SEATTLE — Menopause is a significant milestone in a woman's life, often accompanied by physical and emotional changes.
“Menopause is, by definition, the last menstrual period,” said Dr. Dina Gordon, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. “It’s a specific event rather than a long stage.”
On average, it happens at age 51 in the U.S. but is normal any time between age 40 and your late 50s. The symptoms of it can begin long before that, though, and they can extend into the post-menopausal state.
These include vasomotor symptoms, like hot flashes and night sweats.
“Those are some of the sort of meanest and most common symptoms that begin before menopause,” Dr. Gordon said.
Other symptoms include heart palpitations, extreme anxiety and sleep disturbances, which have an effect on quality of life and mental health. Menopause can look different for everyone, and some women have no symptoms at all.
“We don’t take action for patients who are not symptomatic,” Dr. Gordon said. “But also, it doesn’t have to be severe to do something.”
Hormone replacement therapy, now called menopause hormone therapy, can be impactful for many people. Some people do not have hormonal options, so the care plan at Swedish is individualized.
“We work together to address your biggest concerns, whether that’s vasomotor symptoms or your sexual health,” Dr. Gordon said.
The team at Swedish will talk with you about what the options are, and they use shared decision-making to decide on a plan forward. If hormone replacement therapy isn’t an option, there are other medications that can help you get relief from symptoms.
You can get more information about Swedish’s menopause care on the Providence Swedish website.
Sponsored by Providence Swedish.
Segment Producer Suzie Wiley. Watch New Day Northwest at 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.