Chapter 20 final

Chapter 20 final

• 1.
  CHAPTER 20: PERIMENOPAUSE &MENOPAUSE By: Ashley Hare
• 2.
  INTRO  “This chapter focuses on the reproductive health aspects of perimenopause and the social and cultural context of this significant transition.”
• 3.
  DEFINITIONS  Perimenopause: the one-to-ten year stretch during which the ovaries function erratically and hormonal fluctuations may bring a range of changes, such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and heavy menstrual bleeding.  Menopause: is marked by the final menstrual period, known to be final after twelve months with no periods.
• 5.
  JERILYNN PRIOR’S LISTOF 9 CHANGES COMMON WITH EARLY PERIMENOPAUSE:  1. New-onset heavy and/or longer flows  2. Shorter menstrual cycles  3. Newly sore, swollen or lumpy breasts  4. New midsleep wakening  5. Increased cramps  6. Onset of night sweats  7. New or markedly increased migraine headaches  8. New or increased premenstrual mood swings  9. Weight gain without changes in exercise or eating
• 6.
  PERIMENOPAUSAL FACTS  About 25% of women have heavier bleeding known as hypermenorrhea.  Taking an over the counter NSAID such as ibuprofen every 4-6 hours during heavy flow will decrease the period blood loss by 25-45%  Myth: Once your periods get irregular you can’t get pregnant. -- Wrong! You still may be fertile!  20-30% of woman never get hot flashes.  Hot flashes may begin long before cycles become irregular.  To reduce comfort during hot flashes: drink water regularly, avoid caffeine, avoid stress, exercise (30 mins a day), put a cold pack under pillow, try nonhormonal medicines, & quit smoking if you’re a smoke.
• 7.
  CONTINUED PERIMENOPAUSAL FACTS  Vaginal dryness is sometimes problematic because of a decline in estrogen levels during perimenopause.  Many women report memory gaps or lowered ability to concentrate and a decreased interest in sex as well.
• 8.
  TAKING CARE OFOURSELVES DURING PERIMENOPAUSE AND BEYOND  Stay active! Physical activity becomes increasingly important in midlife.  Eat Well!  Take supplements, like calcium, to prevent health problems like osteoporosis.  Avoid smoking!  Establish a strong relationship with a healthcare provider.
• 9.
  HORMONES o Estrogens  Estradoil: the predominant estrogen during the pre- and perimenopausal years.  Estriol: a weak human estrogen usually found in substantial amounts only during pregnancy.  Estrone: produced when fat acts on adrenal estrogens after menopause. o Progestogens  Women who go on estrogen therapy should use a progestogen (progesterone-like product) along with estrogen. Progesterone mimics the work of the body’s progesterone in preventing overgrowth of the uterine lining that may lead to endometrial cancer.
• 10.
  THE ROLE OFESTROGEN
• 12.
  OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS FORWOMEN HEALTH DURING MIDLIFE  Actively advocate for policies and programs that improve the health, well-being, and financial and social status of women.  Consider our health status before taking any type of hormones.  Keep up with new research findings regarding hormone therapy.  Stay informed and proactive so you can be prepared for peri- and postmenopause!
• 13.
  QUOTE / FACTTHAT “JUMPED OUT AT ME” “Women who smoke tend to reach menopause earlier than nonsmoking women.”
• 14.
  DISCUSSION QUESTION  Do you think perimenopause / menopause can affect marriages in a negative way? How so?