Menopause & perimenopause

Frequently asked questions on menopause, perimenopause, and post-menopause

Over the years we’ve fielded scores of questions from women regarding the perimenopausal transition and menopause. The information one woman needs varies considerably from the next, as there is such a wide spectrum of changes women undergo.

Because we understand this variation of experience, we try to anticipate our readers’ and patients’ questions and share our thoughts on matters with you. Each one of us is unique, but with years of counseling women on menopause behind us, we see common threads. Your questions have prompted us to ask many of our own, and we all learn from this exchange! Here are some of the classics.

1.	My hormone tests all returned “normal,” so why don’t I feel that way?
2.	My doctor says I’m not menopausal. So now what?
3.	What is post-menopausal bleeding, and how does it differ from the irregular bleeding common in perimenopause?
4.	I recently stopped estrogen replacement — why am I losing so much hair?
5.	Just how hot is a hot flash?
6.	How can I help my husband understand what I’m going through?
7.	Are herbal alternatives safe to use for menopausal symptoms?
8.	Can menopause be delayed?
9.	Can I delay menopause to preserve my fertility?
10.	Can hormone replacement therapy (HRT) stop menopause from happening?
11.	If my periods stop during chemotherapy, am I in menopause?
12.	How do I prevent growing facial hair in menopause?
13.	Is menopausal hair loss permanent?
14.	If I’m on birth control Pills, will I go through menopause?
15.	Will I ever enjoy sex again?
16.	Is there any way to predict when I’ll go through menopause?

Our Personal Program is a great place to start

The Personal Program promotes natural hormonal balance with nutritional supplements, our exclusive endocrine support formula, dietary and lifestyle guidance, and optional phone consultations with our Nurse–Educators. It is a convenient, at-home version of what we recommend to all our patients at the clinic.

• To learn more about the Program, go to How the Personal Program works.
• To select the Program that's right for your symptoms, go to Choose the plan that works for you.
• To assess your symptoms, take our on-line Hormonal Health Profile.
• If you're ready to get started, learn about our risk-free trial.

If you have questions, don't hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-800-798-7902. We're here to listen and help.

We’re always happy to welcome new patients to our medical clinic in Yarmouth, Maine, for those who can make the trip. Click here for information about making an appointment.

 

Original Publication Date: 10/12/2006
Last Modified: 08/17/2009
Principal Author: Marcy Holmes, NP, Certified Menopause Clinician