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Educational article

From Perimenopause to Postmenopause: How Health Checkups Change

Endomédicos

Endomédicos medical profile

Published 5 min read

Educational content. It does not replace an individual medical assessment and should not be used for self-medication.

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A healthcare professional and patient review a list of medical history and preventive checkups on a screen during an appointment.
Follow-up during perimenopause and postmenopause is tailored to each person's medical history and needs.

The Transition Is Understood in Stages, Not by a Single Date

Perimenopause is the transition period when menstrual cycles may change and symptoms related to hormonal fluctuations may appear. Menopause is the final menstrual period, but it is usually identified retrospectively: it is considered to have occurred after 12 consecutive months without a period, provided there is no other cause for the absence. Postmenopause is the stage that follows. These definitions help guide the clinical conversation, but they do not by themselves determine which tests each person needs.

What to Review During Perimenopause

You can discuss changes in your menstrual cycle and other symptoms, and review your personal and family medical history, the medications you take, and any known health conditions. Depending on your situation, it may also be appropriate to measure your blood pressure and assess cardiometabolic factors, which are related to the heart and metabolism. Your healthcare professional can review which preventive screenings are appropriate for your age and risk; not everyone needs the same checkups or the same frequency.

How Menopause Is Identified

If you have gone some time without menstruating, note when your last period was and what changes you have noticed. The absence of a period can have different causes, so it must be interpreted in light of your medical history, medications, and other conditions. Menopause is considered to have occurred after 12 consecutive months without a period when there is no other cause for the absence. This does not mean that a battery of tests is automatically needed.

What to Review After the Final Menstrual Period

Preventive follow-up continues during postmenopause and is tailored to your age, medical history, and current health. It may include reviewing blood pressure, cardiometabolic factors, medications, and appropriate screenings. Menopause does not by itself cause cardiovascular disease or osteoporosis: risk depends on several factors that are assessed individually.

Bone Density Scans: When They May Be Considered

A bone density scan measures bone mineral density. Menopause does not mean that everyone should have this test right away. The decision depends on age, medical history, and other risk factors. If you have questions, you can ask whether it is appropriate for you and why; the indication and timing are determined for each individual case.

Screenings and Checkups Based on Individual Needs

Some preventive checkups depend on age and personal or family medical history. An appointment can help determine which ones are up to date and which may be worth considering. The menopausal transition does not replace or automatically bring forward other screenings, and there is no universal schedule that applies to everyone.

What Information to Bring to Your Appointment

Write down the approximate date of your last menstrual period and any changes you want to discuss. Bring your medical history, any relevant family history, and a list of medications and supplements. You can also write down questions about blood pressure, cardiometabolic factors, screenings, or a bone density scan. Do not stop or change medications on your own.

End the Appointment with an Individualized Plan

Before you finish, confirm which aspects were reviewed, whether any tests are needed, and the reason they may be appropriate in your case. Ask when it would make sense to review your follow-up plan again; there is no fixed schedule for everyone. The plan may change with age, medical history, and changes in your health. This content is for educational purposes and does not replace a medical evaluation.

When to seek medical care

If symptoms persist, test results are abnormal, or you have questions about medication, arrange an individual assessment. Do not change treatment or doses without medical guidance.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I have reached menopause?

Menopause is considered to have occurred after 12 consecutive months without menstruation, provided there is no other cause for the absence. If you have questions about your cycles or situation, discuss them with a healthcare professional.

Do I need a bone density scan as soon as menopause begins?

Not necessarily. Whether to have one is based on each person's age and risk factors; menopause alone does not make the test automatic.

Is there a checkup schedule that works for everyone?

No. Checkups and their timing are tailored to age, medical history, medications, and risk factors. An appointment can help establish an individualized plan.

Does this topic resonate with you?

Every case is different. Book a consultation to review your history, test results and goals with a personalized plan.

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