Dr Steven R. Goldstein - Perimenopause and its signs

 

 

 Dr. Steven R. Goldstein MD is the co-author of the book “Could it be….Perimenopause”. As a Menopause Specialist in NYC, Dr Goldstein has helped thousands of women over the years to cope with the symptoms of menopause. However, many are not that familiar with Perimenopause, and when the symptoms of perimenopause present, they may think this is all in their heads.

 

What is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause can occur in women in their late thirties to forties and last for four to seven years before menopause begins. It is a period when a woman’s body begins to slow the production of hormones. When a woman doesn’t ovulate, no progesterone is produced. The presence of estrogen without progesterone to balance it out can cause a variety of symptoms unrelated to a woman’s menstrual cycle.

 For instance, fairly constant estrogen levels without progesterone (due to the lack of ovulation in Perimenopause) in a woman will cause her not to bleed at all for weeks or months.

 Secondly, this condition of estrogen without progesterone to balance it (which occurs during Perimenopause) can result in these other symptoms as well such as Salt and Fluid retention, Low blood sugar levels, blood clotting, fibroid tumor enhancement, altered thyroid hormone function (leading to weight gain or feelings of exhaustion), increased production of body fat, feelings of sluggishness and low energy.

 That’s not to say that if a woman is experiencing any of the above that Perimenopause is definitely the cause, but it should certainly be considered. Menopause Specialist in NYC, Dr Steven R. Goldstein, says doctors need to see a “family” of symptoms that occur following a specific pattern of events in order to make a preliminary diagnosis.

 Perimenopause is one of the least understood and most confounding stage in a woman’s life. It is also the most misdiagnosed. Do understand that Perimenopause is not the same as “early menopause”. Early menopause is that stage when women stop menstruating completely before the age of 45.

 

What are some of the signs of Perimenopause?

Some of the signs of Perimenopause are occasional hot flashes, irregular periods, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, mood changes, the inability to concentrate, free floating anxiety and so on.

 

 What can be done about Perimenopause?

At some point, women, as they age, will need to make a decision as to whether they will take estrogen. Dr Goldstein is co author of the book “The Estrogen Alternative” and a hormone specialist in NYC. He works with women in perimenopause and menopause to replace the hormones they are losing at those stages of their life.

 Dr Steven R. Goldstein MD is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York University School of Medicine,  a past President of the International Menopause Society and a Certified Menopause Practitioner.

 To schedule a consultation with Dr Goldstein,please visit his website at www.goldsteinmd.com for more information.