What Is Menopause?

What Is Menopause?

Advanced Women's Healthcare is here when you need help managing menopause in Bloomington, IL. Our team of doctors, nurses, and counselors can help whenever you have a women's health concern, and we serve many patients going through menopause. Read more about menopause and contact us for help managing your symptoms.

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural part of the female aging process. It is a period of time that begins when a female has not had a period for 12 months. The ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone, and ovulation and menstruation stop, marking the end of a woman's childbearing years.

According to the CDC, most women experience menopause between 45 and 55. The average age in the US is 51, but there are rare cases of both early and late menopause. Symptoms last 3-5 years for most women, but can last up to a decade for others.

What Are the Symptoms?

With less estrogen and progesterone being produced, you can experience:

  • Light or spotty bleeding
  • Hot flashes
  • Sleep disturbances like night sweats or insomnia
  • Fatigue
  • Mood swings
  • Weight gain
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Painful sex

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms of menopause in Bloomington, IL, come see us for your doctor's recommendations on how to best manage your symptoms as menopause progresses.

How Do I Manage Menopause?

Some women experience menopause symptoms for many years and others only for a few years. Hormone replacement therapy or HRT can help control some symptoms, but is typically only administered in low doses while your body adjusts.

Your doctor will always recommend regular exercise for the many benefits, and during menopause, regular exercise helps regulate your mood and prevent weight gain. The right nutrition goes hand-in-hand with exercise and helps balance your hormones. Practice sleep hygiene and prioritize your self-care to manage stress levels and your mood.

Schedule Your Women's Healthcare

The team of providers at Advanced Women's Healthcare helps women manage menopause symptoms in Bloomington, IL. We can help you remain happy and healthy while your body navigates this change. Contact us for an appointment today at (309) 808-3068.