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Perimenopausal & Menopausal Care At our Center, we are committed to caring for women throughout their lifespan. We've helped many women through the childbearing years. But did you know that we can also help you to stay healthy far beyond these years? As you age, your need for healthcare changes, as does her need for information. Your goal to stay healthy, happy, and strong is our goal too. We provide counseling and treatment for you while you're approaching menopause (peri-menopause) and while you're going through menopause. A larger number of women are now seeking care during the “perimenopausal” years with a certified nurse-midwife. So what is menopause? What is perimenopause? Menopause is the passing of a woman’s last menstrual cycle, usually only diagnosed after being period-free for one year. The average age of menopause is 51. Perimenopause is the period leading up to and including menopause, when a woman’s levels of estrogen and progesterone are declining. Menopause is not an illness, but an expected normal change in a woman’s reproductive cycle. Because some women experience “symptoms” during the perimenopausal period, many women seek “treatment,” usually consisting of hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. These symptoms range in severity and may include hot flashes, irregular menstrual cycles, night sweats, vaginal dryness and sleeplessness. Like any other medication which is prescribed, it is important for women considering HRT to weigh all the benefits and risks. The risks of taking HRT may include an increased risk of breast cancer, though studies are still not conclusive. Other risks, though rare, include blood clots and gallbladder disease. Menopause is a good time to assess one’s lifestyle and make changes in a positive direction. For women of this age, good health behaviors may be more important than HRT for overall well being. If a woman smokes, she should stop. Exercising 4-5 times a week to maintain cardiovascular and overall fitness, eating wisely with calcium-rich foods included, and moderating alcohol intake are all very important, though not always easy. Other health maintenance activities around this time are mammography to detect breast cancer, obtaining bone density studies if one is at risk for osteoporosis, and getting regular screening for cervical and colon cancer. Some women who do not wish to take standard HRT still desire symptom relief through complementary or natural therapies. These might include herbal supplements, natural yam creams that contain micronized progesterone, acupressure or acupuncture. Our hope is to provide you with a smoother transition, one based on realistic expectations and sensible health plans. We offer hormone replacement therapy (HRT), alternative medical and herbal treatments, as well as education on staying healthy and preventing complications. We also make referrals for mammograms according to the guidelines endorsed by the American Cancer Society. In case of medical complication, we will make a referral for you to an appropriate physician. The certified nurse-midwives at the Lisa Ross Birth & Women’s Center can help guide you or someone you know through the increasingly complex decisions about this normal life event. If you have any questions, please call 524-4422 to schedule an appointment.
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