Menopause Care

Perimenopause is the transitional stage leading up to menopause, when estrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate and symptoms may first appear. It often begins in your 40s, sometimes in your late 30s, and can last four to eight years or longer. Many women are surprised to learn that some of the symptoms commonly associated with menopause can actually begin during perimenopause.

During this time, you may still have periods, although they may become irregular, lighter or heavier, or occur closer together or farther apart. Common symptoms can include hot flashes and night sweats, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, irritability and mood changes, brain fog and forgetfulness, fatigue, weight changes, breast tenderness, migraines, and changes in libido or vaginal comfort.

You don't have to wait until menopause to seek care. If symptoms are affecting how you feel or function day to day, talk with a provider about what you're experiencing and treatment options that may help.

Menopause marks the end of your menstrual cycles and is officially reached after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. For many women, it occurs around age 51.

Although menopause itself is a milestone, the symptoms and changes associated with it don't necessarily begin or end on that date. Hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, brain fog, mood changes, vaginal dryness, changes in libido, weight changes, and other concerns may continue or change over time.

This can also be an important time to take a more comprehensive look at your health and discuss how changing hormone levels may affect your symptoms and well-being. Whether your symptoms are new, ongoing, or simply don't feel like you, you don't have to navigate menopause on your own. A provider can help you understand what's happening and discuss treatment and lifestyle options based on your symptoms, health history, and goals.

Postmenopause begins after you've reached menopause and continues for the rest of your life. While some symptoms may improve with time, others can continue for years or new concerns may emerge.

Hot flashes, sleep disruption, changes in libido, and vaginal or urinary symptoms can persist, while lower estrogen levels are also associated with important longer-term health considerations, including bone loss and osteoporosis, cardiovascular health, and genitourinary symptoms such as vaginal dryness and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Care doesn't stop at menopause, and neither should the conversation about your health. Ongoing care can focus on helping you feel your best today while supporting your bone, heart, sexual, urinary, and overall health for the years ahead.