Menopause

Menopause is defined as the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months and marks the end of the reproductive years. The average age of menopause in the United States is approximately 51 years, although the timing varies from person to person.

The hormonal changes that occur during menopause can affect many aspects of physical and emotional health. While some women experience few symptoms, others may notice symptoms that significantly affect quality of life.

Common symptoms of menopause may include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood changes, anxiety, or irritability
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort
• Decreased libido or changes in sexual function
• Weight changes and changes in body composition
• Joint aches and muscle pain
• Urinary symptoms such as urgency or recurrent urinary tract infections

Menopause is a natural stage of life, but that does not mean women need to simply "live with" bothersome symptoms. A variety of treatment options are available, including lifestyle modifications, non-hormonal therapies, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

The resources below provide information about menopause, common symptoms, treatment options, and strategies for maintaining long-term health and quality of life.

Understanding Menopause

• Menopause vs. Perimenopause

  • Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, when hormone levels fluctuate and menstrual cycles become less predictable.

  • Menopause is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

  • Women who have had a hysterectomy or certain medical treatments may not be able to use menstrual patterns to determine menopausal status.  Labwork can help to determine menopausal status in this scenario.

• Menopause Resource Page (ACOG)

• Menopause Patient Education Hub (Menopause Society)

• The Menopause Years (ACOG FAQ)

• Top Questions About Menopause (Office on Women's Health)

• 5 Most Common Questions About Menopause (ACOG)

• Menopause Misinformation is Everywhere.  Here's How to Detect It (ACOG)

• Menopause Symptoms (Menopause Society)

• Hot Flashes (Menopause Society)

• Menopause & Depression (Menopause Society)

• Menopause & the Workplace (Menopause Society)
  
  

• Podcasts

  • The New Menopause (Mary Claire Haver, MD)

  • Women's Sexual Health, Menopause & HRT (The Peter Attia Drive)

  • Not Your Mother's Menopause (Dr. Fiona Lovely)

  • The Mel Robbins Podcast

  • You Are Not Broken (Kelly Casperson, MD)

  • Hello Menopause! (Let's Talk Menopause)
    
    

• Books

  • The New Menopause (Mary Claire Haver, MD)

  • The Galveston Diet (Mary Claire Haver, MD)

  • The Menopause Manifesto (Jen Gunter, MD)

  • The Menopause Reset (Dr. Mindy Pelz)
    
    

• Videos

  • How Do I Know If I Am In Menopause? (Heather Hirsch, MD)

  • What to Know About Menopause (Mama Doctor Jones)

  • Understanding Menopause (Reproductive Facts)

  • Preparing for Your Menopause Healthcare Visit (Menopause Society)

  • What Happens To Your Body During Menopause (Jen Gunter, MD)

  • The Worst Menopause Symptoms (Mama Doctor Jones)

  • Menopause Symptoms While At Work (Heather Hirsch, MD)

  • Menopausal Sleep Issues (Heather Hirsch, MD)

  • Menopausal Joint Pain (Heather Hirsch, MD)

  • Menopausal Skin Changes (Heather Hirsch, MD)

  • Hair Loss During Perimenopause & Menopause (Heather Hirsch, MD)

  • Treating Menopausal Hair Loss (Heather Hirsch, MD)

  • Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Menopause Experience (Menopause Society)

  • Recommended Books About Menopause (Heather Hirsch, MD)

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