Boulder Gynecology

PERIMENOPAUSE AND MENOPAUSE

URINARY INCONTINENCE HEAVY BLEEDING OVARIAN CYSTS CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN PELVIC PROLAPSE SEXUAL CONCERNS

Menopause is defined as the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months. Symptoms of menopause result from lowered hormone levels and they include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. The average age when women go through menopause is 51 years. Menstrual periods often become more irregular as women approach menopause. Most women experience some symptoms associated with menopause in their forties, and can benefit from education and occasionally treatment at that time.

"Sex, Lies and Menopause" lecture, JCC, Nov. 2006.

Dr. Lepine's interest in and appreciation for the complexities of menopause were deepened through her work as gynecologic consultant for the Emory University site of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). Many of the WHI participants repeatedly expressed their hope that the results of this large multi-center, NIH-funded study would clarify the appropriate use of menopausal hormone therapy for their daughters and granddaughters. Unfortunately, this wish has not been fulfilled. Instead, there has been much publicized criticism of the study's methods and confusion about the interpretation of the results. However, some good has come from the WHI, including: 1) A better recognition of the need to individualize menopause therapy; 2) An emphasis on assessing family history and other risk factors; 3) Wider availability of differing hormonal products and doses; and 4) Greater consideration of alternatives to hormonal treatments.

Our goals for perimenopause and menopause counseling and treatment are to: 1) Educate you on the expected signs and symptoms of menopause as well as warning signs for serious health concerns; 2) Work with you to find the best solutions to bothersome symptoms, taking into consideration your philosophy and desires; 3) Take a comprehensive approach to both alleviate symptoms and help prevent disease; and 4) Provide you with up-to-date information on the latest research. We will not treat you with a "one size fits all" approach, or perform tests that do not have scientific merit or validity. Although many questions remain unanswered, there is reliable scientific information to inform decisions about menopausal care. We enjoy working with women at this stage in their lives and we feel passionately about how we can best serve you.