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Menopause and Perimenopause
- Overview
-
Health Tools
- FAQs
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- When to Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Hormone Therapy: A Shift in Thinking
- Home Treatment
- Medications
- Other Treatment
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
During perimenopause or postmenopause, call your doctor about:
- Menstrual periods that are unusually heavy, irregular, or prolonged (1½ to 2 times longer than normal).
- Bleeding between menstrual periods, when periods have been regular.
- Renewed bleeding after having no periods for 6 months or more.
- Unexplained bleeding while you are taking hormones.
- Perimenopause symptoms, such as insomnia, hot flashes, or mood swings, that aren't responding to home treatment and are interfering with your sleep or daily life.
- Vaginal pain or dryness that does not improve with home treatment, or you have signs of a urinary tract infection.
If you have concerns about osteoporosis risk and prevention, talk to your doctor during your next office visit.
For more information, see the topics Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding, Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding, and Osteoporosis.
Watchful Waiting
Menopause is a normal process of hormone change and doesn't require treatment. If your menopause symptoms are mild, try home treatment for relief. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor at your next regular exam.
Who to See
The following health professionals can help you manage menopause symptoms and evaluate menstrual period changes:
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: February 23, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Geriatric Medicine | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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