Menopause and Perimenopause

What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural phase of every woman’s life that marks the completion of her menstrual cycles. You officially reach menopause once you’ve gone one year without having a menstrual period or spotting. At this point, your cycles permanently stop, and you can no longer get pregnant.

Before menopause, you may experience a long transition referred to as perimenopause for 4-5 years. During this time, hormone fluctuations can cause an array of unpleasant symptoms.

This natural transition stage begins marking the end of your reproductive years and can occur as early as your mid-30s and into your 40s.  Women who have their ovaries surgically removed experience what we call "surgically induced menopause".  This occurs at the time of surgery.  

During perimenopause, your estrogen levels rise and fall in uneven patterns throughout the month. You might start noticing that your periods are becoming shorter or even longer, and that you start experiencing menopause-like symptoms. It’s common to stay in the perimenopause stage for years, long before menopause ever sets in.

What are the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause?

It’s common to experience a multitude of symptoms while you transition through menopause. They may range from mild annoyances to major interference with your ability to enjoy life. Some typical symptoms of menopause include:

• Hot flashes
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Night sweats
• Mood swings
• Weight gain
• Vaginal dryness

Women experiencing perimenopause may experience many of the same symptoms, but their symptoms may be irregular, varying from month to month. Women who are in perimenopause may still be fertile and able to conceive. 

When does menopause occur?

The average age for menopause in the United States is 51, but it can happen at any time in your 40s or 50s, with a typical age range of 45-58. You may begin to notice the symptoms of perimenopause earlier than usual, during your 40s.

What happens after menopause?

This life transition decreases the levels of hormones in your body, which can increase your risk for certain health problems, including:

• Osteoporosis
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Vaginal dryness
• Urinary incontinence
• Sexual dysfunction

What is the treatment for menopause symptoms?

If you’re suffering from perimenopause or menopause symptoms, Dr. Richardson can work with you to develop a treatment plan for relief.

First, she performs a comprehensive physical exam and reviews your medical history. She asks questions about your symptoms, sexual history, and addresses any specific questions you may have.

One of the most effective treatment solutions is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). She offers bioidentical hormone creams, suppositories, and other formulations that can target specific symptoms (like vaginal dryness). You have so many options available for relief at Angelique E Richardson MD PhD | The Center for Phenomenal Health & Wellness Inc., you won’t have to worry about living with perimenopause or menopause symptoms another day.

Dr. Richardson may also recommend medications or lifestyle changes to ease pain or improve your quality of life. 

If painful sex, vaginal dryness, or mild urinary incontinence are a concern, she may recommend services like nonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation.

Do you also treat pelvic health and sexual wellness concerns?

Angelique E Richardson MD PhD | The Center for Phenomenal Health & Wellness Inc. also provides pelvic health & sexual wellness services that optimize gynecological wellness and your overall well-being. These services can address bothersome symptoms, such as: 

• Hormonal imbalance
• Low sex drive
• Vaginal dryness
• Heavy or irregular periods
• Pelvic pain
• Urinary incontinence 
• Painful intercourse

Many of these symptoms are linked to menopause or perimenopause.

For pelvic health and sexual wellness concerns, Dr. Richardson might recommend:

• Pelvic floor referral coordination
• Gynecologist referral coordination
• Painful intercourse and libido support
• Menopause-friendly sexual health options

Menopause-friendly sexual health solutions include hormonal and non-hormonal treatments for menopause symptom relief. 

Dr. Richardson offers ongoing menopause optimization, survivorship-focused menopause care, weight and metabolic optimization, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), oncology-informed menopause care, cancer-safe protocols for survivors, and more.

What is ongoing menopause optimization?

Ongoing menopause optimization at Angelique E Richardson MD PhD | The Center for Phenomenal Health & Wellness Inc. includes lifestyle changes and medical treatments that minimize symptoms associated with perimenopause (the transitional period to menopause), menopause, and beyond.

Dr. Richardson uses breast cancer/oncology risk-integrated treatment planning to create tailored treatment plans for her patients. Ongoing menopause optimization may include: 

• Healthy lifestyle education
• Medication management
• Dietary supplements
• Survivorship-focused menopause care
• Weight and metabolic optimization 
• Pelvic and sexual wellness care
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Lymphedema education 
• Pelvic floor education 
• Neuropathy and fatigue relief strategies
• Coordination of physical therapy and/or mental health treatments
• Oncology-informed menopause care
• Cancer-safe protocols for survivors
• Non-hormonal treatment options
• Brain health, mood, sleep, joint pain, cognitive, and hot flash support
• Stress management 
• Bone health support and osteoporosis prevention
• Treatment for breast cancer-related menopause concerns

Dr. Richardson specializes in menopause symptom relief using both hormonal and non-hormonal treatment pathways tailored to your needs. She follows up continuously to maximize your health outcomes and quality of life.

For help coping with perimenopause or menopause, call Angelique E Richardson MD PhD | The Center for Phenomenal Health & Wellness Inc. or request an appointment online today.