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Menopause: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

What is menopause?

What is menopause?

Menopause is the point in your life when you permanently stop having menstrual periods. After 1 year of having no periods, you've reached menopause.

In most cases, menopause happens around age 50. But everyone's body has its own time line. You may stop having periods in your mid-40s. Or you might have them well into your 50s.

Menopause is a natural part of growing older. You don't need treatment for it unless your symptoms bother you. But it's a good idea to learn all you can about menopause. Knowing what to expect can help you stay as healthy as possible.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and vaginal dryness. You may have only a few mild symptoms. Or you might have severe symptoms. Symptoms tend to get worse the first year after menopause. But then many of them improve or go away.

How are menopause symptoms treated?

How are menopause symptoms treated?

If your symptoms are bothering you, there are treatments that can help. Medicines may include hormonal birth control, hormone therapy, antidepressants, clonidine, or gabapentin. Other treatments that may help include cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis, and an over-the-counter vaginal lubricant.

What happens during menopause?

What happens during menopause?

In your late 30s, your egg supply declines. Then hormone levels fluctuate, and periods become irregular. Over time, your ovaries stop releasing eggs and estrogen levels drop. This causes your periods to stop. After a year of no periods, you've reached menopause. During the next year or so, estrogen levels keep going down.

How is menopause diagnosed?

How is menopause diagnosed?

Your age, your history of menstrual periods, and your symptoms will tell your doctor if you are near or at menopause. You likely won't need to be tested to see if you have started perimenopause or reached menopause. But if your doctor suspects another medical condition, you may have some tests.

Menopause: Lowering your risk for other health problems

Menopause: Lowering your risk for other health problems

A healthy lifestyle may help you manage menopause symptoms. It can also help lower your risk for heart disease, osteoporosis, and other long-term health problems. A healthy lifestyle includes the following tips.

  • Avoid smoking.

    This may reduce hot flashes and long-term health risks. Talk to your doctor if you need help quitting.

  • Exercise regularly.

    Being active improves both physical and emotional health. You can help slow bone loss and prevent broken bones with weight-bearing exercise and resistance training.

  • Make healthy eating a priority.

    You'll not only feel better but may also prevent long-term health problems.

  • Take care of your emotional health.

    Try things that relieve stress, such as breathing exercises. And talk to your doctor if you are feeling sad or anxious and it's not getting better.

  • Get enough calcium and vitamin D.

    Eat foods that are rich in calcium. This can help lower your risk of osteoporosis and broken bones. Ask your doctor if taking a supplement with calcium and vitamin D is right for you. The amount of calcium and vitamin D that you need to take depends on your age, your health, and how much calcium you get from the foods you eat.

  • If menopause symptoms bother you, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

    Medicines for menopause symptoms have some risks. But for many people, the benefits outweigh the risks. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of treatment options for you.

Ovia Health app

Did you know that Harvard Pilgrim has partnered with Ovia Health to offer support for women before, during and after menopause? Take advantage of expert advice, resources and access to certified menopause practitioners today.