Menopause

When does menopause start?

Menopause typically begins in your late 40s or early 50s, but every woman is different. A menopause diagnosis occurs when you go 12 straight months without a period. During the perimenopausal period, which occurs in the years leading up to this fertility shift, your hormones go through many ebbs and flows. 

You may also experience menopause early due to surgical removal of the ovaries or cancer treatment.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Not all women experience disruptive symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. Many, however, find they have body and mood changes that seriously affect their quality of life. These symptoms occur because your body makes less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. 

Some symptoms of menopause include:

• Vaginal dryness
• Decreased libido
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Weight gain
• Mood changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Headaches

At Evergreen Women's Health, PC., we recognize that many women experience unusual changes to their menstrual cycle, too. Periods may be heavier or lighter during menopause and last for shorter or longer periods of time. You may also find they come at irregular intervals. Dr. McNally and Cory Killeen, ARNP want to hear about all your symptoms so they can offer appropriate relief.

How can a healthcare provider help with menopause?

Menopause is a natural transition and cannot be “cured.” You can manage the symptoms of menopause, however, with all-natural treatments. At Evergreen Women's Health, PC., we support you in adopting lifestyle strategies to help you that include:

• Healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Relaxation techniques

Supplements and hormone therapy are other treatments that can help you move through menopause without a lot of life disruption and discomfort. 

The cause of many menopause symptoms is a disruption in estrogen and progesterone levels. Bioidentical hormones offer a natural solution to this imbalance. Hormones are time-released to offer you relief when you need it. Conventional hormone therapy is also available. 

MonaLisa Touch® is also available to help your vaginal dryness and discomfort during menopause. This non-invasive treatment improves circulation and stimulates collagen development in vaginal tissue, so sexual intercourse and day-to-day life improve. 

What medical issues accompany menopause?

Once you pass through menopause, you’re at an increased risk of certain medical conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and urinary incontinence. Our clinic offers advanced screenings and treatments to help prevent and manage these post-menopausal health concerns.

Hormone therapy is also an important component in preserving bone health and reducing your risk of heart disease. 

After menopause, it’s important for you to stay active to protect your bones and heart. Continue to practice safe sex because you’re still at risk for a sexually transmitted disease even if you aren’t worried about pregnancy.

If you’re approaching menopause, connect with a provider who can help you confidently move through this life transition with minimal discomfort and distress. Call Evergreen Women's Health, PC., to learn how you can stay on top of your health during menopause.