What is Menopause?

Menopause is the grand finale of your menstrual cycles—officially declared when you’ve gone 12 months without a period. It typically happens around age 51 in the U.S. and brings along some changes (hello, hot flashes!).

Stages of the Journey

Perimenopause (Mid-to-late 40s) – Periods get unpredictable, PMS may get worse, and FSH levels start rising.
Late Perimenopause (47-51ish) – You may start skipping periods for months, and hot flashes or night sweats may make an entrance.
Menopause (51+ years) – Your periods have officially retired, and estrogen levels drop.

Hot Flashes & Other Fun Stuff

• Hot flashes, night sweats, sleep trouble, mood swings, and vaginal dryness can pop up.
• Symptoms can last up to 10 years (but don’t worry, there are ways to manage them!).
• African American women tend to have the most symptoms, while Asian women report fewer.

Can You Still Get Pregnant?

Yep! You can still ovulate during perimenopause, so use contraception until you’re officially in menopause.

Hormone Therapy (HRT): What’s the Deal?

• Best for women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause to relieve symptoms.
• Not for preventing heart disease, dementia, or osteoporosis.
• If you have a uterus → You need estrogen + progesterone (E+P).
• If you had a hysterectomy → Estrogen alone is fine.
• Patch vs. Pill? Patches have a lower risk of blood clots!

Who Should NOT Take HRT?

• Women with a history of stroke, blood clots, breast or uterine cancer, heart disease, or severe liver disease.

When to Stop?

Most women stop after 5 years or by age 60, but it depends on personal risks vs. benefits.

Other Ways to Tackle Hot Flashes

Non-Hormonal Options:

• SSRIs (like Paroxetine) – FDA-approved for hot flashes!
• SNRIs (Venlafaxine, Desvenlafaxine) – Good for women on Tamoxifen.
• Gabapentin, Pregabalin, Clonidine – If hormones or SSRIs aren’t for you.

Lifestyle Tips:

• Stay cool (dress in layers, use fans, sip cold drinks).
• Exercise (lowers stress and improves sleep).
• Try CBT, hypnosis, or relaxation techniques.
• Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods (they can trigger hot flashes!).

Vaginal Dryness & UTIs? Let’s Fix That!

Why it happens: Less estrogen = thinner, drier vaginal tissues.

• Vaginal Estrogen (Creams, tablets, or rings—low risk & very effective!)
• Ospemifene (SERM for painful sex)
• Vaginal moisturizers & lubricants

If you had breast cancer, check with your oncologist before using vaginal estrogen.

Surgical Menopause or Early Menopause?

• If menopause happens before age 40 (due to surgery or conditions like POI), estrogen therapy is highly recommended to protect your bones, heart, and brain.
• Women who go into menopause early may experience more severe symptoms and need earlier treatment.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

Menopause is a new phase of life, not a disease! With the right tools—whether lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, or alternative treatments—you can feel your best and embrace the next chapter with confidence!