Women's Health Care During the Perimenopause

The document from 2000 provided a comprehensive review of the perimenopause period, detailing the symptoms women experience, such as irregular menstrual cycles, vasomotor symptoms, mood changes, and sexual dysfunction, and the associated health risks like heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancers. It discussed the benefits of low-dose oral contraceptives and hormonal therapies in managing these symptoms and reducing the risk of certain cancers and osteoporosis, while also acknowledging the controversy surrounding hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women with existing heart disease. The document emphasized the importance of lifestyle changes, screening for chronic diseases, and the role of pharmacists in educating women about treatment options. It also explored alternative treatments like phytoestrogens and herbal medications, noting the lack of conclusive evidence for their efficacy compared to HRT and the need for more research in women's health.