WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for August, 1997: Re: Perimenopause

Re: Perimenopause

From: Ronald Barentsen, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 29 Aug 1997 07:08:54 -0500 (CDT)

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At Wed, 27 Aug 1997, Black, wrote: >
>I am 43, a long time smoker, and have always had irregular periods
>since I had a thyroidectomy at the ageof 22 and have been on thyroid
>medication (daily) since. Within the last two years, however I have had
>shorter periods, then longer periods over 8 days(usually during periods
>of high stress)-not too much change in flow (had a heavier flow a few
>years back) I'm not sure I've had hot flashes. if so, it's only been
>one or two, have had night sweats for a while-but husband always feels
>warm-myabe it's his body heat causing the sweats(?) Earlier this year,
>I complained to my doctor about weight gain, no energy,etc. she did a
>blood test on my thyroid medicationlevel and said it was "was all out of
>whack" She prescribed a higher dose and after 30 days did another
>blood test which indicated that the level was fine and will check level
>again (after 6 months) My last two periods were fine. This one is now
>on day 8-light flow. Could this be my thyroid medication or am I in
>perimenopause?. ( I mentioned this to another doctor before we switched
>health plans about the irregular periods, etc. she said exercise at
>least three x's a week quit smoking, and this could go on for 5-10
>years>)

Dear Joyce, At your age, perimenopause must always be considered when menstrrual pattern changes.Most time the cycle becomes more irregular (your cycle was already irregular), sometimes the flow becomes heavier and longer because of inadequate progesterone levels in this phase. Unfortunately there are no laboratory test thet can give a solution. Other causes of menstrual problems are unlikely as you have had several completely normal cycles in the recent past. Perimenopause (the period of nebstrual irregularities) has a mean duration of 4 years, with a large variation (0 to 9-10 years). Only afterwards you can be certain. But when you have no other complaints, there is no reason to act. Wait and see. The advice to quit smokiung is a very good one. Smokers do stop with menstruations about 2 years earlier than non-smokers (and of course also an early start of the perimenopause.

--
Ronald Barentsen
Correspondent OBGYN.net for menopause and hormone replacement therapy

Next message: Clyde: "Re: Seeking Advice"
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In reply to: Black: "Perimenopause"

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