When to Seek Medical Care

• All perimenopausal and postmenopausal women should see their health care practitioner annually for a full physical exam. This exam should include a breast exam, pelvic exam, and mammogram.
  
  
• Women should learn about the risk factors for heart disease and colon cancer from their health care professional and consider being screened for these diseases.
  
  
• Women who are still menstruating and are sexually active are at risk of becoming pregnant (even if their periods are irregular). Birth control pills containing low doses of estrogen can be useful for perimenopausal women to prevent pregnancy and to relieve perimenopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes.
  
  
• Over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, help control hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, including high cholesterol and bone loss.

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Menopause - Symptoms Experienced

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