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Menopause and Perimenopause - Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about menopause:	What are perimenopause and menopause? What causes menopause? What are the symptoms of perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause? What kinds of hormone changes are happening during perimenopause and postmenopause? Who is affected by menopause?
Being diagnosed:	When do I need to see my doctor? Are there any special exams or tests I should have around the time of menopause? Who should I see about menopause?
Getting treatment:	Do I need treatment? What types of treatment are effective for relieving menopause symptoms? What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)? What is estrogen replacement therapy (ERT)? What do I need to know about the risks and benefits of HRT and ERT? Are there non-hormone options for symptom relief? Are "bioidentical" hormones different than synthetic hormones? What about natural progesterone cream and wild yam? Should I use hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
Ongoing concerns:	What do I need to know about the Women's Health Initiative research on HRT and ERT risks and benefits? What do I need to know about heart disease after menopause? What can I do to prevent osteoporosis after menopause?
Living with symptoms of perimenopause and menopause:	What can I do in my daily life to reduce symptoms of perimenopause? How can I manage hot flashes? What are meditative breathing exercises? What is black cohosh? What is soy? What is yoga?

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 16, 2008

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

Menopause and Perimenopause Topics

As You Journey through Menopause, Vivelle-Dot Is By Your Side

VIVELLE-DOT (estradiol transdermal system) IS AVAILABLE BY PRESCRPTION ONLY.

INDICATION

Vivelle-Dot is used after menopause to: reduce moderate to severe hot flashes; treat moderate to severe dryness, itching and burning in or around the vagina; help reduce your chances of getting osteoporosis (thin weak bones); and treat certain conditions in which a young woman's ovaries do not produce enough estrogens naturally. Vivelle-Dot 0.025 mg/day is only used to prevent osteoporosis from menopause. If you use Vivelle-Dot only to treat your dryness, itching, and burning in and around your vagina or if you use Vivelle-Dot only to prevent osteoporosis from menopause, talk with your healthcare professional about whether a different treatment or medicine without estrogens might be better for you.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Estrogens increase the chances of getting cancer of the uterus (womb). Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away while you are taking estrogens. Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of the uterus (womb).

Do not use estrogens with or without progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots. Using estrogens with progestins may increase your risk of dementia (decline in memory and thinking skills).

Vivelle-Dot should not be used if you have unusual vaginal bleeding; currently have or have had certain cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus; had a stroke or heart attack in the recent past (for example, in the past year); currently have or have had blood clots; currently have or have had liver problems; or think you may be, or know that you are, pregnant.

The most common side effects that may occur with Vivelle-Dot are headache, breast tenderness, and back pain.

You and your healthcare professional should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with Vivelle-Dot.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Full Prescribing Information for Vivelle-Dot.

Prescribing Information