Get informed menopause guidance and care
Menopause can be a time of change and uncertainty. At MultiCare, we are here to support you as you navigate these changes.
Menopause occurs 12 months after your last period. At this phase of life, your ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and producing most estrogen and other hormones. On average in the United States, menopause begins around age 51. Yet troublesome symptoms may arise in the years preceding menopause — a transition period known as perimenopause.
Perimenopause typically begins in one’s 40s. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate and ovulation slows down, causing changes in the body including irregular periods and hot flashes.
Symptoms of menopause and premenopause
In the time period leading up to menopause, you may experience a variety of symptoms, such as:
- Changes in the frequency and intensity of your period
- Changes in desire for sex and intimacy
- Difficulty remembering and thinking clearly
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Insomnia and frequent waking during the night
- Mood disturbances, such as anxiety and depression
- Night sweats or hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness and pain
- Weight gain
Menopause treatment options
Although menopause happens to everyone with ovaries, the intensity and type of symptoms experienced can vary. Sometimes symptoms are easy to deal with or monitor without intervention. If menopause symptoms are interfering with your daily life, there are treatment options available:
- Acupuncture
- Herbal remedies
- Medications and lifestyle changes
- Hormone therapy
Your gynecologist or board-certified nurse practitioner can help you pick the right treatment option for you.
Live well in menopause
Given that you may spend approximately one-third of your life in some stage of menopause, we want you to have the tools and information you need to thrive. Beyond treating symptoms, we can help you understand the physical, emotional and mental impacts of menopause so that you can make informed choices that support your well-being.
It’s important to note that low hormone levels during menopause don’t just affect your fertility — they also increase your risk of certain health conditions. If you are in or close to menopause, talk to your doctor about your risk factors for heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis.
You can also schedule a virtual video appointment with one of our menopause specialists.
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