You’re hot. You’re cold. You’re happy. You’re sad. You’re wondering, “What does normal even mean anymore?” The truth is this natural and gradual transition may not always feel natural and gradual to you. Let WHA’s specialists help you anticipate and manage your symptoms as you move through the transition to menopause.
One of the most important things we’ll cover at your wellness visit is what you’re doing for YOU. That starts with the well-being assessment you’ll complete in MyHealth before your visit. Of course, you don’t have to answer questions you’re uncomfortable with—but the more candid you can be with us, the more we can do to help. Eating healthy and being active play a big role in health and wellness, even more so as we age—but ultimately, you’ll define what wellness means to you. We are here to help you achieve whatever that is. If you’re having problems reaching your health goals, ask your provider if a visit with one of our behavioral health specialists might be right for you.
Entering the late 40s, many people begin wondering if changes they’re experiencing are related to perimenopause. The short answer is: maybe. Mood changes, sleep disturbances, weight gain, vaginal dryness and declining interest in sex are all common concerns during this time and can be linked to hormonal changes. People in this age range can also have many outside stressors—raising teenagers, caring for aging parents, job and relationship stress—that can cause or contribute to at least some of these symptoms. Your provider will want to explore these issues and work with you on the best plan for managing your symptoms—now and into the future. If there isn’t enough time at your wellness exam, your provider may recommend a follow-up office visit to do a more detailed evaluation.
Menopause is defined as 12 months without a spontaneous period. In the United States, the average age of menopause is 51. To determine where you’re at in the transition, your provider will want to talk to you about whether or not you’re having regular menstrual cycles and other symptoms, such as discomfort with sex, hot flashes or trouble sleeping. If you’re post-menopausal, your provider will want to find out how you’re doing; are your symptoms manageable? Are you sleeping? Do you feel depressed?
About 20% of people will go through menopause essentially symptom-free. Another 60% will have mild symptoms and 20% will have more severe symptoms that seriously impact their quality of life. The good news is: if you have symptoms, we can help. Many people have heard for years that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) poses too many health risks. But there are more recent, respected studies that show the benefits of HRT in people under 60 can outweigh the risks.
HRT is not a one-size fits all remedy; if we recommend something that you find doesn’t work, we will work together to find the right solution for you. And, we’re not going to pressure you into HRT—there are non-hormonal options we can discuss to improve your sleep and quality of life.
While we would love to see you for everything, now is an important time to establish a relationship with a primary care provider if you haven’t already. We can recommend the most important health screenings and even take care of many of them for you in our office—but if an issue arises with blood sugar, cholesterol or something else outside our realm of expertise, we may need to refer you to a primary care provider or other specialist to help.
One of the most important things we’ll cover at your wellness visit is what you’re doing for YOU. That starts with the well-being assessment you’ll complete in MyHealth before your visit. Of course, you don’t have to answer questions you’re uncomfortable with—but the more candid you can be with us, the more we can do to help. Eating healthy and being active play a big role in health and wellness, even more so as we age—but ultimately, you’ll define what wellness means to you. We are here to help you achieve whatever that is. If you’re having problems reaching your health goals, ask your provider if a visit with one of our behavioral health specialists might be right for you.
Entering the late 40s, many people begin wondering if changes they’re experiencing are related to perimenopause. The short answer is: maybe. Mood changes, sleep disturbances, weight gain, vaginal dryness and declining interest in sex are all common concerns during this time and can be linked to hormonal changes. People in this age range can also have many outside stressors—raising teenagers, caring for aging parents, job and relationship stress—that can cause or contribute to at least some of these symptoms. Your provider will want to explore these issues and work with you on the best plan for managing your symptoms—now and into the future. If there isn’t enough time at your wellness exam, your provider may recommend a follow-up office visit to do a more detailed evaluation.
Menopause is defined as 12 months without a spontaneous period. In the United States, the average age of menopause is 51. To determine where you’re at in the transition, your provider will want to talk to you about whether or not you’re having regular menstrual cycles and other symptoms, such as discomfort with sex, hot flashes or trouble sleeping. If you’re post-menopausal, your provider will want to find out how you’re doing; are your symptoms manageable? Are you sleeping? Do you feel depressed?
About 20% of people will go through menopause essentially symptom-free. Another 60% will have mild symptoms and 20% will have more severe symptoms that seriously impact their quality of life. The good news is: if you have symptoms, we can help. Many people have heard for years that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) poses too many health risks. But there are more recent, respected studies that show the benefits of HRT in people under 60 can outweigh the risks.
HRT is not a one-size fits all remedy; if we recommend something that you find doesn’t work, we will work together to find the right solution for you. And, we’re not going to pressure you into HRT—there are non-hormonal options we can discuss to improve your sleep and quality of life.
While we would love to see you for everything, now is an important time to establish a relationship with a primary care provider if you haven’t already. We can recommend the most important health screenings and even take care of many of them for you in our office—but if an issue arises with blood sugar, cholesterol or something else outside our realm of expertise, we may need to refer you to a primary care provider or other specialist to help.
Menopause is the absence of spontaneous periods for 12 months and typically occurs around age 52. Early-onset menopause can happen between ages 40 and 45. Symptoms of the transition, called perimenopause, often begin 7 to 10 years earlier. Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) can help relieve symptoms, along with lifestyle changes like regular exercise and weight management.
Menopause is the absence of spontaneous periods for 12 months and typically occurs around age 52. Early-onset menopause can happen between ages 40 and 45. Symptoms of the transition, called perimenopause, often begin 7 to 10 years earlier. Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) can help relieve symptoms, along with lifestyle changes like regular exercise and weight management.
Emotional health is your ability to cope with life’s ups and downs, manage stress and maintain positive relationships. It’s closely connected to mental and physical health. Paying attention to your feelings, getting support when needed and making time for movement and things that bring you joy all support emotional well-being.
Sex drive, or libido, is your interest in or desire for sexual activity. It’s influenced by hormones, stress, emotional well-being, relationships and often, your stage of life. It’s common for libido to shift during times like postpartum, menopause or illness. If you notice changes that concern you, talk to your provider.
Breast health is about more than just getting mammograms. Being familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, knowing your family history of breast cancer and taking daily steps—like staying active and limiting alcohol—can help lower your risk of breast cancer.
Taking steps to prevent disease can protect your long-term health. Women face unique risks for conditions like heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Regular screenings, healthy lifestyle choices (like exercise, well-rounded nutrition, not smoking and not drinking regularly), along with early intervention can help lower these risks.
Abnormal menstrual bleeding refers to menstrual cycles that are heavier, longer or more irregular than expected. This can mean soaking a pad or tampon every one to two hours, bleeding for more than seven days or having cycles that are too short (less than 21 days) or too long (more than 35 days). Spotting between periods or after sex can also be a sign of irregular bleeding. Understanding your bleeding patterns can help you recognize when to seek care.
Your health picture may be shifting, and your care should shift with it. These recommendations reflect general guidelines, but your provider will help you make decisions based on your risk, your preferences, and your goals.
Many preventive screenings are managed through primary care, with us partnering in areas related to reproductive and gynecologic health.
Although fertility declines with age, pregnancy is still possible until menopause, which occurs naturally after 12 consecutive months without a period. Talk with your provider about whether contraception is still right for you—and which option best fits your health and goals.
If you haven’t already transitioned to annual mammograms, now is typically the time. By age 50, guidelines agree on annual screening for people of average risk.
Cervical cancer screening continues through this stage. You have three screening options: Pap test alone every 3 years, HPV testing alone every 5 years, Pap + HPV testing together every 5 years (co-testing). Your provider will help you decide which option is right for you.
If you’ve had a new partner since your last screening, it’s a good time to check in about STI screening. You should also be tested for HIV at least once, with repeat testing based on your risk.
Bone health starts to matter more in this stage. Screening is typically recommended at 65, but earlier screening may be appropriate if you have risk factors like prior fractures, family history, smoking, or low body weight.
Screening for people of average risk begins at age 45 and continues based on the recommendations of your gastroenterologist. Screening frequency is often based on your family and/or medical history, the screening method used and your screening results.
Routine screening becomes even more important; make sure you’re connected to a primary care provider who can help you maintain good health as you age.
Staying current on vaccines remains important.
Your health picture may be shifting, and your care should shift with it. These recommendations reflect general guidelines, but your provider will help you make decisions based on your risk, your preferences, and your goals.
Many preventive screenings are managed through primary care, with us partnering in areas related to reproductive and gynecologic health.
Although fertility declines with age, pregnancy is still possible until menopause, which occurs naturally after 12 consecutive months without a period. Talk with your provider about whether contraception is still right for you—and which option best fits your health and goals.
If you haven’t already transitioned to annual mammograms, now is typically the time. By age 50, guidelines agree on annual screening for people of average risk.
Cervical cancer screening continues through this stage. You have three screening options: Pap test alone every 3 years, HPV testing alone every 5 years, Pap + HPV testing together every 5 years (co-testing). Your provider will help you decide which option is right for you.
If you’ve had a new partner since your last screening, it’s a good time to check in about STI screening. You should also be tested for HIV at least once, with repeat testing based on your risk.
Bone health starts to matter more in this stage. Screening is typically recommended at 65, but earlier screening may be appropriate if you have risk factors like prior fractures, family history, smoking, or low body weight.
Screening for people of average risk begins at age 45 and continues based on the recommendations of your gastroenterologist. Screening frequency is often based on your family and/or medical history, the screening method used and your screening results.
Routine screening becomes even more important; make sure you’re connected to a primary care provider who can help you maintain good health as you age.
Staying current on vaccines remains important.
The website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – this is a great resource for vaccination and disease screening and prevention recommendations.
A website to compare the cost of prescription medications.
On online resource and forum for women having bleeding issues, fibroids, pelvic pain, etc.
A good resource for articles on sex after 40. Also includes various products, but this is not a specific endorsement of those.
A searchable database of current medical information for both patients and providers.
A great resource from the American Urogynecologic Society for women experiencing pelvic floor disorders, including bladder and bowel control issues and pelvic organ prolapse.
This resource from the Oregon Medical Board provides more information on what to expect from various types of physical exams at the doctor's office, including how to advocate for your rights and what to know about medical chaperones.
