Perimenopause and Menopause Care
Women's bodies go through many changes over a lifetime — from your first period to a big shift in hormones during perimenopause and menopause. At AHN, our perimenopause and menopause care gives you the tools, therapies, and attention you need to feel your best at every age.
Our team listens to your needs and offers up solutions. If routine treatments are ineffective, we coordinate with other experts and connect you to what you need. With AHN, you have a full network of care to support you.
What is perimenopause?
As you approach your 40s, your ovaries will gradually produce less estrogen. Your periods may become irregular, and you may start experiencing hot flashes, interrupted sleep, mood changes, or low libido. This stage of life is called perimenopause and can last for several years.
What is menopause?
Once you have gone 12 straight months without a period, you have reached menopause. This is simply a part of life — not a medical condition — that marks the end of your reproductive years. Every woman experiences different symptoms during this stage, but hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sexual health concerns are very common.
While symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can be challenging to live with, they are all very normal and can be managed with tailored care from AHN.
Perimenopause and menopause OB-GYN care at AHN: Conditions we treat
At AHN, we offer judgment-free, expert OB-GYN care at every age. From laugh leaks to uncomfortable sex to random periods, we've heard it all and there is nothing to be embarrassed about. Please speak freely with your providers — tell us what's on your mind or what may be bothering you.
Perimenopause and menopause symptoms vary from person to person, so it's important that your personal experience is heard, understood, and treated thoughtfully. At AHN, our OB-GYNs coordinate care and treat:
- Common perimenopause and menopause symptoms, including hormonal changes, mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, and vaginal dryness.
- Sexual and pelvic health, in partnership with our Center for Women's Pelvic Health.
- Stress and mood swings, including anxiety, depression, and other hormonal changes.
- Sleep troubles and urinary incontinence, working with a sleep neurologist.
- Lifestyle support, including proper nutrition and exercise.
- Gastrointestinal health, such as colonoscopies through our Functional Bowel Center and Center for Digestive Health.
- Bone health, including osteoporosis care.
- Breast health, including mammograms.
Treatment options for perimenopause and menopause
Once our team has a full picture of your unique needs, symptoms, medical history, and health goals, we’ll provide a personalized treatment plan.
Treatments may include lifestyle recommendations, preventive care, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) when appropriate, sexual health support, and other coordinated specialty care.
Perimenopause and menopause care at AHN: Why choose us?
Changes in how you feel, look, and act can be overwhelming, but with personalized support from AHN, you can feel more like you again.
When you choose AHN, you can expect:
- Woman-centric care: Our staff specializes in women's health. We understand that women's health concerns often differ from men's, and we tailor our prevention and treatment plans to meet women's unique needs.
- Convenience: We want you to stay healthy, on your schedule. With more than 45 OB-GYN locations, 100 primary care locations, and multiple women's health centers throughout western Pennsylvania, it's easy to find care close to home. We also offer online scheduling and virtual visits, so care fits seamlessly into your life — not the other way around.
- Collaboration: We coordinate every aspect of your healthcare by working closely with a team of pelvic floor therapists, sleep specialists, psychiatrists, psychologists, cardiologists, gastroenterologists, oncologists, and other women's health professionals. After we hear your specific symptoms, we'll connect you to specialized appointments when you need them.
- Inclusive care: Any woman, or person assigned female at birth, should see an OB-GYN. You are welcome at AHN.
Perimenopause and menopause frequently asked questions
What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
Perimenopause starts first and is the transition period leading up to menopause. Menopause is reached after you have gone 12 months without a period. Both stages can cause common symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, and vaginal dryness.
What are common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause?
Everyone experiences perimenopause and menopause differently, but common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, sleep problems, mood changes, brain fog, fatigue, vaginal dryness, painful sex, low libido, headaches, joint discomfort, and changes in weight or body composition. While it's very common to feel these things, you don't have to live with them. Talk to your OB-GYN to learn more about your options.
When should I see a doctor for perimenopause and menopause symptoms?
Find an OB-GYN and discuss your symptoms anytime they're affecting your sleep, mood, relationships, sexual health, daily comfort, or quality of life. Your provider can help determine whether symptoms are related to perimenopause, menopause, or another health concern.
What treatments are available for menopause symptoms?
Treatment depends on your symptoms, health history, and goals. Your OB-GYN will tailor care that fits your life, and options may include lifestyle changes, non-hormonal treatments, vaginal or pelvic health support, or hormone therapy when appropriate. We'll help you understand the benefits and risks of each option.
Is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) right for everyone?
Hormone therapy can be an effective option for some women, but it isn't right for everyone. Your OB-GYN will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals to determine the best approach.
Contact us
If you're experiencing symptoms that are affecting your mood, sleep, body, well-being, or relationships, reach out to an AHN OB-GYN. Call (412) DOCTORS 412-362-8677 to schedule an appointment. Be sure to mention any perimenopause or menopause symptoms you may be experiencing when you call.
If you're looking to schedule an annual OB-GYN exam, you can do that by calling (412) DOCTORS 412-362-8677 or by scheduling online.
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