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Dry Mouth and Salivary Glands
Author Biography
Introduction
Xerostomia
Currently Selected Section: Aging and Dry Mouth
Causes of Dry Mouth
Diagnosis
Sjogren's Syndrome
Management of Dry Mouth
Clinical Research
Conclusions

Chapter 27: Dry Mouth and Salivary Gland Dysfunction: Aging and Dry Mouth
          

Problem 3.1

Ms. M is 52 years old. She has been menstruating irregularly for several years and stopped completely in the last year. At her appointment, she has numerous complaints. She attributes all of these to menopause and would like to talk about possible treatments. However, she is hesitant to use hormone replacement therapies (HRT) because of the uncertainty and current controversy about health risks.

She reports, among her symptoms, that she is tired and sleeping poorly. She awakens frequently at night. She also states that she "is drying up." She reports that her skin, mouth, eyes, and vagina are all extremely dry. This is interfering with her sex life, her ability to eat and speak, and her social interactions. She also complains of myalgias and arthralgias.

Question 3.1

What is your next step?

Selection A Tell her that a short course of HRT is safe and she should try this to see if it relieves her symptoms.
Selection B Send her for diagnostic lab work, including thyroid function studies and autoimmune markers.
Selection C As menopause is a natural event, suggest psychological counseling so she can better cope with her current symptoms.



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