2. INTRO
“This chapter focuses on the reproductive health
aspects of perimenopause and the social and
cultural context of this significant transition.”
3. DEFINITIONS
Perimenopause: the one-to-ten year stretch during
which the ovaries function erratically and hormonal
fluctuations may bring a range of changes, such as
hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and
heavy menstrual bleeding.
Menopause: is marked by the final menstrual
period, known to be final after twelve months with
no periods.
4.
5. JERILYNN PRIOR’S LIST OF 9 CHANGES COMMON
WITH EARLY PERIMENOPAUSE:
1. New-onset heavy and/or longer flows
2. Shorter menstrual cycles
3. Newly sore, swollen or lumpy breasts
4. New midsleep wakening
5. Increased cramps
6. Onset of night sweats
7. New or markedly increased migraine headaches
8. New or increased premenstrual mood swings
9. Weight gain without changes in exercise or
eating
6. PERIMENOPAUSAL FACTS
About 25% of women have heavier bleeding known as
hypermenorrhea.
Taking an over the counter NSAID such as ibuprofen
every 4-6 hours during heavy flow will decrease the
period blood loss by 25-45%
Myth: Once your periods get irregular you can’t get
pregnant. -- Wrong! You still may be fertile!
20-30% of woman never get hot flashes.
Hot flashes may begin long before cycles become
irregular.
To reduce comfort during hot flashes: drink water
regularly, avoid caffeine, avoid stress, exercise (30 mins
a day), put a cold pack under pillow, try nonhormonal
medicines, & quit smoking if you’re a smoke.
7. CONTINUED PERIMENOPAUSAL FACTS
Vaginal dryness is sometimes problematic because
of a decline in estrogen levels during
perimenopause.
Many women report memory gaps or lowered ability
to concentrate and a decreased interest in sex as
well.
8. TAKING CARE OF OURSELVES DURING
PERIMENOPAUSE AND BEYOND
Stay active! Physical activity becomes increasingly
important in midlife.
Eat Well!
Take supplements, like calcium, to prevent health
problems like osteoporosis.
Avoid smoking!
Establish a strong relationship with a healthcare
provider.
9. HORMONES
o Estrogens
Estradoil: the predominant estrogen during the pre- and
perimenopausal years.
Estriol: a weak human estrogen usually found in
substantial amounts only during pregnancy.
Estrone: produced when fat acts on adrenal estrogens
after menopause.
o Progestogens
Women who go on estrogen therapy should use a
progestogen (progesterone-like product) along with estrogen.
Progesterone mimics the work of the body’s progesterone in
preventing overgrowth of the uterine lining that may lead to
endometrial cancer.
12. OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WOMENS
HEALTH DURING MIDLIFE
Actively advocate for policies and programs that
improve the health, well-being, and financial and
social status of women.
Consider our health status before taking any type of
hormones.
Keep up with new research findings regarding
hormone therapy.
Stay informed and proactive so you can be
prepared for peri- and postmenopause!
13. QUOTE / FACT THAT “JUMPED OUT AT ME”
“Women who smoke tend to reach menopause earlier
than nonsmoking women.”
14. DISCUSSION QUESTION
Do you think perimenopause / menopause can
affect marriages in a negative way? How so?
