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When a woman's ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone it's called menopause and it's a natural, and hopefully liberating, stage of a woman's life.

"Menopause isn't the end. Rather, it's the beginning of a new point in life - a chance to focus on your health," says Amy McGaraghan, M.D., Gynecologist and Obstetrician at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. "Many women consider menopause a turning point to begin doing all the things they haven't had time to do or were putting off."

A woman isn't considered to be in menopause until one year after her final menstrual cycle. However, her body begins the transformation two to eight years earlier. "The time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause," says Dr. McGaraghan. "During this time, a woman may experience menstrual irregularities, changes in mood, hot flashes, and other signs of changing hormone levels."

Some women also have these symptoms once they reach menopause. "It isn't uncommon for women to have mild forms of these symptoms," says Dr. McGaraghan. "However, it is uncommon for them to be severe enough to disrupt their lives. In fact, only about 10 percent of women experience extreme symptoms."

One of the most common concerns women have after reaching menopause is vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse. "This can be devastating because most women have very active sex lives," says Dr. McGaraghan. "Fortunately, there are several treatments to help maintain a healthy sex life."

How do you manage symptoms?

Dr. McGaraghan says lifestyle changes can often ease the effects of hormone adjustments. "Regular physical activity, a healthy diet and stress reduction are helpful for many women," she says. According to the Centers for Disease Control, adults should be getting at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise per week, or about 30 minutes a day, five times a week.

"Vaginal estrogen creams and suppositories are commonly prescribed medications for vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse," says Dr. McGaraghan. "Women tend to have excellent results with these simple treatments."

For the small percentage of women who experience severe symptoms, hormone therapy may be an option. "Hormone therapy isn't for everyone," says Dr. McGaraghan. "Since there are risks associated with hormone therapy, it should only be taken for these extreme cases and on a limited basis."

Women are encouraged to discuss their symptoms with their doctor. With a variety of treatment options that range from lifestyle changes to medications, your physician can help you determine which ones are best for you.

Embracing menopause

Menopause can be an exciting transition for women. Embracing the change can help women enjoy a whole new chapter in their lives. Women can say goodbye to monthly periods and the unpleasant things that accompany their menstrual cycle, like premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It's also a time to celebrate a healthy sex life without having to worry about getting pregnant.

Mount Auburn Hospital physicians stress the importance of getting your well-woman's visit even after menopause. "It's important for women to continue their relationship with their gynecologist during menopause and beyond," says Dr. McGaraghan. "If any bleeding occurs after menopause, it's also crucial to see your doctor."

For a free Mount Auburn Hospital physician directory, please call us at 617-499-5094.