How May We Help You?
Am I in Menopause?
Tip!
Click on any of the links below to read more information from our Patient Education. These links open up in a separate window.Menopause is a natural part of aging. The average age of menopause is 51 years old, and the years leading up to this time are called “perimenopause”. As menopause nears less estrogen is made by the ovaries and you may notice a change in your menstrual cycles. Bleeding may be for a longer or shorter time than usual for you; your menstrual flow may be heavier or lighter than usual for you, and you may even skip one or several periods. Eventually, your ovaries stop producing enough estrogen to thicken the uterine lining and then your menstrual period will stop. Your body will go through changes because of the lower amount of estrogen now present (other glands in your body and also body fat continue to make small amounts of estrogen after menopause) Every woman experiences menopause differently. Some women have a lot of difficulty with their symptoms while other women do not.
The usual symptoms are:
- Hot Flashes. These are the most common symptom of menopause; up to 75% of women going through menopause will have them. A hot flash can last from seconds to a few minutes and is a feeling of sudden rushing heat to the face and upper body. Some women also break out in a drenching sweat.
- Sleep disturbances. These can be caused by the hot flashes. Also some women who are in perimenopause and menopause find it harder to get to sleep.
- Bone loss. During menopause the rate of bone loss increases and so the risk of osteoporosis increases.
- Vaginal Changes. The lining of the vagina may become thin because of the lack of estrogen . These changes can cause more vaginal infections and itching and can also cause pain during sex
- Sexuality. For some women lower hormone levels may affect sexual interest, and ability to orgasm. Also less estrogen may make the vagina dry. There are a lot of over-the-counter personal lubricants that can make sex more comfortable and more enjoyable.
- Mood changes: During menopause, changes in hormone levels (and often lack of good sleep) may make you feel tired, stressed, nervous and easily irritated.
There are many treatment options for menopausal symptoms ranging from Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which is mainly used to treat hot flushes and vaginal dryness, to bisphosphonates and SERMS (selective estrogen receptor modulators) that help prevent or treat osteoporosis. There can be side effect and risks associated with treatment options so it is best to discuss treatment choices with your physician.
