Perimenopause PDF

Preface

Perimenopause, the transition from reproductive activity through the menopause, may encompass an entire decade of a woman's life. Dramatic changes take place during these years that set the stage for a woman's health into her older age. While much attention is focused on women in the reproductive years and after menopause, relatively little consideration is given to the perimenopausal transition.

All women who live long enough will experience perimenopause, making this an essential focus of the attention of any practitioner who treats women. We hope that the concepts presented in this textbook will result in your improved understanding of perimenopause and, ultimately, improved care of our patients.

The idea for this book began more than five years ago. We were interested in furnishing the practicing medical care provider with current information regarding this important era in a woman's life. We've tried to provide a broad obstetric and gynecologic view of perimenopause, its symptoms, challenges, and management.

The beginning chapters deal with common problems and questions that perimenopausal women and their healthcare providers encounter frequently. These include complimentary and alternative medicines, abnormal uterine bleeding, and fertility issues. Each chapter presents these issues in the scope of the woman approaching the transition into menopause, highlighting treatment regimens that are specific to this group of women.

The middle portion of the book encompasses the most daunting issues facing the perimenopausal woman; namely, hysterectomy, obstetrical issues, and sexuality. Each of these concerns may have a profound effect on a woman's life, and each has its own management points specific to the perimenopausal woman. The final chapters focus on common urogynecologic complaints: urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and fecal incontinence.

The creation of this book has been at times both stimulating and exhausting. We believe that the final product has been worth the effort, and we think you'll agree.

We are deeply indebted to the contributors to this book who have dedicated their lives to improving the quality of medical care for women.