If you’ve started the transition to menopause, you may have noticed
your body feels a little—unpredictable. Menopause looks different
for everyone. Some women sail through it. Others have hot flashes, sleep
disruption, mood changes, or vaginal discomfort that get in the way of
daily life.
Whatever you’re experiencing, know that you don’t have to “just
live with it.” There are real treatment options.
At LCMC Health, our women’s health providers offer personalized menopause
care across our health system. We take time to understand your symptoms,
health history, and goals. Then, we work with you on a plan that fits
your lifestyle.
Your gynecology team has years of specialized training in women’s
health and hormones. The recommendations we make are grounded in evidence.
We tailor them to your full health picture, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
If you have questions about something you’ve seen online or heard
from a friend, bring it to your appointment. We’re here to help.
Menopause is getting more attention than ever—and that’s mostly
a good thing. More conversations mean more women asking questions and
seeking care.
But not everything you read online or see on social media about menopause
is accurate. Here’s an overview of menopause and what you can expect.
What is menopause?
Menopause is a natural part of life. It’s not a disease and not something
you just need to push through.
Technically, you’ve reached menopause when you’ve gone 12 months
in a row without a period. Menopause marks the end of your reproductive
years. But that doesn’t mean the end of your relationship with your
gynecologist. Your hormones, bone health, heart health, and sexual wellbeing
all deserve attention at this phase of life—and a provider who knows
you makes all the difference.
At what age does menopause start?
Most women reach menopause in their early 50s, with the average age around
51–52. The transition, though, called perimenopause, often begins
in your mid-40s and can last several years.
Some women experience menopause earlier, either naturally or from surgery,
chemotherapy, or certain medications. If you’re noticing changes
and wondering whether menopause is the reason, your LCMC Health provider
can help you sort it out.
Perimenopause is the transition phase leading up to menopause. Your ovaries
gradually produce less estrogen, and your hormone levels begin to change.
This stage is when many women start noticing symptoms, such as irregular
periods, hot flashes, sleep changes, and mood shifts. It can last anywhere
from a few months to 10 years. Your symptoms may be better some months
and worse others.
Menopause isn’t really a stage but a time you reach when you haven’t
had a period for at least 12 months in a row. Once you reach menopause,
your ovaries no longer release eggs, and your body’s estrogen levels
have dropped significantly. Most women reach menopause between ages 45–55.
After menopause, you’re in postmenopause. And you stay in postmenopause
for the rest of your life. Some of your symptoms may ease up over time.
However, lower estrogen levels do increase your risk for bone loss (osteoporosis),
vaginal dryness, and heart disease, so staying connected with your provider
for preventive care matters more than ever.
What does menopause feel like?
Menopause symptoms range from barely noticeable to severe. Common ones include:
Hot flashes and night sweats
Sleep difficulties
Mood changes, irritability, or anxiety
Difficulty concentrating or memory changes (“brain fog”)
Vaginal dryness, discomfort, or pain during sex
Urinary changes, including urgency, frequency, or more urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Decreased sex drive
Joint aches and fatigue
Hair thinning or skin changes
Changes in your menstrual cycle before periods stop
You might have a few of these, many of them, or none at all—and your
symptoms may shift over time.
What are treatment options for menopause symptoms?
There’s no single approach to menopause care. What works well for
one woman may not be right for another. Your LCMC Health provider will
talk through your symptoms, your health history, and your preferences.
Together, you’ll find an approach that makes sense for you.
Hormone therapy is a common, effective treatment for host flashes and night
sweats. It can also help with many other menopause symptoms. This type
of therapy works by replacing some of the estrogen your body is no longer
producing. For women who have a uterus, your provider will often prescribe
progesterone along with estrogen. Hormone therapy comes in many forms,
including patches, gels, sprays, and pills. Your provider will help you
find the right type and dose for your situation. Hormone therapy isn’t
right for everyone. But for many women, it’s safe, effective, and
life changing. If you’ve had concerns about it in the past, it’s
worth having an up-to-date conversation with your provider.
Vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, or urinary changes are common symptoms
during and after menopause. These symptoms fall under a condition called
genitourinary syndrome of menopause. And they don't always get better
on their own. Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can help with day-to-day
comfort. Prescription medication can treat these symptoms directly, often
with very little absorption into the rest of the body.
If hormone therapy isn’t a good fit for you, there are prescription
non-hormonal options that can reduce hot flashes and other symptoms. These
medications can be very safe and effective for some women. Ask your provider
to walk you through what’s available and what the evidence shows.
What you eat, how you move, and how you manage stress all have a real impact
on how you feel during and after menopause. Your provider can talk with
you about:
Bone health
How menopause and treatments affect your risk of heart disease
Whether your cancer risk or family history changes your treatment options
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