Care for menopause symptoms and long-term health
Menopause is a natural part of life, but the changes it brings can affect how you feel every day. At UTMB Health, you’ll find compassionate experts who listen, understand, and help you feel like yourself again.
Our specialists offer advanced testing and personalized treatments—both hormonal and non-hormonal—to manage symptoms, protect your heart and bone health, and support your overall well-being through every stage of midlife
Conditions We Treat
Bone and Heart Health Changes During Menopause
Overview:
Estrogen protects your bones and heart. When levels drop during menopause, the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease rises. Regular screening helps prevent long-term issues.
Common Symptoms:
- Often no early symptoms
- Bone loss may cause fractures later
- Heart concerns may show as fatigue, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath
Treatments & Procedures:
- Bone-density scans – Detect bone loss early
- Cholesterol and heart screenings – Monitor risk factors
- Hormone therapy – Helps protect bones and arteries
- Calcium, vitamin D, and exercise plans – Build strength and protect heart health
Brain Fog and Memory Changes During Menopause
Overview:
Many people notice forgetfulness or trouble concentrating during menopause. Hormone changes, sleep loss, or stress may play a role. These changes are usually temporary.
Common Symptoms:
- Forgetting names or tasks
- Trouble focusing
- Mental fatigue
- Feeling distracted or disorganized
Treatments & Procedures:
- Hormone therapy – May help improve clarity
- Cognitive exercises – Boost focus and memory skills
- Sleep and stress management – Improves brain function
- Healthy habits – Balanced diet and regular activity support brain health
Early or Premature Menopause
Overview:
Early menopause happens when your periods stop before age 40. It may also be called premature menopause or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Unlike perimenopause, which is a gradual transition, early menopause is the permanent end of your menstrual cycles at a much younger age.
Causes may include genetics, autoimmune conditions, surgery (such as ovary removal), or treatments like chemotherapy. Early menopause can affect fertility, hormone levels, and long-term health.
Common Symptoms:
- Missed or absent periods before age 40
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Vaginal dryness or pain during sex
- Trouble sleeping
- Mood changes
- Low energy or fatigue
- Difficulty getting pregnant
Treatments & Procedures:
- Hormone therapy – helps replace estrogen and protect bone and heart health
- Fertility counseling – understand your options for having children
- Egg freezing – preserves healthy eggs for future pregnancy
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) – combines eggs and sperm in a lab, then transfers embryos to the uterus
- Donor egg options – eggs from a donor can be used for pregnancy
- Lifestyle support – nutrition, exercise, and sleep guidance to improve symptoms and protect long-term health
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Overview:
Hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth, often with sweating and a fast heartbeat. Night sweats are hot flashes that happen during sleep. These symptoms are common during menopause and can affect daily life and rest. Treatment can help reduce how often they happen and how severe they feel.
Common Symptoms:
- Sudden heat in the face, neck, or chest
- Sweating or chills afterward
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nighttime awakenings
Treatments & Procedures:
- Hormone therapy – Reduces frequency and intensity of hot flashes
- Non-hormonal medicines – Help control symptoms through the brain’s temperature centers
- Lifestyle changes – Layered clothing, cooling rooms, and stress control
- Sleep care – Addresses rest problems related to night sweats
Low Sex Drive (Low Libido) During Menopause
Overview:
Many people experience a lower interest in sex during or after menopause. Hormone changes, stress, pain, or fatigue can all play a part. Treatment focuses on comfort, confidence, and intimacy.
Common Symptoms:
- Less desire for sex
- Difficulty becoming aroused
- Vaginal dryness or pain
- Emotional or relationship strain
Treatments & Procedures:
- Hormone or vaginal estrogen therapy – Restores comfort and balance
- Counseling – Supports emotional and relationship health
- Lubricants and moisturizers – Reduce pain and increase pleasure
- Lifestyle changes – Address fatigue, stress, or body image concerns
Menopause
Overview:
Menopause is the natural stage of life when your periods permanently stop. It usually occurs between ages 45 and 55. Menopause means your body makes much less estrogen, and pregnancy is no longer possible.
This change can cause a range of symptoms that affect your daily life and increase risks for conditions like osteoporosis or heart disease. Every person’s experience is unique, and our care team is here to help you stay healthy and comfortable.
Common Symptoms:
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex
- Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating or memory changes
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue or low energy
- Weight or body changes
- Bone loss (osteoporosis)
Treatments & Procedures:
- Hormone therapy – replaces estrogen to relieve symptoms and protect bone health
- Non-hormonal medications – help with hot flashes, mood, or sleep issues
- Vaginal estrogen – relieves dryness and discomfort
- Bone health screening – checks for signs of osteoporosis
- Heart health screening – monitors cholesterol, blood pressure, and risk factors
- Lifestyle counseling – nutrition, exercise, and stress management to support long-term health
Mood Changes, Anxiety, or Depression During Menopause
Overview:
Hormone changes during menopause can affect your mood. You may feel more anxious, irritable, or down than usual. Supportive care can help you manage these changes and improve your emotional well-being.
Common Symptoms:
- Irritability or sadness
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Fatigue
- Trouble focusing
- Sleep problems
Treatments & Procedures:
- Counseling or therapy – Offers coping tools and emotional support
- Medication – Treats anxiety or depression if needed
- Hormone therapy – Balances hormones that affect mood
- Lifestyle support – Exercise, diet, and stress-reduction guidance
Perimenopause
Overview:
Perimenopause—sometimes called the menopause transition—is the time leading up to menopause when your body slowly makes less estrogen. This stage can last several years, usually starting in your 40s, though it can begin earlier.
During perimenopause, your periods may become irregular, and you may notice changes in your mood, energy, or sleep. These changes are a normal part of the transition, but symptoms can be disruptive. Our experts can help you understand what’s happening and find relief.
Common Symptoms:
- Irregular or skipped periods
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Trouble sleeping
- Mood swings or irritability
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort
- Decreased energy or fatigue
Treatments & Procedures:
- Hormone therapy – balances estrogen to reduce hot flashes and night sweats
- Non-hormonal medications – help with sleep, mood, or hot flashes
- Vaginal estrogen – relieves dryness and discomfort
- Lifestyle support – guidance for nutrition, exercise, and stress management
- Sleep strategies – to improve rest and energy
Sleep Problems During Menopause
Overview:
Many people have trouble falling or staying asleep during menopause. Night sweats, stress, and hormone changes can all play a role. Treatment focuses on improving sleep quality and helping you feel more rested.
Common Symptoms:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking up often during the night
- Early morning awakening
- Daytime tiredness or brain fog
Treatments & Procedures:
- Sleep evaluation – Identifies causes like hormones or habits
- Hormone or non-hormonal therapy – Reduces night sweats and restores rest
- Sleep hygiene coaching – Builds healthy bedtime routines
- Relaxation techniques – Mindfulness or breathing exercises
Vaginal Dryness or Pain During Sex
Overview:
Lower estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness, irritation, or discomfort during sex. These symptoms can affect comfort and intimacy. Treatment options can help restore moisture and improve comfort.
Common Symptoms:
- Dryness, burning, or itching
- Pain during sex
- Light bleeding after sex
- More frequent urinary tract infections
Treatments & Procedures:
- Vaginal estrogen therapy – Low-dose estrogen cream, tablet, or ring
- Moisturizers and lubricants – Add comfort and reduce friction
- Pelvic floor therapy – Improves muscle strength and circulation
- Regular sexual activity – Keeps tissues healthy and flexible
Services & Procedures
Bone and Heart Health Screening During Menopause
Overview:
These screenings check your risk for heart disease and bone loss, which can rise after menopause. Catching problems early helps protect your long-term health.
Conditions Monitored or Detected:
- Osteopenia or osteoporosis (bone loss)
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Risk of heart disease
Before the Procedure:
You may need a blood test, bone scan (DEXA), or blood pressure check. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a list of medications.
After the Procedure:
Your provider will review your results and explain what they mean. You may be given tips or treatment to help strengthen bones or lower heart risks.
Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms
Overview:
This treatment replaces the estrogen your body stops making during menopause. It can help relieve hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms. It may also protect your bones and support long-term health.
Conditions Treated:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings or sleep problems
- Vaginal dryness or pain
- Bone loss (osteoporosis)
- Early or premature menopause
Before the Procedure:
Your provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and family history. They may do blood tests or other screenings to see if hormone therapy is right for you.
After the Procedure:
You may start with pills, a skin patch, or other forms of estrogen. Your provider will check in regularly to see how you're feeling and adjust the dose if needed.
Non-Hormonal Treatments for Menopause Symptoms
Overview:
These treatments help manage menopause symptoms without using estrogen. They may include certain medications, supplements, or lifestyle changes.
Conditions Treated:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood changes
- Sleep problems
Before the Procedure:
You’ll talk with your provider about your symptoms and health history. They’ll explain which non-hormonal options may help, like antidepressants, seizure medications, or natural supplements.
After the Procedure:
You’ll try the treatment plan and check in to see how well it’s working. Your provider can adjust your plan or try another option if symptoms continue.
Vaginal Estrogen Therapy for Menopause Symptoms
Overview:
Vaginal estrogen helps treat dryness, itching, and pain during sex caused by low estrogen. It stays mostly in the vaginal area and comes in a cream, tablet, or ring.
Conditions Treated:
- Vaginal dryness
- Pain during sex (dyspareunia)
- Itching or burning
- Urinary discomfort
Before the Procedure:
Your provider will ask about your symptoms and do a pelvic exam to check for signs of thinning tissue. No special prep is usually needed.
After the Procedure:
You’ll use the cream, tablet, or ring at home. It may take a few weeks to feel better. Your provider will let you know how often to use it and follow up if you have any questions.
Schedule an Appointment
Your Care Team
Each provider may treat different conditions. Click on a profile to see their areas of specialty.
Angleton
Clear Lake
Friendswood
Galveston
Lake Jackson
Frequently Asked Questions
-
When should I see a menopause specialist?
If symptoms like disrupt your sleep, work, or relationships, or if you’re unsure what’s normal, schedule a visit. Our specialists can help you find relief and peace of mind.
-
What are the common symptoms of menopause?
Menopause can cause hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and trouble sleeping. You may also notice vaginal dryness, weight changes, or problems with focus and memory. Some people feel more anxious or emotional during this time. Your care team can help you manage these changes with personalized care, counseling, and proven treatments so you can feel like yourself again.
-
How can UTMB Health help with menopause symptoms?
At UTMB Health, you’ll receive a full evaluation and care plan made just for you. Treatments can include hormone therapy, vaginal estrogen, or non-hormonal options to ease symptoms and improve quality of life.
-
What is hormone therapy, and is it safe?
Hormone therapy replaces estrogen that your body no longer makes. It can relieve hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Your provider will review your health history to make sure it’s a safe choice for you.
-
Are there non-hormonal treatments for menopause?
Yes. UTMB Health offers lifestyle guidance, prescription medications, and other approaches to reduce hot flashes, improve sleep, and boost mood without hormones.
-
Why is bone and heart health important during menopause?
Lower estrogen levels can increase your risk for heart disease and bone loss. UTMB Health offers screenings and preventive care to help protect your long-term health.
-
What is vaginal estrogen therapy?
Vaginal estrogen treats dryness or discomfort using low-dose estrogen applied directly to the vaginal area. It helps restore comfort and prevent infections.
All Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialties
Our Locations
- 250 Blossom Street
Suite 160 - M–F: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- (832) 632-5088
- (832) 632-5089
- Website
- 146 East Hospital Drive
Suite 208 - 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday-Friday
- (979) 864-8415
- (979) 864-8481
- Website
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- 250 Blossom Street
3rd Floor - M–F: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- (832) 505-3010
- (832) 632-7863
- Website
- 1505 Winding Way Drive
Suite 210 - M–F: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- (832) 505-5050
- (832) 569-4952
- Website
- 215 Oak Drive South
Suite D - 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday-Friday
- (979) 297-2755
- (979) 297-6905
- Website
- 1005 Harborside Drive
3rd Floor - M–F: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- (409) 772-9507
- (409) 747-5570
- Website