Complex benign gynecology in perimenopause: current evidence and future directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Perimenopause is a clinically distinct stage in which abnormal uterine bleeding, fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, and adnexal pathology may require surgical evaluation. Management is complex because symptom burden and structural disease must be balanced against proximity to menopause, potential spontaneous improvement and the risks of undertreatment or overtreatment. This review summarizes evidence on complex benign gynecology in perimenopausal women, focusing on surgical timing, uterus-sparing and definitive procedures, and adnexal management. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent data emphasize careful preoperative assessment of abnormal uterine bleeding because hormonal disturbance, structural pathology, and premalignant or malignant endometrial lesions may coexist. Evidence also supports individualized timing of definitive surgery, as earlier loss of ovarian function, particularly before age 45-50 years, may be associated with less favorable long-term cardiovascular outcomes. Opportunistic salpingectomy during indicated benign surgery is supported as an ovarian cancer prevention strategy that preserves ovarian hormonal function, whereas oophorectomy remains individualized. SUMMARY: Management should be tailored to symptoms, pathology, malignancy risk, proximity to menopause and patient preference. Perimenopause-specific prospective studies are needed.