title: Psychosexual changes associated with the perimenopausal period.
abstract: The perimenopausal period is often a frustrating time for the woman who is experiencing it and for the health care professional who provides care for her. Although menopause is a universal experience for women, how it is experienced is not universal. Physiology, anatomy, social support systems, culture, expectations, and the woman's attitudes (especially her self-image) all have an influence on how easy or difficult the perimenopausal transition period is for an individual. This paper discusses psychosexual aspects of the perimenopausal period and suggests how nurse-midwives or other health professionals can make this often difficult period easier.
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: McCraw
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D012944:Social Support