During perimenopause apart from mood changes such as anxiety, the menopause blues and mood swings, we may also experience changes in our PMS.

Meno Martha, PMS and PerimenopausePerimenopause Hormones

During perimenopause do our hormones declined in a regular fashion?

In Sexual Health & Menopause Online: Changes At Midlife – Changes In Hormone Levels: Estrogen the North American Menopause Society elaborate on:

“Estrogen levels generally decline during perimenopause, but they do so in an irregular fashion. Sometimes there can be more estrogen present during perimenopause than in the past”.

Perimenopause PMS

During perimenopause may our PMS symptoms get worse?

In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Does PMS Change With Age? the Office on Women’s Health,  United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov explain:

Meno Martha, PMS and Perimenopause“Yes. PMS symptoms may get worse as you reach your late 30s or 40s and approach menopause and are in the transition to menopause, called perimenopause.

This is especially true for women whose moods are sensitive to changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. In the years leading up to menopause, your hormone levels also go up and down in an unpredictable way as your body slowly transitions to menopause. You may get the same mood changes, or they may get worse.

PMS stops after menopause when you no longer get a period”.

In Premenstrual Disorders & Menopause: Perimenopause & Natural Menopause – How May Being Perimenopausal Affect My PMDD/PME? the International Association for Premenstrual Disorder’s (IAPMD) elaborate on:

“PMDD cycling does go away after you are fully menopausal; however, during the years before and during the menopause transition (perimenopause), things can get rough for a while since those with PMDD are sensitive to hormone changes, and hormone flux increases EVEN MORE during perimenopause. Estrogen and progesterone production becomes very erratic and unstable before it declines at menopause”.

Meno Martha, PMS and Perimenopause

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

What is PMS?

Depending on the Source (DotS), the definition of PMS may vary. In PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) the (United States) Massachusetts General Hospital) MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health’s definition is:

“Premenstrual Syndrome, commonly referred to as PMS, is a broad term that typically refers to a general pattern of physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms occurring 1-2 weeks before and remitting with the onset of menses. PMS is common, affecting from 30-80% of women of reproductive age, though clinically significant PMS symptoms have been reported in 3-8% of patients”.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

What is PMDD?

DotS, the definition of PMDD may vary. In PMDD/PMS: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health’s definition is:

“Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of Premenstrual Syndrome characterized by significant premenstrual mood disturbance, often with prominent mood reactivity and irritability. Symptoms of PMDD can emerge 1-2 weeks preceding menses and typically resolve with the onset of menses. This mood disturbance results in marked social or occupational impairment, with its most prominent effects in interpersonal functioning. In fact, a recent study found that women with untreated PMDD were likely to experience a loss of three quality-adjusted life years during their lifetime as a result of their premenstrual symptoms. This did not include menstruation-free periods, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause”.

How may PMDD be diagnosed?

In Tracking Your Cycle & Symptoms the IAPMD note:

PMDD cannot be diagnosed via blood, hormone, or saliva test. These tests can, however, rule out any underlying disorders including hormone imbalance or thyroid issues. The only way to currently test for PMDD is by tracking symptoms for a span of two more menstrual cycles”.

Monthly Diary

Meno Martha, PMS and PerimenopauseMay keeping a monthly diary help?

In Menstrual Diary the (United Kingdom) National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome explain:

“A completed menstrual chart is the first step towards understanding your own menstrual health. Download the menstrual diary.

Our chart helps you to record accurately your menstrual cycle, to note related symptoms as they occur, to define when you are symptom-free, to plot your days of menstruation and to note the duration of your cycle”.

In Premenstrual Syndrome – Self-Care: Keep A Diary of Symptoms the (United States) MedlinePlus explain:

“Keeping a calendar or diary of your symptoms can help you identify the symptoms that are causing you the most trouble. Writing down your symptoms on a calendar can help you understand possible triggers for your symptoms. It can also help your health care provider choose an approach that is most helpful for you. In your diary or calendar, be sure to record:

  • The type of symptoms you are having
  • How severe your symptoms are
  • How long your symptoms last
  • Whether your symptoms respond to a treatment you tried
  • At what point during your cycle your symptoms occur

You may need to try different things to treat PMS. Some things you try may work, and others may not. Keeping track of your symptoms may help you find the treatments that work best for you”.

Monthly Diary Format

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Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with PMS or PMDD or PME?

If you would like help with PMS or PMDD or PME (Premenstrual Exacerbation), it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Living With – When Should I See My Healthcare Provider? the (United States) Cleveland Clinic explain:

“See your provider if you’re unable to get relief from your PMS symptoms. To get the most out of your visit, come to your appointment prepared to discuss your symptoms and your period in detail. Track your period and symptom history on a calendar, planner or app. Be prepared to share information about your period start and stop dates and your symptoms (including how mild or severe) for at least two consecutive periods”.

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Last Updated: 15 May 2024 – Last Revised: 15 May 2024

May 2024 Spotlights Mental Health. Mental Health Month is held in the United States in May and Mental Health Awareness Week is held 13-19 May in the United Kingdom.

Mental Health Month

What is the (United States) Mental Health Month?

In Mental Health Month the Mental Health America explain:

May 2024 Spotlights Mental Health“The world is constantly changing – for better or for worse – and it can be overwhelming to deal with everything going on around you. While society is getting more comfortable discussing mental health, it can still be hard to know “Where to Start” when it comes to taking care of your own well-being.

This May, Mental Health America will help you:

  • LEARN how modern life affects mental health with new resources to navigate our changing world.
  • ACT by building your coping toolbox so you can manage stress, difficult emotions, and challenging situations.
  • ADVOCATE to improve mental health for yourself, your friends and family, and your community.

For anyone struggling with the pressure of today’s world, feeling alone, or wondering if they can feel better, this is Where to Start”.

Mental Health Awareness Week

What is the (United Kingdom) Mental Health Awareness Week?

In Mental Health Awareness Week the [United Kingdom] Mental Health Foundation explain:

May 2024 Spotlights Mental Health“Focusing on anxiety for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week will increase people’s awareness and understanding of anxiety by providing information on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem. At the same time, we will keep up the pressure to demand change – making sure that improving mental health is a key priority for the government and society as a whole”.

Menopause and Mental Health

Is there an association between menopause and mental health?

In Promoting Good Mental Health Over the Menopause Transition: Introduction – Key Messages published in the Lancet 25 March 2024, the authors include:

  • “…Risk factors for depressive symptoms at this time include severe and prolonged vasomotor symptoms, chronic sleep disturbance, and stressful life events, and women with previous depressive disorder might be at increased risk of recurrence of a new depressive episode during the menopause transition
  • The menopause transition often coincides with important life stressors, health conditions, and role transitions that increase vulnerability to depression…”.

Health Care Provider

What if I feel more out-of-sorts than usual?

If you feel more anxious, more depressed, more stressed or more out-of-sorts than usual, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

 May 2024 Spotlights Mental HealthIn Menopause and Mental Health: Untangling Physical and Mental Health Symptoms Related To Menopause the Australasian Menopause Society elaborate on:

“Speaking with your doctor about your menopausal symptoms, life circumstances and clinical history can help them to recommend the best treatment options and lifestyle and behavioural changes for your situation”.

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Last Updated: 21 May 2024 – Last Revised: 12 May 2024

World Ovarian Cancer Day 2024 is May 8. “Your risk increases as you get older. Ovarian cancer is more common in those aged 50-79”.

World Ovarian Cancer Day

What is World Ovarian Cancer Day?

In What Is World Ovarian Cancer Day? May 8 – World Ovarian Cancer Day: May 8 – World Ovarian Cancer Day the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition (WOCC) explain:

“Established in 2013 by a group of leaders from ovarian cancer advocacy organizations around the world, May 8 – World Ovarian Cancer Day, is the one day of the year we globally raise our voices in solidarity in the fight against ovarian cancer”.

World Ovarian Cancer Day 2024

Age

At what age does ovarian cancer typically occur?

In Ovarian Cancer Symptoms & Risks: What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer? Age the WOCC note:

Age
Your risk increases as you get older. Ovarian cancer is more common in those aged 50-79. However, you can develop it when you are younger”.

Screening Test

Is there is a routine, simple screening test to accurately detect ovarian?

In Ovarian Cancer Testing & Detection the WOCC note:

“Currently, there is no routine, simple screening test to accurately detect ovarian cancer. Contrary to popular belief, cervical screening (i.e.: Pap smear) will not detect ovarian cancer. While cervical screening is effective in early detection of cervical cancer, it is not a test for ovarian cancer.

Because there is no routine ovarian cancer screening test, it is important to be aware of the disease and its symptoms”.

Symptoms

What are common symptoms of ovarian cancer?

In Ovarian Cancer Symptoms & Risks: What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer? the WOCC elaborate on:

“Common Signs & Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer include:

World Ovarian Cancer Day 2024

Occasionally, there can be other symptoms of ovarian cancer, such as:

  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Abnormal bleeding – Any post-menopausal bleeding should always be checked by your primary health care provider or doctor
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss”.

Symptom Diary

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What if I think I am experiencing symptoms of ovarian cancer?

In Ovarian Cancer Symptoms & Risks: What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer? the WOCC explain:

“If you have any concerns about ovarian cancer it is important to talk to your doctor or primary health care provider”.

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Last Updated: 09 May 2024 – Last Revised: 05 May 2024

Menopause News 2024 What’s Hot showcases some evidence-based menopause news by menopause societies and international sources.

Menopause News May 2024

What is some Menopause News May 2024 What’s Hot?

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What is some Menopause News April 2024 What’s Hot?

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Last Updated: 21 May 2024 – Last Revised: 01 March 2024

Menopause Videos 2024 What’s Hot showcases some evidence-based menopause videos by menopause societies and other international sources.

British Menopause Society

International Menopause Society

Menopause Society
[formerly The North American Menopause Society]

Health Care Provider

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Last Updated: 18 May 2024 – Last Revised: 01 May 2024

The International Menopause Society usually announce the theme for World Menopause Day closer to World Menopause Month which is held in October.

World Menopause Day

When is World Menopause Day (WMD) held?

In World Menopause Day the International Menopause Society (IMS) explain:

“World Menopause Day is held every year on the 18th of October. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing”.

World Menopause Day 2024

What is the theme for WMD 2024?

The IMS usually announce the theme for WMD closer to World Menopause Month which is held in October.

World Menopause Day 2023

What was the theme for WMD 2023?

In World Menopause Day the IMS announced:

“The theme for World Menopause Day 2023 is Cardiovascular Disease”.
World Menopause Day 2024 What’s Hot

Patient Information Leaflet

What do the IMS explain in their WMD 2023 Patient Information Leaflet about cardiovascular disease?

World Menopause Day 2024 What’s HotOn page two in their Patient Information Leaflet – Cardiovascular Disease: What Women Need to Know the IMS explain:

“Breast cancer is often believed to be the number one cause of death and disability in women. In reality, it is cardiovascular disease. The number of cases of cardiovascular disease is high… and continuing to rise.

But by understanding more about the causes and impacts of cardiovascular disease, you can take steps to reduce your risk.

Here’s what every woman needs to know…”.

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Last Updated: 01 May 2024 – Last Revised: 01 May 2024

Complementary and Integrative Health and Menopause Snapshot can be a place to start if you are searching for evidence-based information about complementary and integrative health and menopause.

Menopause Symptoms

What is known about the use of complementary and integrative health for the management of menopause symptoms?

In Menopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Alternative Medicine, published 25 May 2023, the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on:


Complementary and Integrative Health and Menopause Snapshot“Many approaches have been promoted as aids in managing the symptoms of menopause, but few of them have scientific evidence to back up the claims. Some complementary and alternative treatments that have been or are being studied include:

  • Plant Estrogens (Phytoestrogens)…
  • Bioidentical Hormones…
  • Black Cohosh…
  • Yoga…
  • Acupuncture…
  • Hypnosis…”.

Herbal Therapies

Are herbal therapies safe?

On page one in Complementary & Alternative Therapies: Non Hormonal Treatments for Menopause Symptoms, reviewed November 2023, the (British) Women’s Health Concern note:

“One of the powerful messages coming from the NICE Guideline is that herbal remedies which are not regulated by a medicine authority should not be considered safe for all, as there is much variety in their effectiveness and potency and that there may be significant side effects or interactions. The same warning is given for compounded bioidentical hormone therapy which is also not regulated or subject to the same quality control as conventional HRT”.

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Last Updated: 09 January 2024 – Last Revised: 09 January 2024

Early Menopause Snapshot can be a place to start for evidence-based information about early menopause. Are you between 40 and 45 years?

Early MenopauseEarly Menopause Snapshot

What is early menopause

In Premature and Early Menopause the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition of early menopause is:

“Early menopause is when your final period happens between the ages of 40 and 45”.

Premature MenopauseEarly Menopause Snapshot

What is premature menopause

In Premature and Early Menopause the JH’s definition of premature menopause is:

“Premature menopause is when your final period happens before the age of 40 years”.

Different Differences

How are early menopause and premature menopause different?

In Early or Premature Menopause: What Is the Difference Between Early and Premature Menopause? the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov elaborate on:

“Early or premature menopause happens when ovaries stop making hormones and periods stop at a younger age than usual (the average age for menopause in the United States is 52). This can happen naturally or for a medical reason, such as when both ovaries are removed in a hysterectomy.

Early and premature menopause can have the same causes. The only difference is the age at which it happens. Menopause that happens before age 45 is called early menopause. Menopause that happens before age 40 is called premature menopause.

Women who have gone through early or premature menopause cannot get pregnant”.

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Last Updated: 15 April 2024 – Last Revised: 15 April 2024

Hormone Therapy Alternatives Snapshot can be a place to start if you are searching for information about hormone therapy alternatives.

2023 Nonhormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society

What were the Results in the 2023 Nonhormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society?

On page one in the The 2023 Nonhormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society: Abstract – Results, published May 2023, the results were:

Results: Evidence-based review of the literature resulted in several nonhormone options for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms.

Recommended: Cognitive-behavioral therapy, clinical hypnosis, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, gabapentin, fezolinetant (Level I); oxybutynin (Levels I-II); weight loss, stellate ganglion block (Levels II-III).

Not recommended: Paced respiration (Level I); supplements/herbal remedies (Levels I-II); cooling techniques, avoiding triggers, exercise, yoga, mindfulness-based intervention, relaxation, suvorexant, soy foods and soy extracts, soy metabolite equol, cannabinoids, acupuncture, calibration of neural oscillations (Level II); chiropractic interventions, clonidine; (Levels I-III); dietary modification and pregabalin (Level III)”.

What do the Levels mean in the 2023 Nonhormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society?

On page one in the The 2023 Nonhormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society: Abstract – Methods the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) elaborate on:

Methods: The panel assessed the most current and available literature to determine whether to recommend or not recommend use based on these levels of evidence:

  • Level I, good and consistent scientific evidence
  • Level II, limited or inconsistent scientific evidence
  • Level III, consensus and expert opinion”.3

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Fezolinetant (Veozah)

What is Fezolinetant (Veozah)?

In FDA Approves Novel Drug To Treat Moderate To Severe Hot Flashes Caused By Menopause, published 12 May 2023, the (United States) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) elaborate on:

“Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Veozah (fezolinetant), an oral medication for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms, or hot flashes, caused by menopause. Veozah is the first neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor antagonist approved by the FDA to treat moderate to severe hot flashes from menopause. It works by binding to and blocking the activities of the NK3 receptor, which plays a role in the brain’s regulation of body temperature”.

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Last Updated: 16 October 2023 – Last Revised: 16 October 2023

Hormone Therapy Snapshot can be a place to start if you are searching for information about hormone therapy (HT), hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or menopausal hormone therapy (MHT).

Most Effective Treatment

Is hormone therapy (HT) the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms or hot flushes/flashes and night sweats?

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Benefits, published July 2022, the North American Menopause Society explain:


Hormone Therapy Snapshot
“Hormone therapy is one of the most effective treatments available for bothersome hot flashes and night sweats. If hot flashes and night sweats are disrupting your daily activities and sleep, HT may improve sleep and fatigue, mood, ability to concentrate, and overall quality of life. Treatment of bothersome hot flashes and night sweats is the principal reason women use HT. Hormone therapy also treats vaginal dryness and painful sex associated with menopause. Hormone therapy keeps your bones strong by preserving bone density and decreasing your risk of osteoporosis and fractures. If preserving bone density is your only concern, and you do not have bothersome hot flashes, other treatments may be recommended instead of HT”.

On page two in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:

  • “The decision whether to take HRT, the dose and duration of its use should be made on an individualised basis after discussing the benefits and risks with each patient. This should be considered in the context of the overall benefits obtained from using HRT including symptom control and improving quality of life as well as considering the bone and cardiovascular benefits associated with HRT use. Discussions with women should also cover aspects such as when to consider stopping HRT and how this can be done (by gradually reducing the dose of HRT). No arbitrary limits should be set on age or duration of HRT intake”.

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Last Updated: 16 October 2023 – Last Revised: 16 October 2023