Frequently Asked Questions about Menopause

Below are high-level answers to frequently asked questions about menopause that we routinely encounter:

1. What is menopause?

Menopause is officially defined as occurring 12 months after your last menstrual period, meaning you have not had a menstrual period for a full year. Menopause typically occurs in women from the late 40s to the mid-50s.

Menopause follows perimenopause, which is the transition phase during which the ovaries produce less estrogen and is marked by fluctuating hormone levels leading to irregular periods and various symptoms. Perimenopause can last for several years before a woman's periods cease.

Once a woman has not had a menstrual period for a 12-month period, she enters the post-menopausal stage, where she will remain for the rest of her life.

2. Presuming a full lifespan, how many women will go through menopause naturally?

3. What are the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause?

Every woman's menopause experience is different, as every body is different. Some women may experience light, perhaps unnoticeable, menopause symptoms. However, for numerous women, symptoms of menopause can be debilitating and can detrimentally impact careers, relationships, and physical, emotional, and mental health overall.

Symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can include:

Hot flashes and night sweats
Vaginal dryness
Increased urinary tract infections
Low libido
Decreased fertility
Mood swings and irritability
Sleep disturbances
Weight gain and slowed metabolism
Thinning hair and dry skin
Loss of breast fullness
Memory lapses, sometimes called "brain fog"
Frequent urgency to urinate
Anxiety
Increased bone porosity and bone loss

4. What causes hot flashes?

Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause and can start as early as the 40s. They are caused by a decline in estrogen, and possibly other hormones like progesterone and seratonin, which helps regulate body temperature, among numerous other functions.

A drop in estrogen can lead to disruptions in the body's thermostat mechanism (the hypothalmus), which makes the brain more sensitive to body temperative changes. When the hypothalmus senses the body is too warm (even if it isn't), it triggers a hot flash to cool the body down. Blood vessels near the skin surface dilate, increasing blood flow to release heat. The body sweats, which is its natural cooling mechanism to evaporate heat. A hot flash results.

5. How do I treat menopause?

We are unable to provide specific medical advice on individualized treatment. However, at a very high level, there are a variety of ways to treat menopause and menopause-related symptoms. These include:

Hormone Replacement Therapy ("HRT"): HRT can alleviate symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause by supplementing or replacing estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. A physician experienced in treating perimenopause and menopause can assess whether you are a candidate for HRT.
Lifestyle Changes: Nutrition, exercise, strength training, and stress management can help manage symptoms.
Alternative Therapies: Some women find relief through natural remedies, though their efficacy can vary.

We encourage every woman who thinks she may be going through perimenopause or menopause to seek out a physician who specializes in menopause care and who can help tailor the very best treatment for her unique needs. As each person is different, we cannot emphasize enough the need to seek out the care of a qualified menopause specialist.

If you are looking for a specialist in your area, an excellent place to search is the website of The Menopause Society (formerly The North American Menopause Society).

6. Are there any health risks associated with menopause?

Hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause, particularly the decline in estrogen, can increase the risk for several health issues. These can include:

Cardiovascular disease
Osteoporosis
Bone Loss
Urinary Incontinence
Vaginal and Urinary Tract Changes
Weight Gain
Mental Health Issues
Cognitive Changes, including increased risk of Dementia
Increased Risk of Certain Cancers
Changes in Skin, Hair, and Oral Health

7. Will menopause ever end?

No.

8. Are there resources where I can learn more?

YES! In our Resources tab, you will see a list of resources that we have found immensely helpful in educating ourselves and in consulting with our physicians as we have navigated our own menopause journeys. We will continue to update our website as we learn of additional resources.

Note: We are not affiliated with these websites or publishing houses in any way, and we receive no monetary benefit from including links to these resources on our website.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your phyisician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Use of this site is by your own prerogative and use of any information contained on this website or links to other websites should be evaluated between you and your healthcare provider.