Perimenopause, Menopause & Postmenopause

What is Menopause?

Menopause is defined as the permanent ceasing of menstruation. It is a milestone in every woman’s life and is a normal part of the aging process. Menopause is usually medically diagnosed retroactively, signified by going 12 months without a menstrual cycle.

This process usually begins around the ages of 45 -50 years of age, designating the end of a woman’s fertility and reproductive years.

Menopause is caused by a depletion of ovarian follicles and is accompanied by a variety of common symptoms due to the natural decline in reproductive hormones (such as estrogen). Some common symptoms include:

• Night sweats
• Hot flashes
• Vaginal dryness
• Painful intercourse
• Urinary incontinence
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood disorders, including mood swings, anxiety and depression

All of these symptoms can be managed through consultation with a Women’s Health provider. Each symptom has its own therapy options, medications and at-home remedies. In any case, and for all patients, we always recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle within this age group.

A nutritious diet and healthy sleep schedule, coupled with vitamin supplementation, exercise and the elimination of drugs and alcohol can support a smooth transition and reduce your risk of potential medical issues that can arise at this time, such as: osteoporosis, bone fractures, and cardiovascular disease.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the condition that many women experience prior to menopause. Perimenopause lasts until the point when the ovaries stop releasing eggs, which thus marks menopause. It usually starts in a woman’s 40’s but can occur earlier. During this time, women can experience menopause symptoms as their hormonal levels are fluctuating and estrogen levels drop.

Common Gynecologic Conditions

Aside from perimenopause and menopause, and their accompanied symptoms, there are many other common gynecologic conditions and topics we see and like to discuss with patients.

• Birth Control – during the perimenopause or “menopause transition” birth control options should continue to be discussed and evaluated. Until you have been diagnosed with menopause after 12 months without menstruation, you can still get pregnant.
• STI’s – Sexually Transmitted Infections can happen in older women who are sexually active. Practicing safe sex is important, even after your reproductive years have concluded.
• Pelvic Floor Prolapse – As you age, and especially if you have had children, the muscles and tissues in your pelvis may become weak and loose.

In addition, it is very important to continue annual visits, including Pap exams (every 3-5 years). Unfortunately, after childbirth and throughout adulthood, women sometimes forego these appointments. As a result, conditions may go unseen and progress to serious or fatal.

As women age, their risks for certain conditions increase, so we strongly encourage you to continue to come in for these important health screenings, notably:

• Cervical Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Osteoporosis

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, we encourage you to call us. Together, we can review your concerns and, through a personalized medical history and exam, determine a cause and put you on a workable path to resolve or manage it.