Our Services / Menopause

When do I need menopause management?

Menopause is when your period stops permanently, and you can no longer get pregnant. You reach menopause when you haven’t had a menstrual cycle in over a year.

The average age for menopause is 52 in the United States, but the transition to menopause (perimenopause) can start in your mid to late 40s. This is a great time to contact Alliance Women’s Health and Wellness, PC, about menopause care.

You may also experience postmenopausal bleeding, which is another reason to schedule an appointment. This typically signals a gynecological issue but may also be a sign of uterine cancer. 

What does menopause management address? 

Every woman experiences menopause differently. Menopause management can help you cope with several issues, such as:

• Menstrual cycles that are shorter, longer, or skip several months 
• Abnormally light or heavy periods
• Sleeping issues
• Hot flashes 
• Mood swings 
• Irritability 
• Vaginal dryness 
• Decreased sex drive
• Postmenopausal bleeding 

Menopause lowers your levels of estrogen and progesterone, which raises your risk for certain health problems like heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and urinary incontinence. Your provider can discuss prevention methods with you.

What treatments does menopause management include?

Your provider first assesses your symptoms and health. They then develop a holistic menopause management plan with treatments tailored to your needs.  

The plan may include one or more of the following:

• Improved diet and physical activity 
• Herbal supplements 
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or low-dose antidepressant medications
• Low-dose hormonal birth control 
• Over-the-counter (OTC) products for vaginal discomfort, dryness, or pain
• Prescription estrogen creams, tablets, or rings for vaginal discomfort 
• Prescription medication for hot flashes 
• Kegel exercises
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) through pills, patches, or topical cream
• Medications to prevent or treat osteoporosis

If you experience postmenopausal bleeding, your provider may conduct a pap smear, ultrasound, or take a biopsy of your uterus. They can then identify the cause of your bleeding, which may be uterine growths, issues with your uterine lining or cells, or cervical cancer. 

To treat the bleeding, they may prescribe antibiotics, supplemental estrogen, or progestin as a pill, shot, cream, or intrauterine device (IUD).

If you have cervical cancer, your provider can discuss effective treatment options with you.

Alliance Women’s Health and Wellness, PC, ensures you feel supported through menopause. Call the office or request an appointment online today.