Menopause is a natural part of life, but that doesn’t mean it always feels easy – or that you have to figure it out on your own. World Menopause Month is a time to talk more openly about the changes that can come with perimenopause and menopause, from hot flashes and sleepless nights to changes in mood, energy and overall well-being. Knowing what to expect and where to turn for support can make this transition easier to navigate.

Understanding Menopause

Menopause occurs when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. But the transition often begins years earlier during perimenopause, when hormone levels begin to fluctuate.

During this time, women may experience a wide variety of symptoms, including:

  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Changes in menstrual periods
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Mood changes
  • Vaginal dryness or discomfort
  • Changes in sexual health
  • Urinary symptoms
  • Difficulty concentrating or memory changes
  • Joint aches and other physical changes

Hot flashes and night sweats are among the most common symptoms, but menopause can affect many aspects of health and well-being. Every woman’s experience is different, and symptoms may change throughout the menopause transition.

You Don’t Have to Simply “Live With It”

For generations, many women were told that uncomfortable symptoms were simply part of getting older. Today, there is a much greater understanding of menopause and the options available to help women navigate this stage of life.

Depending on your symptoms, medical history and personal preferences, treatment may include lifestyle changes, nonhormonal therapies, hormone therapy or a combination of approaches. Hormone therapy, for example, is an FDA-approved treatment for bothersome hot flashes and can also be used to address certain genitourinary symptoms associated with menopause. Treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all, which is why talking openly with a knowledgeable healthcare provider is important.

Specialized Menopause Care Close to Home

At WhidbeyHealth, all of our Women’s Care providers offer care and support for women experiencing perimenopause, menopause and the years beyond. Whether you have questions about changing symptoms, want help managing those symptoms or are exploring treatment options, our team is here to help.

For patients who may benefit from additional menopause expertise, Dina Levin, MD, MSCP, is Whidbey Island’s only Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP). Dr. Levin is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has more than 25 years of experience specializing in gynecology, obstetrics and menopause care.

The Menopause Society awards the MSCP credential to licensed healthcare professionals who successfully complete a competency examination focused on menopause and midlife women’s health. It recognizes providers who have demonstrated specialized knowledge in caring for women during menopause and beyond.

No matter where you are in the menopause transition, you don’t have to navigate the changes alone. Every provider on our Women’s Care team can help you understand your symptoms, discuss treatment options and find an approach that works for you.

Having access to a certified menopause practitioner can be especially valuable when symptoms are affecting your everyday life, when you’re unsure whether a change you’re experiencing is related to menopause, or when you want to better understand your treatment options.

Start the Conversation

Menopause is a normal part of life, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you’re experiencing symptoms or simply have questions about what to expect during perimenopause and menopause, a conversation with your healthcare provider is a good place to start.

Dr. Levin and the rest of the team at WhidbeyHealth Women’s Care in Coupeville provide personalized women’s health services from adolescence through post-menopause.

To learn more about menopause care or schedule an appointment with WhidbeyHealth Women’s Care, call 360-678-0831.