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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffPossible therapies to treat perimenopausal symptoms include:
- Oral contraceptives. These are often the most effective treatment to relieve perimenopausal symptoms — even if you don't need them for birth control. Low-dose pills can regulate periods and reduce hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
- Progestin therapy. If you have irregular periods, but you can't — or choose not to — use oral contraceptives, cyclic progestin therapy may regulate your periods. Some women with heavy bleeding during perimenopause may find relief from a progestin-containing intrauterine device (IUD).
- Endometrial ablation. Endometrial ablation may provide relief from the heavy bleeding some women experience during perimenopause. During the procedure, the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is destroyed using a laser, electrical energy or heat, which effectively reduces menstrual flow or ends menstruation. This procedure isn't the right choice for everyone, so talk with your doctor about what is best for you.
References
- Perimenopause. National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/perimenopause.cfm. Accessed Aug 3, 2010.
- Lund KJ. Menopause and the menopausal transition. Medical Clinics of North America. 2008;92:1253.
- Casper RF. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of menopause. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Aug 3, 2010.
- Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. The menopausal transition. Fertility and Sterility. 2008;90:S61.
- Bradshaw KD. Menopausal transition. In: Schorge JO, et al. Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3158526. Accessed Aug 3, 2010.
- Menopause basics. In: Menopause Guidebook, 6th ed. Cleveland, Ohio: The North American Menopause Society, 2006. http://www.menopause.org/edumaterials/guidebook.aspx. Accessed Aug 3, 2010.
- The changing body. In: Menopause Guidebook, 6th ed. Cleveland, Ohio: The North American Menopause Society, 2006. http://www.menopause.org/edumaterials/guidebook.aspx. Accessed Aug 3, 2010.
- Chen EC, et al. Menstrual disturbances in perimenopausal women: What's best? Journal of Family Practice. 2009;58:331c.
- Borrelli F, et al. Alternative and complementary therapies for the menopause. Maturitas. 2010;66:333.
- Menopausal symptoms and CAM. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. http://www.nccam.nih.gov/health/menopause/menopausesymptoms.htm. Accessed Aug 5, 2010.
- Bauer BA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Rochester, Minn. Aug 16, 2010.
- Alfhaily F, et al. Acupuncture in managing menopausal symptoms: Hope or mirage? Climacteric. 2007;10:371.
- Cho SH, et al. Acupuncture for vasomotor menopausal symptoms: A systematic review. Menopause. 2009;16:1065.
- Daley AJ, et al. Exercise to reduce vasomotor and other menopausal symptoms: A review. Maturitas. 2009;63:176.
- Tremblay A, et al. Psychoeducational interventions to alleviate hot flashes: A systematic review. Menopause. 2008;15:193.
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