Menopause
The women’s health team of experts at Dignity Health is committed to providing comprehensive care and support to women at all stages of her life. We understand the challenges women face when menopause occurs and are here to help guide you through the symptoms to find the best course of treatment for each individual woman.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause occurs when a woman's menstrual periods stop. Menopause happens because the ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Perimenopause is the stage leading up to menopause, where a woman's periods may stop and start many times; a woman reaches menopause when she does not have a period for at least one full year.
The average age for menopause is 51, but it can happen as early as 40 or as late as 55. After a woman goes through menopause, she is considered postmenopausal, when the female hormones remain at very low levels. Menopause can cause many uncomfortable symptoms, but working closely with your doctor can help treat those symptoms so you can stay active and strong. Some symptoms include:
Hot flashes
Difficulty sleeping
Mood changes
Osteoporosis
Menopause Treatment Options
There is no "cure" for menopause, but there are many ways to manage symptoms if you are experiencing any. Talk to your doctor about simple lifestyle changes that may help your symptoms, and also know that some symptoms may go away on their own.
Medical treatments like menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) are available, but you should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this treatment.
You’ve told your BFF. Now talk to a GYN.
You’re a doer. So when it comes to changes in your own body, why is it that you put it off? It’s time to take action and talk to a professional (no offense to your friends)! Find a doctor near you.