Washington Times Examines Symptoms, Risks, Treatments Of Perimenopause

Main Category: Women's Health / Gynecology
Also Included In: Fertility
Article Date: 17 Mar 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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The Washington Times on Tuesday examined perimenopause, the period of transition from a woman's fertile years to when she experiences menopause. A woman typically experiences perimenopause in her 40s but symptoms can begin as early as her mid-30s, according to Asha Thomas, an endocrinologist and clinical investigator for the MedStar Research Institute in Washington, D.C. Perimenopausal symptoms include changes in menstrual cycles -- which can vary in frequency, length and heaviness of flow -- Phyllis Campbell, a gynecologist and chair of the obstetrics and gynecology department at Howard County General Hospital in Columbia, Md., said. Women also might experience vaginal dryness, dry skin, hair loss, rapid heartbeat, mood swings, depression, insomnia and loss of libido, according to the American Menopause Foundation. Women experiencing perimenopause produce less estrogen, which puts them at risk of osteoporosis, Campbell said. Judith Hsia, cardiologist and professor of medicine at the George Washington University Medical Center in the district, added that less estrogen also can cause high cholesterol, possible weight gain and high blood pressure. Perimenopausal symptoms can be treated using vaginal creams, as well as medications that lower blood pressure and treat hot flashes and insomnia, the Times reports. Both oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy can be used for treating general symptoms, but Hsia recommends using HRT only in severe cases because there are risks associated with the therapy (Widhalm, Washington Times, 3/14).

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