By Jenny Stireman, MSN ARNP, NCMP
St. Luke’s Clinic – OB/GYN
All women experience menopause. It is a normal physiological event that is confirmed after a woman has had no menstruation for at least one year.
The average age of menopause in the U.S. is 51 to 52 years of age. That said, many women experience a variety of physical changes during the time period “around menopause,” known as “perimenopause.”
Perimenopause, the time during which a woman’s body makes its natural transition from reproductive years toward permanent infertility, or “menopause,” is a profound time for a woman, both physically and psychologically.
A range of symptoms experienced during perimenopause and menopause that are considered normal are often described as being “mild” and “slightly annoying” to “vexing, disruptive and even painful.” Although highly individualized, the most common complaints are hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and irregular bleeding.
It should be noted that, once a woman is considered menopausal, any vaginal bleeding is considered abnormal, and should be evaluated by a provider.
During the normal aging process and menopausal transition, bone density drops, metabolism slows, and muscle mass will decrease. It is important for women to exercise regularly, specifically participating in resistant type exercise such as Pilates, yoga and weight lifting, which helps to lower body fat ratio and prevent osteoporosis.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be very helpful for women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms. It is important for women to talk to their healthcare provider to determine what treatment options would be best for them. Based on certain medical conditions, such as estrogen-dependent cancers, some women are not candidates for HRT. For these women, there are still several other options available that can be considered for treating symptoms. Some of these treatment options include acupuncture and herbal supplements, as well as other medications.
Dr. Rhonda Robbins, Dr. Aaron Moos and myself recognize that every woman is unique and will experience the menopausal transition in her own unique way. At St Luke’s OB/GYN, we treat the whole woman and individualize choices best for her.
To make an appointment, call St. Luke’s Clinic – OB/Gyn at (208) 727-8600. For additional information, visit stlukesonline.org.
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