Menopause and postmenopause care

Perimenopause and menopause are natural phases in the aging process. If you’re in your mid- to late-40s, you may be entering perimenopause, during which your estrogen and progesterone levels start to decrease. Your periods may become irregular, and you may start experiencing symptoms like hot flashes and sleep-related issues. However, you can still get pregnant, so you need to use birth control or other family planning methods if you want to prevent pregnancy.

You reach menopause once you’ve gone 12 months without a period. Most women enter menopause in their early- to mid-50s. During and after menopause, you can no longer get pregnant.

This stage of life can bring new health challenges. You may experience various symptoms related to hormone changes in your body, from night sweats to brain fog and weight gain. Everyone’s menopause experience is unique. That’s why we offer a wide range of therapies to manage menopause symptoms.

At Penn Medicine, our gynecology care providers offer compassionate menopause and postmenopausal care for every aspect of your health. You also have access to preventive care, including screenings and tests for health conditions that may develop in midlife.

Menopause and postmenopause treatments and services at Penn Medicine

Each person experiences menopause differently. Our specialists take a personalized approach to your care and tailor treatment options to address your specific symptoms and concerns. We can help with:

• Menopause symptom relief: We have expertise in effective hormonal and non-hormonal therapies for menopause symptoms. Our providers can help you find relief from hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and atrophy, and loss of libido.
• Preventive health care: Well-woman care during and after menopause includes Pap tests to check for cervical cancer and screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We may recommend mammograms to screen for breast cancer and pelvic exams to detect signs of gynecological cancers. We may also recommend bone density screenings to check for osteoporosis (weakened bones) and colonoscopies to screen for colon cancer.
• Birth control solutions: During perimenopause (the transition to menopause), it is possible to become pregnant. Our providers offer safe and effective birth control options based on your age and health.
• Support for mental and emotional health: Changing hormones during and after menopause can lead to changes in mood. If you experience depression, anxiety, mood swings, or other emotional symptoms, we offer support from behavioral health specialists.
• Urinary and pelvic floor care: During and after menopause, some people experience urinary tract infections (UTIs), urinary incontinence, and pelvic health conditions like pelvic organ prolapse. Our urogynecologists provide complete care, including non-surgical and surgical treatment options to improve pelvic floor health and to help you find relief.
• Weight management: Menopause can disrupt your metabolism and cause unwanted weight gain. This can increase your risk of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. We can help you manage your weight and maintain good health with nutrition counseling.