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Northwestern Women’s Health Associates, S.C
680 N. Lake Shore Drive #1200, Chicago, 60611 | Get Directions

Perimenopause

Menopause is a much talked-about time in a woman’s life. What hasn’t been so widely discussed is the 2 to 10 years that precede the end of menstruation: perimenopause. In the Chicago, area, women who want to remain in-the-know about their health during this critical time are encouraged to consult with one of the friendly, knowledgeable physicians at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates,

Dr. Stanley Friedell, Northwestern Women's Health Associates S.C Providing Treatment For Perimenopause

Perimenopause is a period of time during which a woman may experience dramatic shifts in her physical and psychological wellbeing. The process may begin while a women is still in her thirties, or may not begin until a woman is in her fifties. The duration of the onset of menopause will also vary from one woman to another. It is for this reason that personalized care from an experienced Chicago gynecologist is so vitally important during this time.

Irregular menstrual cycles are common in the 40’s. Menses may come closer or farther apart, or skip one to months all together. This need not necessarily mean perimenopause, and may be more related to lack of ovulation. You should let your gynecologist know if your menses are closer than 20 days apart or farther than 3 months apart.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the process through which a woman’s ovaries decline in their function. Ovulation may become erratic as hormones fluctuate widely. Estrogen levels may rise significantly and fall dramatically all within a 24-hour period, which can lead to a number of concerning physical effects. And while the hormones estrogen and progesterone, as well as many others, are changing, the normal menstrual cycle changes also continue.

Perimenopause will be unique for every woman. Some of the common effects reported by women in this stage of life include:

  • Hot flashes or night sweats
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Increase or decrease in libido
  • Mood swings
  • Poor concentration
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Frequent urination
  • Painful intercourse
  • Extreme sweating

The shift in hormones that leads to the end of menstruation is a normal process for every woman. In most cases, there is no special diagnostic testing nor any specific treatment. The physicians at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates take a personalized approach to each patient experiencing perimenopause. At this time, we may begin to assess a patient’s risk for osteoporosis and discuss the lifestyle and dietary habits that will best support this natural life change. While hormone replacement therapy may be considered, there are alternatives to the symptoms of perimenopause that work for many of our patients.

Working with a Chicago gynecologist familiar with your needs, it is possible to progress through menopause in the healthiest way. Call 312-440-9400 to schedule your visit today.

 

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women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman highest level of sensitive, specialized care

At Northwestern Women's Health Associates

your unique needs are our highest priority.

Making use of advanced technology and staying on the cutting edge of women’s healthcare, our team of experts is dedicated to providing every woman who visits our office with the highest level of sensitive, specialized care. At our office in Chicago, you can receive exceptional obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) services from any one of our highly skilled doctors, including Stanley Friedell, MD; Abbie Roth, MD; Regina Belmonte, MD; Sharon Wise, MD; Julianne Morton, MD; Whitney Dunn, MD; Aleena Lakhanpal, MD ; and Margaret Kistner, MD. With their combined expertise, this team of board-certified doctors at Northwestern Women's Health Associates makes it possible for you to receive efficient, personalized care from the preeminent women’s hospital in the Midwest.

Success Stories

  • 5 Star Review
    "Wonderful experience with Dr. Julianne Morton @ NW Women's Associates. I've recommended her to countless girlfriends. Being a first time mom, I went through many physical symptoms and emotions that accompany pregnancy. She is extremely thorough, patient, and has wonderful bedside manner. I felt confident going into delivery with Dr. Morton taking the lead with my delivery. Wonderful practice!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Morton is absolutely amazing. She cared for me throughout my first pregnancy and we found her to be kind and caring and straightforward - could not have asked for a better experience! Dr. Dunn ended up being on call during my delivery and she was great as well. I have always found the nurses and office staff to be friendly and on top of things - very happy with the practice!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "I had to have a laproscopic hysterectomy done by Dr. Friedell and all went fabulously! They were very detailed in pre-op which made a lot of difference. I came out of surgery feeling great and post op I was back to work within two weeks. Everyone at the practice, at the hospital, at pre-op were incredible."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr.Julianne Morton is amazing! I was recommended by a friend when I moved to the Chicago area and was looking for an OB-GYN. I have seen her for two years in Chicago for my yearly exam. She is beyond kind and great at what she does. Dr.Morton makes you feel very comfortable and is such an incredible doctor! I have recommended her to all of my friends as well who need a new gyno/OB-GYN."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Morton is a really great doctor. She has an incredible bedside manner and makes you feel comfortable. She makes sure to ask if you have any questions and will happily answer all of them with you. Would highly recommend!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr. Friedell is amazing! He helped delivered my first baby and the whole process was super smooth and stress free. All the staff in the office are super friendly too. Highly recommend!"

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  • 5 Star Review
    "Dr Freidell is extremely knowledgeable, thorough and really cares about his patients. He is very good at getting to the root of the problem, especially with overlapping symptoms. He guided me through all my options and their implications. I will highly recommend him and his team."

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  • 5 Star Review
    "I love Dr. Belmonte. I have been going to her since 2006! She rocks!!! She is straight to the point, I love that about her. When I leave her office after seeing her I always feel great, like a just left a good friends house or something!"
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  • 5 Star Review

    "I can not tell you how wonderful my experiences have been. Dr. Sharon Wise is my doctor and she is fantastic. She is straightforward and honest about treatments and procedures. I enjoy her sense of humor, and I found her bedside manner when delivering my son to be excellent. "

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