Menopause Management Specialist
Going through menopause marks a major change in a woman’s life. Maiden Lane Medical offers compassionate, confidential and individualized attention for New York City women who want to ensure they have the best health possible throughout menopause and perimenopause. Book an appointment today to see one of our caring providers to help you.
Janice A.
Topic at a Glance
- Menopause is recognized when a woman has not had a period for 1 year.
- Leading up to this time, a woman’s periods may be heavier and closer together.
- Other symptoms may include painful sex, insomnia, and irritability.
- Treatment depends on the symptoms and may include lifestyle changes and hormone therapy.
What is menopause?
Menopause is the time in life where the ovaries begin to shut down production of the hormones that regulate cycles and allow for ovulation. At a certain point in life, the ovary runs out of viable eggs and so the production of these hormones is gradually slowed down until ovulation ceases altogether. The true criterion that is recognized is when a woman has not had a period in 1 year.
Menopause
A woman is considered to be in menopause when she has not had a period for 12 consecutive months; this natural and vital process, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, signifies the end of estrogen and progesterone production by the ovaries, and is the end of a women’s reproductive years. Learn more about the changes that happen during menopause.
Does it happen all at once or are there stages?
The initial reduction in hormone production signals perimenopause. Perimenopause can last several years as your ovarian reserves and hormones decline. Your periods become irregular and eventually stop. You officially reach menopause after 12 months without a period and enter the postmenopause phase.
Early or Premature Menopause
Early menopause and premature menopause are conditions where a woman goes through menopause at an earlier age than usual. Learn about premature menopause as well as risk factors and treatments.
What should I expect as I approach and reach menopause?
Yes, Perimenopause usually begins in the early to mid-forties age group. You might notice that you are not as regular. It is common for the period to be heavier and closer together sometimes as close as 21 days. The bleeding pattern also changes. It is not uncommon to have very heavy bleeding for 2-3 days, a day or two of nothing, then another heavy day.
Perimenopause
Menopause is a point in time 12 months after a woman’s last period. The menopausal transition most often begins between ages 45 and 55. It can last for many years. The duration can depend on lifestyle factors such as smoking, age it begins, and race and ethnicity. Learn more about the changes that happen during the menopausal transition.
As you progress through perimenopause, you begin to skip periods and potentially develop other menopausal symptoms. It is possible to have some bleeding after menopause. If this happens, you should make an appointment with your gynecologist. While it’s not usually due to a serious problem, it’s better to have any abnormal bleeding checked out.
When does menopause happen?
The average age of menopause is 50-51 years old, although it is normal to occur anywhere between 40 and 60. This is determined by genetics and other personal details.
Menopause and Sexuality
In the years around menopause, you may experience changes in your sex life. Some women say they enjoy sex more. Other women find that they think about sex less often or don’t enjoy it as much. Low hormone levels after menopause cause vaginal tissues to be thinner or drier. Read more about the changes that occur and treatments to help your symptoms.
Are there symptoms?
Not all women have menopause symptoms. However, the most common are the following:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Reduced with short-term memory
- Difficulty with concentration
- Joint pain
- Palpitations
- Weight gain
- Low libido
- Painful sex
Another disruptive symptom of menopause is genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). GSM develops as your reduced estrogen levels affect your pelvic floor. It includes symptoms such as vaginal dryness, painful sex, vaginal burning, recurrent UTI and dysuria.
Dysuria is difficulty with urination including irritable bladder syndromes and frequent urination during the day and or night (nocturia).
Menopause Symptoms
During the transition to menopause, changing hormone levels can affect your menstrual cycle and cause symptoms like hot flashes and problems sleeping. As you get closer to menopause, you may notice other symptoms, such as pain during sex, urinary problems, and irregular periods. Know menopause symptoms and how to deal with them.
What are the available treatments for menopause?
Menopause treatments are determined by the severity of the symptoms. Women who have very mild symptoms may elect not to have any treatment other than information and routine monitoring. Your provider might recommend some lifestyle modifications.
For those who experience moderate or severe symptoms, the treatments are varied. Your menopause management program is tailored to your symptoms.
These include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Acupuncture
- Supplements
- Non-hormonal medications
- Bioidentical hormone therapy
- Transdermal or oral hormone therapy
Your gynecologist can modify your treatment plan at any time if your needs change.
Have more questions?
Do I need special treatment for GSM?
The team at Maiden Lane Medical offers pelvic physical therapy to relieve GSM symptoms. If GSM interferes with your health or well-being the physical therapists specializing in pelvic physical therapy can help you develop an appropriate program and progression to stretching and exercise
- Non-hormonal vulvar and vaginal lubricants with sexual activity and long-acting vaginal moisturizers
- Regular, gentle vaginal stretching with fingers or dilator/vibrators and if desired a return to intercourse when possible.
You might also benefit from GYN guided prescription therapies which may include:
- Low dose vaginal estrogens
- Vaginal DHEA inserts
- Oral ospemifene
- Transdermal or oral hormone replacement
- Mona Lisa therapy
Women's Health Specialists
Related Services
- Abnormal Pap
- Abnormal Periods
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
- Annual Gyn Exam
- Colposcopy
- Dense Breasts
- Dysmenorrhea
- Endometrial Polyps
- Fibroids
- Gynecology
- Hpv
- Mammogram FAQs
- Menopause Management
- Obgyn
- Ovarian Cysts
- Painful Sex
- Pelvic Pain
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Preparing for a Mammogram
- Uterine Prolapse
- Vaginal Infections
Don't know which doctor to choose? Let us help you.
STEPHANIE L.
FAQs About Menopause Management Specialist
What is menopause?
Menopause is the time of a woman’s life when the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone. It is signaled by 12 consecutive months without a period.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the period when hormone production begins to decline before the criteria for menopause are met. Symptoms may include irregular, heavy periods and unusual bleeding patterns.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep problems. They may also include mood and concentration changes, joint pain, weight gain, low libido, and painful sex.
What treatments are available for menopause?
Treatments are chosen according to your symptoms and may include lifestyle changes, acupuncture, and hormonal and non-hormonal therapy.
How is genitourinary syndrome of menopause treated?
Treatment to relieve GSM symptoms may include lubricants and moisturizers, vaginal stretching, and GYN-guided prescription therapies.
Our doctors who provide this service
Emily Blanton, MD
Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Janette Davison, MD
Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Kenneth A. Levey, MD MPH FACOG FACS
Focused Practice Designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
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