Menopause

Alternative Names

Perimenopause; Postmenopause

Symptoms

The potential symptoms include:

• Decreased sex drive
• Hot flashes and skin flushing
• Insomnia
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Mood swings including irritability, depression, and anxiety
• Night sweats
• Spotting of blood in between periods
• Urinary tract infections
• Vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse
• Vaginal infections

In addition, the long-term effects of menopause include:

• Bone loss and eventual osteoporosis
• Changes in cholesterol levels and greater risk of heart disease

Exams and Tests

Blood and urine tests can be used to measure hormone levels that may indicate when a woman is close to menopause or has already gone through menopause. Examples of these tests include:

• Estradiol
• FSH
• LH

A pelvic exam may indicate changes in the vaginal lining caused by declining estrogen levels. The doctor may perform a bone density test to screen for low bone density levels that occur with osteoporosis.

References

Weismiller D. The Perimenopause and Menopause Experience: An Overview. Clin Fam Practice. 2002; 4(1).

Stenchever, MA. Comprehensive Gynecology, 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo:Mosby, Inc.; 2001:1217-1250.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Hormone therapy for the prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal women: recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Ann Intern Med. 2005; 142:855-860.

North American Menopause Society. Estrogen and progestogen use in peri- and postmenopausal women: March 2007 position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2007;14:168-182.