Although menopause is a natural part of aging, it can be stressful. At Women's Health Connecticut, we provide expert, patient-centric care to support you through all of the phases of menopause. Our providers understand that menopause symptoms can disrupt your life and increase the risk of certain health issues.

We offer education, counseling and personalized treatment plans to minimize uncomfortable symptoms, enhance your quality of life, and support your long-term health.

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of menstruation and fertility in women. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, though the exact timing varies for each individual.

During menopause, a woman's ovaries stop releasing eggs and produce lower levels of reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone. This hormonal change stops menstruation, and women can no longer get pregnant. There are three stages of menopause:

• Perimenopause: The time leading up to menopause, usually starting in a woman's late 40s, though it can begin much earlier for some. Symptoms may include an abnormal menstrual cycle.
• Menopause: The official end of a woman's reproductive years and menstrual cycle, diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period.
• Postmenopause: The period after menopause, during which symptoms may continue or even worsen over time.

After transitioning from perimenopause to menopause, symptoms may last for an average of one to seven years, though some can persist or intensify as time passes. Working with a hormone specialist, like those found at Women's Health Connecticut, can help manage your symptoms and support your overall health during this transitional period.

To learn more about menopause, watch: Doc Talk Video: Menopause Basics.

Each individual menopause journey is unique, and symptoms can vary. However, many women report experiencing some of the below common symptoms:

Hot flashes

Hot flashes, the most common menopausal symptom, are sudden feelings of heat that spread over the body, often accompanied by a flushed face and sweating. These uncomfortable sensations are the body’s response to declining estrogen levels. Night sweats, a related symptom, can also disrupt sleep and lead to insomnia.

Urinary tract and bladder health

During menopause, the bladder lining may thin due to lower estrogen levels, making it more susceptible to irritation and infection. Weaker pelvic floor muscles can also contribute to urine leaks and incontinence or an urgency in urination.

Vaginal Dryness & Sexual Dysfunction

The decline in estrogen during menopause can lead to reduced vaginal lubrication, causing discomfort or pain during sex.

Postmenopausal bleeding

Some women may experience vaginal bleeding after their periods have ended. The most common cause is inflammation of the lining of the uterus or vagina. While this is a common menopausal symptom, you should see your ObGyn to rule out anything serious.

All of the above are common menopause symptoms, so you should not be embarrassed to discuss them with your Women's Health Connecticut provider. They will help you find a solution that’s right for you.

In addition to causing several uncomfortable symptoms, the hormonal fluctuations during menopause can also lead to other health issues:

• Weight Gain and a Thicker Waist: This is often associated with an increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
• Rising Cholesterol Levels and Blood Pressure: Menopause-related weight fluctuations can impact cardiovascular health.
• Increased Risk of Bone Fractures and Osteoporosis: As women age, they are often at a higher risk of bone issues and bone-related injuries. Experts recommend increased bone density screenings starting during perimenopause.

At Women's Health Connecticut, our menopause specialists closely monitor multiple aspects of your health. We consider your family, medical history, and overall health to determine if you would benefit from osteoporosis screening or other specialized care.

Menopausal symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life, but you don't have to face them alone. We offer a variety of treatment options to help manage your menopause symptoms:

• Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): MHT involves taking synthetic forms of estrogen and progestin, the hormones that decrease during menopause. MHT is effective in treating symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
• Medications: Certain antidepressants have been shown to effectively treat hot flashes and can help manage emotional changes during menopause.
• Surgical Options: Treatment for postmenopausal bleeding may include procedures like a hysteroscopy (inspection of the uterine cavity) or, in some cases, a hysterectomy.

One of our providers will thoroughly explain your options and work with you to create the best plan of action.

Women’s Health Connecticut is dedicated to connecting you with a knowledgeable and compassionate menopause specialist who will listen to your concerns and provide the support you need. Schedule a visit today at one of our 90 locations across Connecticut for high-quality support and care during menopause.