Question 1

why do all dr's seem to push antidepressants when a woman has only symptoms of perimenopause and not
depression? drug company kick back? its so wrong!

Accepted Answer

"All Dr's"?: Writing prescriptions does not entitle any physician to "drug company kick back."  however, some antidepressants have been shown to decrease menopausal hot flashes & other symptoms. When indicated, some physicians may offer them as potentially helpful treatment options.  I am a physician, and I do not "push antidepressants" on anyone.  I know many colleagues who fall outside your statement also.

Question 2

what is perimenopause?

Accepted Answer

Perimenopause: That period of time between normal female menstrual cycles and menopause.  During this period of time hormone balance may change causing numerous symptom in women.  This can be from early 30s to early 50s.

Question 3

what can i expect from perimenopause?

Accepted Answer

Perimenopause: An excellent question although probably/hopefully a bit early.

There are many articles on this topic on the Internet. Take your time reading them

You might also see if your gynecologist has a particular article you might want to read first.

Question 4

at what age does perimenopause start?

Accepted Answer

Everyone different: Average age 45+/-, signaled by irregular periods. Early perimenopause cycles different by 7 days or more, late perimenopause(pm) starts with no period more than 60 days. Starts and stops. Most symptoms(sx) in late pm, but symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes and sleep disturbance in days before eriod can start when periods still regular.

Question 5

what is a perimenopause length usually?

Accepted Answer

Varies widely: Average would be about 8 years.  Some patients however, never have the first symptom of menopause during the entire transition.  So it may be hard to really pinpoint the onset of this timeframe.  Subtly things like mood changes, headaches, pre-cycle bloating, night sweats, hot flashes, may all be indicative of this change.  Cycle shortening to 26 days or shorter is also very characteristic.

Question 6

when does perimenopause generally begin?

Accepted Answer

Late 40s/ early 50s: The average age of menopause, defined as the very last period,  is 51 though it can vary anywhere from 45 to 55.  Perimenopause generally refers to the 2 to 3 years around the time of the last menstrual period when the periods may become irregular and hormone swings may be more dramatic.  Sxs vary from none to extreme hot flashes, breast tenderness, pms, menstrual migraines and mood changes.

Question 7

how to tell the symptoms of perimenopause?

Accepted Answer

Same as menopause: Perimenopause is the period of time when most women start to experience irregular periods and other symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings and night sweats. Menopause is not diagnosed until it has been one year without any periods. Everyone is different and some, all or even none of these symptoms may be present.

Question 8

how can i help my gf through perimenopause?

Accepted Answer

Suggest hormones: There is still very good evidence that all women barring the few with absolute contraindications to hormone replacement therapy, will benefit significantly from hrt.  Too numerous to mention here are the benefits of hrt.  Minimal risks in most patients.  The biggest negative for the patient would be the cosmetic changes.  Ten years of skin wrinkling, acne and hair loss in the first 1-2 years.

Question 9

what are the symptoms associated with perimenopause?

Accepted Answer

Many: Hot flashes, sleep disturbance, emotional lability, vaginal dryness, irregular menstrual cycles.

Question 10

what is the definition or description of: perimenopause?

Accepted Answer

It's a several: Year period of time when estrogen secretion begins to decline, periods become irregular, symptoms such as hot flashes may begin, along with mood swings and other changes. Talk it over w/your doctor.

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Doctor answers about:

Medicine for perimenopause

A member asked:

Why do all dr's seem to push antidepressants when a woman has only symptoms of perimenopause and not depression? drug company kick back? its so wrong!

A member asked:

What is perimenopause?

A member asked:

What can i expect from perimenopause?

A member asked:

At what age does perimenopause start?

A member asked:

What is a perimenopause length usually?

A member asked:

When does perimenopause generally begin?

A member asked:

How to tell the symptoms of perimenopause?

A member asked:

How can i help my gf through perimenopause?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms associated with perimenopause?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: perimenopause?

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