Menopause and Beyond

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UT Southwestern Medical Center is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation's top hospitals for obstetrics and gynecology care.

Although menopause signifies the end of your menstrual and fertile years, you can still stay healthy, active, and sexual.

It begins with a positive attitude and a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Although menopausal women may experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, there are many effective treatments – from lifestyle changes to hormone therapy – that can alleviate these symptoms.

We believe that menopause offers a unique time when physicians and patients can discuss and initiate preventive, life-extending health care strategies that focus on graceful aging.

The Lowe Foundation Center for Women’s Preventative Health was founded with the post-reproductive age woman in mind. Staffed by a physician team that includes specialists in reproductive endocrinology, minimally invasive surgery, and vulvar health, the Lowe Women’s Center offers the following services:

• Bone density and ultrasound testing
• Hormone-replacement therapy
• Pelvic and breast exams
• Well-woman exams
• Advanced minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques

Menopausal Symptoms

Menopause signifies the end of a woman’s menstruation and fertility. Menopause can happen in your 40s or 50s. In the United States, the average age is 51. 

In the months or years leading up to menopause – called perimenopause – you might experience these symptoms:

• Irregular periods
• Vaginal dryness
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Sleep problems
• Mood changes
• Weight gain and slowed metabolism
• Thinning hair and dry skin
• Loss of breast fullness

Don't hesitate to seek treatment for any of these symptoms. There are many effective treatments, from lifestyle adjustments to hormone therapy, that can alleviate them. 

Hormone Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy, in which women are given doses of estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progestogen, is used to treat the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, vaginal dryness, and thinning bones.

More than 10 million women in the United States use some form of hormone replacement therapy.

Risks Associated with Hormone Therapy

Some research has shown that hormone therapy could raise kidney stone and breast cancer risks. Therefore, hormone therapy should be used for as short a time as possible and at the lowest possible dose.

It’s important to discuss hormone replacement therapy with your doctor before making a decision about starting or stopping hormone replacement therapy. 

Bone Density

Once menopause begins, your ovaries stop producing estrogen, which is essential for maintaining strong bones.

Women can lose up to 10 percent of bone mass within five years of menopause.

Brittle bones can have a big impact on your health and quality of life as you age.

Bone Density Scan

Early diagnosis is important for preventing osteoporosis. To help keep bones strong, have your bone density measured to assess fracture risk. We recommend women get a baseline scan at age 50. Postmenopausal women and those with a family history of osteoporosis should get regular scans to detect weakening bones as early as possible.

Healthy Diet

Take calcium and vitamin D supplements and try to eat a diet containing these nutrients. Train with weights two to three times a week for at least 30 minutes each session, and engage in weight-bearing exercises such as walking or jogging.