Menopause
Find relief and reclaim your well-being.
Don’t let menopause control your life. Let us help you regain control.
Menopause occurs gradually over months to years and symptoms can vary. Approximately 37 million women between the ages of 45 to 55 are currently in menopause in the United States. St. Luke’s has experts who understand and can help your individual needs.
Overview
Menopause is often not a sudden event. For many women, it occurs gradually over months to years before one is actually in menopause. Perimenopause starts when you begin having menopause symptoms and can last up to 10 years. During perimenopause you will still have periods and can still become pregnant.
Menopause occurs naturally when your ovaries start making less estrogen and progesterone. This results in reduced hormone levels and causes your ovaries to stop producing eggs and your periods to stop. Menopause is considered complete when you have not had a period for one year.
Postmenopause occurs when you have not had a period for one year. This indicates your ovaries are no longer releasing eggs. You cannot become pregnant once you are postmenopausal.
Top 10 Menopause signs & symptoms
- Excessive sweating during night/sleep disorders
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness, discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse/loss of libido
- Weight gain/loss of fitness
- Skin changes
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Genitourinary problems (issues that affect the urinary and genital tracts)
- Brain fog
- Loss of interest in life
St. Luke’s natural approach to menopause
St. Luke’s approach to caring for you during menopause is more natural and tailored to your needs than many other approaches. In most cases, you and your doctor will discuss your medical history in detail, including your symptoms, diet, exercise and sleep patterns and your family history. You will undergo a series of hormone tests and update other important tests such as a mammogram and Pap smear. Your risk for hormone use will be assessed, and any alternatives, such as herbs and botanicals, will be discussed. Your care provider will make recommendations for diet, exercise and nutritional supplements, and will provide follow-up care to provide maximum benefit and the highest quality care.
Your health matters: find the right gynecologist.
Navigating your health journey can feel overwhelming, but finding a compassionate gynecologist shouldn’t be. Whether you’re looking for routine check-ups, specialized breast health services, or support through life’s changes, we’re here to help you connect with a dedicated provider who understands your needs.