Menopause is a natural transition that occurs when the ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. While the average age for menopause is 51, many women begin experiencing symptoms during perimenopause—the years leading up to the final menstrual period. This transition can occur naturally or may be induced by surgery or medical treatments like chemotherapy.
The traditional definition of menopause is the absence of a menstrual period for one full year. However, since other medical conditions—such as thyroid disorders, prediabetes or a prior hysterectomy—can also affect your cycle, a diagnosis at Peachtree Women's Care of Northside is unique to each woman. Your provider will use a combination of your symptoms, menstrual history and bloodwork to determine where you are in the transition.
Symptoms can begin as early as your thirties and vary significantly in intensity. Common signs include:
You do not have to wait until your periods have completely stopped to seek relief. We offer a variety of hormonal and non-hormonal treatment options, each with its own benefits and considerations.
Because menopause is a complex topic, we recommend scheduling a dedicated problem visit to discuss your management plan. This allows our providers the necessary time to review your options in detail and find the treatment that best fits your lifestyle.