Therapeutic Management of the Menopausal Transition

Abstract

Reproductive age in women is characterized by several different phases, which constitute a unique endocrinologic continuum. It starts with the beginning of fertile life, with regular, cyclic menses, typical of ovulatory cycles, and it ends with a concluding menstrual period, due to final ovarian senescence, indicated as the menopause. An important moment in this complex process is represented by the menopausal transition, the time period in the late reproductive years, which usually begins with menstrual irregularity and persists until 1 year after last menses. The menopausal transition typically starts in the late 40s or early 50s and continues for about 4–7 years. This is a time of complex and integrated endocrine change that affect the development of symptoms and should drive the choice of appropriate therapies.