What perimenopause symptoms should I tell my gynecologist about?
Ask the doctor
Q. As I move toward menopause, some symptoms come and go and others hang on. Which ones should I bring up with my doctor?
A. It can be difficult to keep up with all the ways your body is changing during the menopause transition. But listening to your body means you shouldn’t ignore anything that seems out of the ordinary. Tell your gynecologist about any unusual symptoms, including the following:
Vaginal odor, itching, or burning. Irritants, like scented panty liners or a new soap, can trigger these symptoms for a day or so. But if they’re happening regularly or getting worse, your doctor might want to check into a vaginal or sexually transmitted infection.
Menstrual changes. While irregular periods are common in perimenopause, your doctor will want to know if your menstrual cycles are happening more frequently than every 21 days. She will also want to investigate if your periods become noticeably heavier or longer.
Pelvic pain or discomfort. Menstrual cramps and occasional twinges in your pelvis are normal. But if pain or discomfort — including bloating — is building over time, speak up. Possible causes include uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or (rarely) cancer.
New bleeding. If your last period was 12 months or more ago, unexpected bleeding could be a sign of uterine cancer or another potentially serious condition. An ultrasound or biopsy might be warranted.
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