Menopause Care Benefit
In the initial transition into menopause (or perimenopause), you will see a decline in the regularity of your menstrual periods, new hot flashes, mood fluctuations, some dryness or pain during sexual intercourse, changes in appetite, and sleep disturbances. You actually begin menopause in the year between the time you consistently have sporadic periods until the very last one.
Postmenopause
The final phase you have to endure is the post-menopause phase, which is one year after your final period. Your Primary Care Provider/OBGYN will discuss with you how and when to discontinue menopausal therapies.
Symptoms of Menopause
Every woman experiences menopause differently, with some symptoms mild and others severe. Depending on your hormone levels in your 40s, you may face:
Missed periods
If your periods came at the same time each month, menopause would take away your regular, on-time menstrual cycles.
Fluctuating body temperature
Hot flashes are a well-known hallmark sign of menopause. Even though we are unsure why the body suddenly decides to go into hot flash mode, it still happens. Sometimes, you may be very hot to the point you sweat, and your body cools down so much it produces chills.
Palpitations and altered heart rhythms
The heart rate goes up during perimenopause and menopause. This can feel like the heart is racing or the heart rhythm is abnormal.
Painful sexual intercourse, vaginal dryness, and vaginal itch
Because of your lowering estrogen levels, your female sexual organs may not be getting the same level of natural lubrication as they did in your 20s. Vaginal dryness is very common in menopausal women, which shows up in a woman’s life as uncomfortable, dry sexual intercourse, daily feelings of dryness, and an intense itch in and around your vagina.
Sleep disturbances and fatigue
Many women have trouble sleeping; however, menopause can provoke the rise of your temperature at night and induce night sweats. The nocturnal hot flashes are uncomfortable and can prevent you from getting a quality night’s sleep.
Altered mood, lack of focus, loss of concentration
Mood swings can go either way in menopause. You may experience some incredible lows or ultra highs when your out-of-control hormones are unbalanced. You may also have a shifted focus and an impeded level of concentration when estrogen levels tank.
Changes in appetite and weight
Many women report that they find losing weight to be very tricky during menopause due to their slower metabolism, fatigue, and more.
Treatment Options
To support your health during menopause, we offer various hormone therapy options:
- Oral medications (pills)
- Hormone patches
- Vaginal suppositories
- Topical creams or gels
- Hormone injections
Your practitioner will help determine the best option based on your needs, comfort, and lifestyle.
Menopause FAQs
When does menopause start?
Menopause typically begins between 45 and 55, with an average age of 51 in the U.S. However, menopause can begin earlier or later for some women due to genetic factors, lifestyle, or underlying health conditions.
Can menopause start at 40?
Yes, early or premature menopause can occur at 40 due to genetics, medical conditions, surgery, or treatments like chemotherapy.
Are there long-term health risks?
Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life and is not inherently a cause of long-term health issues. Menopause is associated with a higher risk of conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease, and vaginal atrophy. To promote long-term health, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and preventive healthcare measures like hormone replacement therapy, bone density scans, heart health assessments, and cancer screenings.
