We have previously pointed out that the period of perimenopause represents a medical situation of constant hormonal flux. It, therefore, does not make sense to treat, as unfortunately only too often happens, symptomatic patients during this period with a static scheme of therapies. Indeed, it does not make sense to treat anybody without a solid basis for such treatment. And such a solid basis is, of course, only provided by appropriate testing before any treatment is commenced.

Medical testing in such situations is done for four reasons: First of all, testing, of course, hopefully will lead to a correct diagnosis, which, in itself, is the cornerstone for all successful treatments. Secondly, however, and at times even more importantly, when it comes to the treatment of menopausal symptoms, any treatment requires a baseline from which treatment successes (or failures) can be assesses. If such baselines are not obtained, it would appear impossible to assess, subsequently, whether any prescribed treatment had, indeed, changed objective findings or not. Thirdly, as clinical circumstances during the perimenopausal period can change quite rapidly, how would one know to adjust treatments accordingly, without appropriate serial testing. And, finally, no treatment is meant to last forever. Indeed, especially after the findings of the Women’s Health Initiative, more than ever, we are trying to treat most menopausal symptoms with the minimal amounts of medications, and for the shortest time periods. How would one know when to stop treatments without appropriate testing?

In entering MRI’s menopause treatment programs, you are, therefore, not left to your own wits, once you have been diagnosed and placed on treatment. Entering MRI’s treatment programs, instead, means a highly regulated follow-up program, which is based on regular visits and regular follow-up testing and, in turn, allows us the fine-tuning of all therapies.