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 | As
menopause is a natural event, suggest psychological counseling
so she can better cope with her current symptoms. |
This
risks overlooking the numerous other possible causes for this
symptom presentation. The other choices are more appropriate.
A short course of HRT might relieve her symptoms and diagnostic
lab work, including thyroid function studies and autoimmune markers
might be useful. In particular, this is the most common age and
presentation for patients with Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune
exocrinopathy. With more focused questioning and appropriate testing,
a diagnosis may be established and treatment instituted. Sjögren's
syndrome patients also require regular monitoring, as there is
an increased risk of development of lymphoma and it is often associated
with other autoimmune connective tissue disorders.
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