Menopausal Care

You are considered menopausal when you have not had a period for 12 months. This typically occurs in women in their 40s and 50s, when their bodies begin to decrease the production of estrogen and progesterone.

The time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause. At this time, you may have changes in your menstrual cycle and symptoms related to decreasing hormone levels.

Premature menopause occurs in women before age 40. Early menopause occurs in women between the ages of 40-45. Early and premature menopause occur in about 5% of women and are often linked to a history of smoking and taking certain medications.

Early menopause can also occur if you have a hysterectomy before menopause begins. This is because your ovaries—which produce estrogen and progesterone—are removed and your body cannot produce those hormones.

While most women have minimal symptoms, some women may find the changes profound and sometimes distressing. When your body begins to produce less estrogen and progesterone, you’ll likely experience symptoms, such as:

• Hot flashes

• Night sweats

• Irregular periods or irregular bleeding

• Difficulty sleeping

• Depression and anxiety

• Vaginal dryness

• Forgetfulness and trouble focusing

• Urinary incontinence

These symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and may prevent you from doing your normal activities. With menopause management at Crown OB/Gyn, you can get relief from your symptoms.

Most women will not need treatment for these symptoms, but some may need help with this transition. At Crown OB/Gyn, we provide:

Counseling on symptoms of perimenopause and management options, including guidance on normal symptoms of menopause and abnormal symptoms that require further workup and potential management, such as:

• Hormonal and non-hormonal medication options for the treatment of menopausal symptoms (i.e., evidence-based hormone replacement therapy)

• Guidance for screening recommendations and how these change as one ages

• Guidance and support on sexuality after menopause

• Treatment of symptoms that often worsen after menopause including but not limited to pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness, decreased libido

• Workup and treatment of post-menopausal bleeding

Choosing a therapy requires an assessment of family and personal history by your healthcare provider prior to making recommendations regarding potential options.

Crown OB/GYN created a helpful Perimenopause and Menopause Guide to:

• Explain what’s happening in your body

• Clarify common symptoms and changes

• Outline treatment and management options

• Help you feel informed, confident, and supported

Download the guide here.