A new chapter, with care that meets you there.
Menopause is a natural part of life, but hot flashes, poor sleep and other changes can make it hard. You don’t have to just push through. We’ll help you understand what’s happening and find relief that fits your health and your life.
- Average age Around 51
- Reached when 12 months without a period
- Most common symptom Hot flashes and night sweats
- Treatment Lifestyle, hormone and non-hormone options
Menopause happens in stages
Menopause happens when your ovaries gradually make less estrogen and your periods stop for good. It can also happen earlier because of surgery or some medical treatments. Every woman’s experience is different.
Perimenopause
The transition, often starting in your 40s. Periods become irregular and symptoms begin. It can last several years.
Menopause
The point when you’ve gone 12 months in a row without a period. In the U.S., the average age is around 51.
Postmenopause
The years that follow. Many symptoms ease, while bone and heart health become more important.
Common signs of the change
Symptoms often start during perimenopause and can last for several years. You may have a few, or many.
- Hot flashes and night sweats Sudden waves of heat, flushing and sweating, day or night.
- Irregular periods Periods that come closer together, farther apart, lighter or heavier.
- Trouble sleeping Waking up often, sometimes because of night sweats.
- Mood changes Irritability, anxiety or feeling down.
- Vaginal dryness Dryness, itching or pain during sex.
- Bladder changes Needing to go more often, leaking or more urinary infections.
- Brain fog Trouble focusing or remembering things.
- Body changes Joint aches, weight gain around the middle and lower sex drive.
Your visit, step by step
A menopause visit is a conversation about how you’re feeling and what you need. Here is what to expect.
Talk
We review your periods, symptoms and health history, including any history of blood clots, breast cancer or heart disease.
Exam
Your blood pressure and weight, plus a breast and pelvic exam when you’re due.
Tests if needed
Menopause is usually diagnosed from your age and symptoms. Blood tests can rule out other causes, like thyroid problems.
Your plan
We talk through your options and choose a plan that fits your symptoms, health and preferences.
Before your visit
A little preparation helps us understand your symptoms faster.
- Track your periods When your last few periods came and how they’ve changed.
- Note your symptoms How often you have hot flashes, how you’re sleeping and how you feel day to day.
- List your medicines Including vitamins, supplements and anything you’ve tried for symptoms.
- Know your family history Especially breast cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and blood clots.
Relief that fits your life
Treatment depends on which symptoms bother you most, your health history and your preferences. Many women combine more than one approach.
Everyday changes
A good place to start
- Dress in layers and keep your bedroom cool
- Notice triggers such as alcohol, caffeine and spicy food
- Regular exercise helps sleep, mood, weight and bones
Hormone therapy
Most effective for hot flashes
- Estrogen, given as a pill, patch, gel or spray
- Taken with progestin if you still have your uterus
- For most healthy women under 60, benefits often outweigh the risks
Vaginal estrogen
Low-dose and local
- A cream, ring or small tablet used in the vagina
- Eases dryness, painful sex and some bladder symptoms
- Very little reaches the rest of the body
Non-hormone medicines
If hormones aren’t right for you
- Certain antidepressants and other medicines can reduce hot flashes
- Newer medicines are made just for hot flashes
- Options for women who can’t or don’t want to take hormones
Moisturizers and lubricants
Over the counter
- Vaginal moisturizers used a few times a week ease dryness
- Lubricants make sex more comfortable
- Can be used alone or with other treatments
Sleep and mood support
Whole-person care
- Good sleep habits and treating night sweats
- Counseling, including cognitive behavioral therapy, can help
- Tell us if you feel anxious or down. It’s part of your care
Your provider will walk you through the benefits and risks of each option, so you can choose with confidence.
Caring for your health after menopause.
Lower estrogen affects more than your periods. Staying on top of your health now helps you feel your best for years to come.
Keep up with:
- Your yearly well woman exam
- Mammograms
- Bone density testing
- Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checks
- Colon cancer screening
Bone health
Bone loss speeds up after menopause, raising the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
- We check Bone density starting at 65, or earlier if you have risk factors
- You can Get enough calcium and vitamin D and do weight-bearing exercise
Heart health
The risk of heart disease rises after menopause.
- We check Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar
- You can Stay active, eat well and skip smoking
Bleeding after menopause
Any bleeding or spotting after you’ve gone 12 months without a period is not normal.
- Call us So we can find the cause, even if it’s just a little
Frequently asked questions
Don’t see your question here? Call us at 770-451-3100 and we’ll be glad to help.
How do I know if I’m in menopause?
You’ve reached menopause when you’ve gone 12 months in a row without a period. If you’re over 45 and have typical symptoms, blood tests usually aren’t needed. We’ll help you understand where you are in the transition.
Can I still get pregnant during perimenopause?
Yes. You can still get pregnant until you’ve reached menopause. Keep using birth control until we tell you it’s safe to stop.
Is hormone therapy safe?
For most healthy women under 60, or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits of hormone therapy often outweigh the risks. It isn’t right for everyone, such as women with a history of breast cancer, blood clots or stroke. We’ll review your history and help you decide.
How long do hot flashes last?
It varies. Many women have hot flashes for several years, and some have them longer. Treatment can help at any point.
What is early menopause?
Menopause before age 45 is called early menopause, and before 40 it is called premature menopause. It can also happen after surgery to remove the ovaries or some cancer treatments. If your periods stop early, let us know.
Do I still need yearly visits after menopause?
Yes. Your yearly well woman exam keeps you up to date on screenings like mammograms and bone density tests, and gives us a chance to check on your symptoms.
Feel like yourself again.
Hot flashes and sleepless nights don’t have to be your normal. Call us to schedule a visit. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.
We accept most health insurance plans in Georgia
Visit Us
Contact & Location
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Phone
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Fax
770-451-3343
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Email
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Hours
Mon – Fri, 8am – 4pmClosed for lunch 12:30 – 1:30