses is also commonly mentioned by women during the transition of peri-menopause.

There are a number of proposed treatment options for the perimenopause. These treatments in large part depend upon the symptom complex that is most troubling for the individual. There is no treatment that works well for every person.

If your symptoms are dominated by vasomotor alterations, like hot flashes, certain natural herbal products work well. Commonly used products include phytoestrogens such as Black Cohosh and Dong Quai. Irritability and anxiety can be relieved with products such as Kava Kava and Valerian root. Mood disturbances can be treated with products such as St. Johns Wort. Prescription products that are sometimes useful include low dosed oral contraceptives, antidepressants such as fluoxetine, as well as antianxiety products like lorazepam.

Lifestyle changes can also be beneficial in the perimenopause. Proper diet with vitamin and mineral supplementation is vital for optimal health. Weight loss, tobacco cessation and moderation of alcohol intake will improve long term health prospects. Lastly, stress reduction is very important. The peri-menopause is a period when many changes are occurring in a women's life. Changes in her family, career stressors, and hormonal fluctuations can wreak havoc on many women. Stress relief cannot be emphasized enough to help deal with these multiple factors. Examples for stress relief include yoga, hobbies, and other forms of exercise.

By J.Sunyecz, M.D.
At www.menopauserx.com we help guide a women through this transition naturally. With the help of professionals interested in natural products, we will review your symptoms and medical history. This will enable us to recommend and supply you with natural supplements aimed at eliminating your symptoms.

John Sunyecz, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
MenopauseRX - Natural Remedies for Women




		Menopause & Menstruation
	The '"Perimenopause" Explained: John Sunyecz, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. The perimenopause is a confusing time for women. This article will hopefully help to explain and offer treatment options for this often frustrating transition. The World Health Organization loosely defines the perimenopause as the period immediately prior to the menopause and the first year after menopause. We now tend to think that the perimenopause can occur up to ten years before natural menopause occurs. The hormonal fluctuations taking place probably represent the major cause of symptoms experienced. Contrary to popular belief, the perimenopause is usually associated with elevations of estrogen levels. However, these elevations are generally followed by abrupt falls in estrogen levels. These large fluctuations can cause hot flashes, anxiety and sleep alterations. The shortening of the interval between menses also occurs during this transition, and is probably mediated by the alterations in hormones, as well as the age of the remaining follicles found in the ovary. The average age of menopause in the United States is 51 to 52 years of age, Therefore the perimenopause may start as early as 40 to 45 years of age.Clinically, many practitioners note a continuum in certain patients. Patients with significant premenstrual symptoms at 30 to 40 years of age often proceed to perimenopausal symptoms. Therefore, many of the treatments for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are effective for the perimenopause. According to the Study of Women Across the Nation, irritability and fatigue are common features of the perimenopause. Diminished libido and hot flashes also occur with relative frequency. These hot flashes may be the classic, intense ones that leave women drenched afterwards...or they may be milder with a sensation of warmth and minor sleep disturbances. Women also note a change in their menstrual flow patterns. This change may include a shortening of the interval between menses as well as occasionally skipping their period for one to two months at a time. Heavier flow during the menses is also commonly mentioned by women during the transition of peri-menopause. There are a number of proposed treatment options for the perimenopause. These treatments in large part depend upon the symptom complex that is most troubling for the individual. There is no treatment that works well for every person. If your symptoms are dominated by vasomotor alterations, like hot flashes, certain natural herbal products work well. Commonly used products include phytoestrogens such as Black Cohosh and Dong Quai. Irritability and anxiety can be relieved with products such as Kava Kava and Valerian root. Mood disturbances can be treated with products such as St. Johns Wort. Prescription products that are sometimes useful include low dosed oral contraceptives, antidepressants such as fluoxetine, as well as antianxiety products like lorazepam. Lifestyle changes can also be beneficial in the perimenopause. Proper diet with vitamin and mineral supplementation is vital for optimal health. Weight loss, tobacco cessation and moderation of alcohol intake will improve long term health prospects. Lastly, stress reduction is very important. The peri-menopause is a period when many changes are occurring in a women's life. Changes in her family, career stressors, and hormonal fluctuations can wreak havoc on many women. Stress relief cannot be emphasized enough to help deal with these multiple factors. Examples for stress relief include yoga, hobbies, and other forms of exercise. By J.Sunyecz, M.D. At www.menopauserx.com we help guide a women through this transition naturally. With the help of professionals interested in natural products, we will review your symptoms and medical history. This will enable us to recommend and supply you with natural supplements aimed at eliminating your symptoms. John Sunyecz, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. MenopauseRX - Natural Remedies for Women Copyright 2000 Brandwynne Corporation. All rights reserved.

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