Frequently Asked Questions About Menopause
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause when hormone levels begin to change. During this transition, hormone levels and menstrual cycles may become irregular, causing menopausal symptoms. Perimenopause usually starts sometime in your 40s, but some women notice changes as early as their mid-30s.1
Menopause is when the hormones that control your period (estrogen and progesterone) decline and your ovaries stop releasing eggs, causing periods to stop for good. Menopause is usually confirmed after 12 months without a mensural period.2 It typically occurs between ages 45 and 55, with the average age in the United States being age 52.3
As hormone levels change during menopause, they can affect many areas of health — not just periods. Heart health, bone strength, sleep, and mood can all be impacted during this transition.3
Perimenopause and menopause are not a single event — it’s a gradual transition that can take several years and may bring symptoms that are challenging for many. The good news is that treatments and lifestyle changes can help manage these symptoms.
While the signs and symptoms can vary, the most common include: 1,2
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood changes
- Sleep problems
- Trouble concentrating or remembering things
- Vaginal dryness Bladder problems
It can be difficult to tell whether a symptom is related to menopause or another underlying health concern, which is why it’s important to talk to your provider about what you are experiencing. Many of these symptoms get better after menopause, but some people continue to experience symptoms, even for years afterward.
The hormonal changes that come with menopause — especially the drop in estrogen — can affect many parts of the body. These changes may increase the risk for several health conditions, including: 2
- Heart disease
- Osteoporosis
- Weight gain and slower metabolism
- Urinary incontinence
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort
- Memory and concentration issues
- Mental health concerns
Treatment for menopause isn’t required, but if your symptoms are upsetting or uncomfortable, you don't have to suffer through them. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about available treatment options, including the risks and benefits: 4
- Hormone Therapy – Can help relieve hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and other discomforts associated with menopause. If you’re thinking about hormone therapy, it’s important to learn as much as you can from your provider. Do not take hormones if you’ve had breast cancer, a heart attack, a stroke, or a blood clot.
- Vaginal Estrogen – Helps ease vaginal dryness, pain with intercourse, and some urinary symptoms by delivering estrogen directly to the affected area.
- Non-Hormonal Medications – Hormonal medications are not an option for everyone. Certain types of antidepressants can reduce hot flashes and feelings of depression. There are also other medications available that can help relieve symptoms like hot flashes, overactive bladder, and urinary urge incontinence.
- Pelvic Floor Therapy – Targeted exercises can help reduce pain and discomfort, improve bladder and bowel control, and address sexual dysfunction.
- Mental Health Support – Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of mental health care can help manage mood changes, anxiety, and sleep issues during menopause.
Additionally, adopting healthy habits and lifestyle changes can help ease symptoms and lower your risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, and other long-term health problems:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid hot flash triggers
- Get enough sleep
- Find ways to reduce stress
- Seek help for mood changes
- Don’t use tobacco
