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Menopause

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Menopause is more than hot flashes.

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Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life that happens in 3 stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. This transition can last 2 to 8 years and may bring on a range of symptoms, from hot flashes and trouble sleeping to changes in your mood.
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Understanding the symptoms

Types of treatment

The stages of menopause

How to get help

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Understanding the symptoms

There’s no one way to experience menopause.

Menopause can show up in many different ways. In fact, there are over 30 possible symptoms that can develop. While the range of menopause symptoms is vast, the experience is unique to each woman.

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Temperature changes

Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS) are related to body temperature and heart rate. They can show up as hot flashes, night sweats, and increased heart rate.

Sources: J Clin Endocrinol Metab; Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am; Mayo Clinic; Chronic Dis Transl Med

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Sleep disturbances

These symptoms include trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up earlier than planned. Women with VMS are more likely to report sleep problems.

Source: Menopause

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Urinary symptoms

Genitourinary Syndromes of Menopause (GSM) affect the vagina and lower urinary tract. They include vaginal dryness or irritation, painful sex, urgency to use the bathroom, and more.

Sources: J Clin Endocrinol Metab; Menopause

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Shifts in mood

Mood and cognitive disturbances may be experienced, including depressive symptoms, anxiety, and nervousness.

Source: DHHS

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Vaginal pain

For many women, vaginal atrophy (VA) can cause dryness, burning, and itching in and around the vaginal area, leading to painful sex (dyspareunia).

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Types of treatment

Pfizer offers 4 hormone therapy options to treat some symptoms

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The stages of menopause

When symptoms can last for years, knowing your stage can help.

Menopause symptoms can last for up to 14 years for some women, which is why it’s important to understand what stage you’re currently experiencing.

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Perimenopause

This is the initial stage when estrogen levels begin to decline and fluctuate, and your period can become irregular. This typically begins in your mid to late 40s, but it could start earlier or later.

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Menopause

Once you haven’t had your period for 12 months straight, you've officially reached menopause. It usually happens around age 52 and signals a big drop in estrogen.

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Postmenopause

This stage is for all the years after menopause, when you no longer get your period. You may continue to experience symptoms.

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How to get help

Some thoughts on how to talk with your doctor about menopause.

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Talk about the specifics

Use descriptive language to cover your symptoms and their triggers, duration, and frequency.

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Speak openly and candidly

Share your full experience with your doctor, even if it feels embarrassing.

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Ask for clarification

Doctors sometimes use medical language, so ask follow-up questions if you hear a word you don’t understand.

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Note your preferences

Talk about your preferred treatment. Your health and comfort matter when creating a care plan.

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Ready to talk to a doctor?

Search for a healthcare provider through telehealth who can focus on your condition and the treatments you may need.

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Telehealth

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In-Person

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