Our program focuses on the gynecologic, hormonal, primary and preventive health needs of women in the peri-menopausal and menopausal years.
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her period stops. It usually occurs naturally, most often after age 45. Menopause happens because the woman's ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Perimenopause is the
time period during which a woman's body makes its natural transition toward permanent infertility.
A woman has reached menopause when she has not had a period for one year. Changes and symptoms can start several years earlier. They include
- A change in periods - shorter or longer, lighter or heavier, with more or less time in between
- Hot flashes and/or night sweats
- Trouble sleeping
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings
- Trouble focusing
- Less hair on head, more on face
Some symptoms require treatment. Talk to your doctor about how to best manage menopause. Make sure the doctor knows your medical history and your family medical history. This includes whether you are at risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, or breast cancer.
Dept. of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health
Most menopausal symptoms are likely to disappear several years after menopause, some that may be an ongoing problem and important for women to know about are:
- Osteoporosis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Urinary incontinence
- Vaginal dryness