Menopause
Managing your menopausal symptoms.
Let us help you regain control.
Menopause can occur gradually over months to years, but the journey can bring a range of challenging symptoms that impact daily living. At St. Luke's Women's Health, we believe you don’t have to let menopause control your life. Our expert team understands the unique needs of women navigating this stage of their life and offer compassionate care to help you find relief. We are dedicated to supporting women in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding communities through perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause.
The menopause transition
Menopause is not a sudden event but a gradual process. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. This transition typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, affecting approximately 37 million women in the United States.
The journey involves three distinct stages:
- Perimenopause: This is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, often beginning in a woman's 40s. During perimenopause, your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, leading to fluctuating hormone levels and the onset of menopausal symptoms. You may still experience menstrual periods, though they might become irregular, and pregnancy is still possible.
- Menopause: This stage is reached when your ovaries stop producing eggs and significantly reduce their production of estrogen and progesterone. Menopause is confirmed retrospectively after you have gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
- Post menopause: This refers to the years following menopause. Once you are postmenopausal, your ovaries are no longer releasing eggs, and you cannot become pregnant.
Common menopausal symptoms
The symptoms of menopause can vary widely in type and intensity from woman to woman. Our specialists at St. Luke's are here to help you understand and manage these changes. Common symptoms include:
- Vasomotor symptoms: Hot flashes (sudden feelings of warmth, often with sweating and flushing) and night sweats (hot flashes that occur during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep).
- Vaginal and urinary changes: Vaginal dryness, discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), and increased urinary frequency or urgency, often referred to as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
- Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, often exacerbated by night sweats.
- Mood changes: Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and sometimes depression.
- Cognitive changes: Often described as 'brain fog,' including difficulties with concentration and memory.
- Physical changes: Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, changes in skin elasticity, and loss of fitness.
- Loss of libido: A decrease in sexual desire.
Menopause & Me
Join us for a meaningful conversation in a small, intimate setting focused on menopause-related topics.
Led by Menopause Specialists, these sessions are designed to create a safe, welcoming space where you can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from others. Space is limited to maintain a comfortable environment, and registration is required.
Our personalized approach to menopause management
At St. Luke’s, our approach to caring for you during menopause is highly personalized and holistic. We understand that each woman’s experience is unique, and we tailor our strategies to your individual needs and preferences. Our comprehensive evaluation typically includes:
- Detailed medical history: A thorough discussion of your symptoms, medical background, family history, diet, exercise habits, and sleep patterns.
- Hormone testing: A series of hormone tests to assess your current levels and guide treatment decisions.
- Updated screenings: Ensuring all important preventive tests, such as mammograms and Pap smears, are up-to-date.
- Risk assessment for hormone therapy: A careful evaluation of your suitability for hormone replacement therapy (HRT), considering its benefits and risks.
- Discussion of alternatives: Exploring non-hormonal options, including herbal remedies, botanicals, and lifestyle modifications.
- Lifestyle recommendations: Guidance on diet, exercise, and nutritional supplements to support your overall health and well-being during this transition.
- Follow-up care: Regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, adjust treatments as needed, and ensure you receive the maximum benefit and highest quality of care.
We also offer opportunities for women to connect and learn through discussions on various menopause-related topics. Our St. Luke’s menopause specialists are available to answer your questions in a comfortable, small group setting, helping you regain control and confidence.
Why choose St. Luke’s OB/GYN?
At St. Luke’s, you’ll have access to expert gynecologists and specialists with extensive experience in managing menopause. We create personalized care plans tailored to your unique symptoms, health history, and preferences, ensuring treatment that fits your needs. Our holistic approach addresses not only physical changes but also emotional and lifestyle factors, supporting your overall well-being. From diagnostic testing and a range of treatment options to educational resources and support groups, we offer comprehensive care every step of the way. As part of an integrated health network, your care is seamlessly coordinated with other St. Luke’s providers to meet all of your health needs.
Frequently asked questions about menopause
Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause, characterized by fluctuating hormones and symptoms, but you still have periods and can get pregnant. Menopause is when you have gone 12 consecutive months without a period, signifying the end of your reproductive years.
Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and changes in concentration. However, symptoms can vary greatly among women.
The safety of HRT depends on individual health factors, age, and the type and duration of therapy. Your St. Luke’s specialist will conduct a thorough assessment of your medical history and discuss the potential benefits and risks to determine if HRT is a suitable option for you.
Many non-hormonal strategies can help manage menopausal symptoms, including lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), certain herbal remedies, and non-prescription medications. Your doctor can provide guidance on these options.
St. Luke’s offers a personalized approach, including detailed medical evaluations, hormone testing, lifestyle recommendations, and discussions about both hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options. We provide ongoing support to help you find relief and improve your quality of life.
Find a menopause specialist today.
Don’t let menopause control your life. Schedule a consultation with a St. Luke’s menopause specialist today to discuss your symptoms and explore personalized treatment options. Call 484-526-8600 or visit our online physician finder.