Although some women may abruptly stop having periods leading up to the menopause, many will notice changes in patterns and irregular bleeding.
Whilst this can be a natural phase in your life, it may important to see your healthcare professional to rule out other health conditions if other worrying symptoms occur.
Many women experience Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) during perimenopause. AUB is defined as bleeding that differs in frequency, regularity, duration or amount to your regular menstrual bleeding. [1] Changes to the menstrual cycle often carry no significant consequences [2]; however, they could have a range of causes. Although it may simply be a symptom of perimenopause, it is still sensible to raise the issue with your healthcare professional. A thorough history and physical examination will indicate the cause of uterine bleeding and help discern the need for further investigation and treatment. [3] Other investigations for abnormal uterine bleeding include a PAP Smear, Endometrial or Uterine Sampling (Endometrial Biopsy), a Vaginal Ultrasound (Echography) and routine laboratory testing.
This booklet is designed to support women diagnosed and treated for breast cancer who may experience menopausal symptoms. Menopausal symptoms can be a side effect of some breast cancer treatments. Management of menopausal symptoms after treatment for breast cancer needs a different approach to that used by women who enter menopause naturally.
In recognition of World Menopause Day on October 18, 3AW Talking Health with Dr Sally Cockburn ran a special edition of the program.
Dr Farrell is a past President of AMS
Dr Davison is AMS "Changes" Editor
Menopause is the stage in your life when your periods stop permanently, signaling the end of your reproductive years. It happens when there are no more eggs in your ovaries. Because eggs stimulate your body to produce oestrogen, the levels of estrogen in the blood drop, resulting in menopausal changes in the body when they are exhausted.
This comprehensive booklet offers positive advice on preventative strategies to prevent cognitive decline. It explains the difference between cognitive decline and dementia, how to prevent memory loss in midlife and highlights the top 10 tips for women to improve brain health and function.
When Jean Kittson hit menopause, she was amazed at what she didn't know. Given that 1.5 million Australian women are menopausal at any one time, why, she wondered, was menopause so little discussed and then only in hushed tones?
Professor Martha Hickey is Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Melbourne and Adjunct Professor of OBGYN at Yale University, CT. In her clinical practice she runs the menopause services at The Women's Hospital, Melbourne. She initially trained as a Clinical Psychologist in the UK and then qualified in medicine in 1990 from the University of Bristol. She completed her specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2000 at Imperial College School of Medicine, London. She then moved permanently to Australia.
