Perimenopause and menopause are being talked about more often now — and for good reason. Perimenopause is an important transition in a woman’s life and may last for up to 10 years. It can cause a variety of symptoms including sleep disruption, hot flashes and mood changes. This stage happens in the years leading up to menopause as hormone levels change as the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone. Menopause is defined as having no menstrual cycle for 12 months; however, menopause symptoms may persist for years and lead to new health issues.
Meet Dr. Glinberg
Board certified in endocrinology and internal medicine with more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Simone Glinberg opened her own endocrinology practice in Madison so she could spend more time with her patients discussing complex issues such as perimenopause and menopause and the associated changes in physical and mental health.
“I opened this practice to have time to listen to my patients, to form supportive relationships and to provide healing rather than systematized healthcare,” she says.
Dr. Glinberg treats a variety of endocrine disorders such as thyroid dysfunction, osteoporosis, diabetes and polycystic ovarian disease. She has a particular interest in treating perimenopause and menopause
as women experience a variety of hormone and aging-related changes affecting sexual function and heart, bone and mental health.
Caring for Women
Dr. Glinberg notes that every woman should have a thorough discussion with her doctor about her menopause treatment options. That includes whether a woman would benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to address symptoms, her sense of wellbeing and long- term health.
“I take a holistic approach … I look at every patient’s health history and discuss health and wellness goals. There has been an explosion of research and there are effective therapies for menopause symptoms and to promote healthy aging.”
However, Dr. Glinberg says caring for women and promoting healthy aging is about more than just HRT: “Taking care of women at midlife and beyond is complex,” she notes.
Initial appointments with Dr. Glinberg are typically at least an hour and aren’t rushed. She takes the necessary time to get to know her patients and meet their needs.
Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms
Women going through perimenopause and menopause can experience a variety of symptoms as their estrogen levels change, including:
- Irregular periods: Ovulation becomes unpredictable and the time between periods may be longer or shorter.
- Hot flashes: They can vary in length, intensity and frequency.
- Sleep disruption: Hot flashes and night sweats can affect sleep.
- Sexual health: Vaginal tissues may lose lubrication and elasticity and sexual desire may be diminished.
- Mood changes: Risk of increased irritability, mood variations and an elevated risk of anxiety and depression.
- Loss of bone: Bone loss accelerates, which increases the risk of osteoporosis.
- Cholesterol change: Increased risk of cholesterol disorders.
Simone Glinberg, MD
725 Heartland Trail, Suite 110, Madison, WI 53717 608.957.7910 • simoneglinbergmd.com
