title: The changes before 'the change'. Strategies for the transition to the menopause.
abstract: As women enter their fifth decade, the gradual depletion of their ovarian follicles as they make the transition to the menopause can have medically important adverse consequences. Their physicians need to review with them the changes that can occur during this period (including irregular bleeding, sexual dysfunction, and other perimenopausal symptoms) and inform them about available treatments. Patients considering pregnancy should be offered fertility testing, and those who wish to avoid pregnancy should be made aware of the benefits and risks of oral contraceptive therapy. Preventive health measures should be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick 08903-0019.
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Bachmann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002979:Climacteric / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000188:drug therapy; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D016387:Women's Health
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral