Menopause is a stage that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive lifespan when the ovaries stop making estrogen. This typically occurs naturally in women over the age of 40 who have not menstruated for more than 12 consecutive months.
Some women may also experience perimenopause, a transitional period which begins several years before menopause.
Both prescription and over-the-counter treatments exist to help with menopausal vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia) and vaginal symptoms (painful intercourse, vaginal dryness, and bladder problems).
If you’re noticing any spotting, heavy bleeding, or an irregular period during menopause, treatment is available.
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Your care team will respond to any questions through our secure messaging platform and you can get medication at your preferred pharmacy.
Patients seeking diagnosis or treatment for depression or anxiety are encouraged to visit the Alpha Mental Health Service, which is a part of Alpha Membership Plus.
The types of hormones you can take depend on the stage of your menopause transition, your medical history, and treatment preferences.
If you are still menstruating, hormonal contraceptives (birth control) may be appropriate for you since menopausal hormones do not suppress ovulation, which can lead to an unplanned pregnancy or irregular periods.
Dress in layers, sleep in a cool room, sip on cold drinks, exercise regularly, avoid foods/drinks that can trigger hot flashes, such as alcohol and caffeine, and try meditation. You can also briefly put your hand in an ice bucket to mitigate the hot flash or night sweat.
Menopause may affect your desire to have sex. Fluctuation of hormones during menopause, specifically a drop in estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness. Less estrogen means less natural vaginal moisture and elasticity, and vaginal dryness can cause pain during sex. This may reduce your desire to have sex.
Perimenopause, the transition phase of menopause, occurs when women start to have symptoms of menopause. It may last for 4 to 8 years. Learn more about treating perimenopause symptoms.
