The Stages of Menopause

There are three main stages of menopause: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause:

  • Perimenopause starts when your body’s estrogen production begins to slow. A woman can begin to feel menopausal symptoms, even though she still has a period. This stage can last 4 to 5 years, and ends 12 months after your final period.
  • Menopause defines the end of menstruation in a woman’s life, which officially starts 1 full year (12 months) after your final period.
  • Postmenopause begins at the same time as menopause (when it has been 1 year since your final period) and lasts for the rest of your life. Many women will be around 51 when postmenopause begins.

During these stages of menopause, your body makes less and less estrogen. As a result of low estrogen levels, the areas of the body that are normally maintained by estrogens may change or atrophy (the thinning of tissues). These areas include the ovaries, uterus, vagina/vulva, and urinary tract. These changes typically start during menopause and may continue after.

Next Section: What Is Vaginal Atrophy? >

INDICATION

ESTRING® (estradiol vaginal ring) is used after menopause to treat moderate to severe vaginal itching, burning and dryness, painful intercourse, urinary urgency, and painful urination due to urogenital atrophy.

Important Safety Information

Estrogens increase the risk of cancer of the uterus. It is important that you report any unusual vaginal bleeding to your doctor right away. Do not use estrogens with or without progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, or dementia. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, breast cancer, or blood clots. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your risk of dementia, based on a study of women aged 65 years or older. Estrogens should only be used for as long as needed. You and your healthcare provider should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with ESTRING.


ESTRING should be removed after 90 days of continued use.

Do not use ESTRING if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, have or have had cancer of the breast or uterus, had a stroke or heart attack, have or have had blood clots or liver problems, are allergic to any of its ingredients, or think you may be pregnant.

The most frequently reported side effects are headaches, increased vaginal secretions, vaginal discomfort, abdominal pain, and genital itching.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following warning signs: breast lumps, unusual vaginal bleeding, dizziness and faintness, changes in speech, severe headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in your legs, or changes in vision.

Carefully follow instructions for use. If you have difficulty removing ESTRING, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Need help paying for your Pfizer medicines?
Pfizer Helpful Answers® may be able to help, regardless of your insurance situation.
Learn how at www.PHAHelps.com

Explore PfizerPro.com, the comprehensive professional resource for product information and patient support.
Pfizer

ETP430624-01/ETP00114 | © Copyright 2012 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved.