Midlife can be full of possibilities. But as you head toward menopause, it’s also a time of transition for your body.
You may notice that your periods are more irregular, and you have symptoms like hot flashes, sleep problems, mood swings, low libido, and weight gain.
It can feel as if your body is suddenly following a new playbook that you haven't been given.
Many people find it helpful to see a doctor with special training in menopause and perimenopause. At UPMC Magee-Womens, many providers are Menopause Society Certified Practitioners (MSCP) through the North American Menopause Society (NAMS).
NAMS is the nation’s leading menopause organization. The NAMS MSCP certification means the provider has passed a rigorous examination and is committed to continuing education.
We can help you maximize your health and safeguard your well-being as you navigate the midlife years.
What Is Women's Midlife Health?
Women’s midlife health deals with the issues and symptoms people have as they approach menopause.
What age is midlife?
People have different definitions for when midlife starts. Is it a chronological age or a stage of life?
We think of it as a stage more than an age — although age is still a guide.
For example, the average age for menopause is 51. Most people will go through menopause between age 45 and 55.
At UPMC Magee-Womens, we focus on the health concerns of women who are 35 and older because perimenopause can start a full 10 years before menopause. By the time you’re in your late 30s, you might start noticing perimenopause symptoms.
What are the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause?
Doctors define menopause as going 12 months without a period. (If you get a period, the count starts over.)
But the signs that your body is heading in that direction can start 10 years before menopause, during a period of transition called perimenopause.
Signs and symptoms of perimenopause include:
- Brain fog.
- Hot flashes and night sweats.
- Irregular periods, sometimes with heavy bleeding.
- Less interest in sex.
- Mood changes.
- Problems sleeping.
- Vaginal dryness and dry skin.
- Weight gain, especially around your middle.
Women's Midlife Conditions We Treat
We see midlife women for a variety of reasons. We also see transgender people who are experiencing symptoms related to menopause.
Our providers treat many conditions in the office. We're also a good place to start if you're having a range of symptoms and aren't sure where to go.
Conditions we might see include:
- Heavy bleeding (to the point that it's interfering with your life).
- Perimenopause.
- Menopause.
- Postmenopausal bleeding.
- Premature menopause (menopause before age 40).
- Sexual dysfunction.
- Incontinence issues.
- Mental health and mood issues.
- Irregular bleeding.
- Hormone changes.
- Insomnia or poor sleep.
What Women's Midlife Health Services Do You Offer?
We offer the following services:
Consultation
You can see one of our menopause specialists to ask questions and receive guidance on issues and symptoms.
We can prescribe medicine, including birth control and different types of hormone therapy.
Some people see us a few times and then go back to their regular doctor. We can coordinate care with your doctor if needed.
Primary gynecology
You can choose one of our doctors as your primary gynecologist. We offer well visits and visits to treat you for issues that come up.
Screening coordination
As you age, it’s important to stay up-to-date with your screenings.
We can help you coordinate:
- Mammograms and other breast cancer screening tests based on your risk factors.
- Colonoscopy (starting at age 45).
- Bone scans (especially important if you went into menopause early).
- Bloodwork.
Referrals to related specialists
You may experience many different issues in midlife, and these issues are often connected. When your body starts making less estrogen, it can affect different areas. Age itself is also a risk factor for certain conditions.
We can connect you with:
- Bladder and pelvic health specialists.
- Breast cancer specialists.
- Diabetes specialists.
- Digestive health specialists.
- Exercise and nutrition specialists.
- Genetic counselors.
- Mental health specialists.
- Women’s heart specialists.
What Doctors Treat Menopause and Women's Midlife Health Issues?
Among our teams across Pennsylvania are physicians and advanced practitioners credentialed as Menopause Society Certified Practitioners through the North American Menopause Society (NAMS).