Menopause is a normal life stage. It’s when periods stop for good. You are in menopause after 12 months in a row with no period. The years before that are called perimenopause (the transition). Most people reach menopause between ages 45–55.
Common symptoms
Everyone’s experience is different. You may notice:
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Trouble sleeping or tiredness
- Mood changes or “brain fog”
- Vaginal dryness or pain with sex
- More frequent peeing or urinary infections
- Period changes during perimenopause (lighter, heavier, or skipped)
Call your provider for heavy bleeding, bleeding after 12 months without a period, chest pain, severe headaches, or depression/anxiety that’s getting worse. (We can help you sort out what’s urgent.)
What helps? (Your options)
Everyday steps
Dress in layers, use a fan, limit alcohol/caffeine, move your body most days, and keep a regular sleep routine. These small changes can ease hot flashes and boost mood and sleep.
Medicines without hormones
- Certain antidepressants (like some SSRIs/SNRIs), gabapentin, or clonidine can reduce hot flashes for some people. Ask what’s right for you.
- An FDA-approved non-hormonal medicine for moderate to severe hot flashes (an NK3-receptor blocker) may be an option. It isn’t right for everyone and requires liver blood tests before and during use. Talk with your provider.
Hormone therapy (HT)
- HT replaces estrogen (and, if you still have a uterus, adds a progestin). It’s the most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats and also helps vaginal symptoms. For most healthy people under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits often outweigh the risks; talk with your provider about your health history.
- Who might skip HT? People with certain conditions (like some cancers, blood-clot or stroke history, or active liver disease) may need other options—your provider will guide you.
Vaginal symptoms (dryness, pain, urinary changes)
Low-dose vaginal estrogen (cream, tablet, or ring) treats dryness and discomfort and can lower repeat UTI risk in people with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Non-hormonal moisturizers and lubricants also help.
Your visit at PHC: questions to ask
- Are my symptoms likely due to perimenopause or something else?
- What are my non-hormonal and hormone options—what are the pros/cons for me?
- Should I try vaginal estrogen for dryness or UTIs?
- Do I need any tests or vaccines today?
- Which lifestyle changes would help me most?
How PHC can help
We’ll listen, explain your choices, and help you build a plan that fits your life and budget. We accept Medicaid and most insurance and offer a sliding fee scale for those who qualify.
Next step: Find a PHC clinic and ask about a menopause visit.
Sources: National Institute on Aging and womenshealth.gov for definitions/symptoms; ACOG for treatment choices; The Menopause Society (NAMS) position statement for HT benefits/risks; FDA and Mayo Clinic for fezolinetant use and safety; AUA/AUGS/SUFU guideline for vaginal estrogen and UTI reduction.