A 48-year-old female patient presents to the OB/GYN clinic for her annual examination. She states that she has had the following symptoms: mood swings, irregular menstrual cycles, forgetfulness, food cravings, and a decrease in libido. Which of the following does the nurse suspect the patient is experiencing?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms suggest that she is likely experiencing perimenopause, which is the transitional period before menopause where women often experience irregular periods, mood changes, and other physical symptoms. Postmenopause occurs when a woman has not had a period for 12 months or longer, and pregnancy would not likely cause these symptoms in a 48-year-old woman.

A 48-Year-Old Female Patient Presents to the OB/GYN Clinic for Her