Counseling the perimenopausal woman

The PMP time is a time of hormonal fluctuations. As such, a woman may have many symptoms or none. It may also be a time of many life changes both positive and negative. The clinician has an opportunity to educate patients to prepare them for this time and to help them maintain health through the menopause. Because this time in a woman's life is largely unstudied, treatment options (if any) can be uncertain. For many women, the choice to use an OC to control cycles and treat other symptoms is an option. Finally, it is a time when excellent communication and counseling are imperative. The counseling must be effective and in a manner in which the patient learns well. The communication between the clinician and patient must be open and the patient must have realistic expectations about any therapy that may be chosen. The clinician must recognize that each woman is unique and has unique needs. A goal for both should be relief of symptoms, health maintenance, and enhancement of her overall quality of life.