Menopause Care
Just as you needed excellent care during pregnancy, your health will benefit from support during menopause.
The transition to menopause takes place over years. Perimenopause usually begins in the mid-40s as the ovaries gradually make less estrogen.
Like puberty, menopause is a significant hormonal change within your body that requires attention and care. The interplay of two hormones - estrogen and progesterone - drives a women’s reproductive life cycle. During puberty, the emergence of these hormones caused changes to your body during puberty, setting the stage for pregnancy and triggering periods when no fertilized egg arrived. Declining levels of these hormones cause perimenopause and menopause symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness and night sweats.
Menopause symptoms can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes, nonprescription remedies or prescription therapies. Hormone replacement therapy can be an option for those with moderate to severe symptoms. Your medical team can guide you through risks and benefits to find an individually tailored treatment plan.
Menopause impacts more than your uterus and ovaries. The changes can affect your bone density, heart health and cancer risk. These are the years when screening tests can help you identify cancers as early as possible, when you have the most treatment options.
Oxford Clinic for Women specializes in perimenopause and menopause counseling, hormone replacement therapy, bone density testing and evaluation for abnormal postmenopausal symptoms. Our team can help you navigate this stage of life.
FAQs
+ How do I know if I’m going into menopause?
Menopause is defined as the absence of periods for a year. There isn’t a definitive test to confirm menopause. In the United States, 51 is the average age U.S. women experience their last period, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Common symptoms during the transition into menopause include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, pain during sex, sleep problems and night sweats.
+ Do I still need to have an annual visit with my gynecologist after menopause?
Yes. During perimenopause, your body is going through significant changes. After reaching menopause, annual checkups are increasingly important for prevention and early detection of health conditions. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that women without risk factors for cervical cancer should still have regular screenings until age 65. Breast cancer screenings for women at low risk are recommended through at least age 75.
+ Is it safe to use hormone replacement therapy to manage menopause symptoms?
Every woman is different. The North American Menopause Society says decisions about hormone therapy should be based on the severity of your symptoms, your personal and family health history, and your own beliefs about menopause treatments. Your healthcare provider will be able to help you with your decision.
