Menopause Specialist

What is menopause?

Menopause is the time in life when a woman stops ovulating and therefore stops having menstrual cycles.  Menopause occurs officially after 12 months of no periods.  The average age of menopause is 51 years, but there is a wide age range.  Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause and is often when symptoms including irregular menstrual cycles develop.

What symptoms can I expect?

The symptoms are varied.  Some common ones noted include:

• Shorter or longer menstrual cycles
• Prolonged or heavy bleeding
• Hot flashes (suddenly feeling heated)
• Night sweats (sweating profusely during sleep)
• Sleep problems (falling or staying asleep)
• Dry vagina or painful sex
• Decreased libido
• Urinary incontinence
• Memory concerns ("brain fog")
• Joint pains

What other changes come with menopause?

The low levels of circulating estrogen that occur during the first few years of menopause put you at risk for bone loss. Your doctor may recommend a bone density scan to test for osteopenia (bone loss) and osteoporosis (bone loss that puts you at risk for fractures).  

After menopause, women's risk of heart disease increases.  It is very important to follow a healthy diet, optimize sleep and exercise regularly.

How can I manage the symptoms of menopause?

Menopause is a natural stage of life, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with symptoms that interfere with your quality of life.  At Ob-Gyne Associates of Lake Forest, Ltd., the OB/GYN experts tailor treatments to your individual symptoms and health concerns.  Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) and non-hormonal therapy options are available.  To find out what therapies are best for you, book a menopause or perimenopause consultation today by calling to schedule an appointment or by using the online contact form.