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Abstract Menopause is technically defined as the cessation of menses due to the loss of ovarian follicular function in the absence of physiological causes. The term perimenopause is used to refer to the period of transition beginning before the final menstruation and ending 12months later (Carter, 1995).It is this particular phase of the menopausal transition in which women report being most symptomatic; thus the perimenopausal period is the focus of current research. Women’s experiences during this time are varied. Although some women report experiencing few symptoms, others report irregular menstrual cycles, physical symptoms (e.g. Hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, cognitive changes, and mood swings) (Hargrove and Eisenberg, 1995). |