Did you know that women may spend more years in menopause than in their reproductive years? Thankfully, there’s a lot you and your OB/GYN can do make this a long, healthy, and happy stage of life. They’ll be able to help you alleviate and improve uncomfortable menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
Your provider may also address and assess your risk for heart disease and osteoporosis, which increase during this stage of life. You may also work with your doctor on improving your nutrition, which is very important to your overall wellbeing. A personalized evaluation of the benefits and risks of menopause hormone therapy or other non-hormonal treatments will help you and your physician make well-informed decisions about what’s best for you.
When Do Women Experience Menopause?
Perimenopause begins several years before menopause as the rate of decrease in estrogen becomes more rapid. This is the stage when most women begin to experience symptoms and seek treatment. Menopause is confirmed when a female goes 12 months without a period. The average age for menopause is 51.
Menopause Symptoms
The types and severity of menopause symptoms can vary widely among women.
- Irregular periods
- Vaginal dryness
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Hot flashes and chills
- Night sweats
- Weight gain
- Bladder control problems
- Changes in sex drive
- Bone loss
Menopause Treatments
- Menopause hormone therapy – Menopause hormone therapy refers to adding estrogen and/or progestin to a patient’s bloodstream via pills, patches, or topical gels and sprays so that it can get to the tissues and organs that need it the most. Menopause hormone therapy may help relieve many symptoms of menopause.
- Vaginal Lubricants – Females may use non-hormonal vaginal lubricants to relieve vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. Moisturizers may be used every 2-3 days, and lubricants may be used for intercourse.
- Supplements – There are many over the counter supplements available, including soy, black cohosh, and other herbal remedies that have been used to treat menopause. Only a few of these have been studied, and, unlike prescriptions, supplements are not regulated. Discuss supplement options with your physician.
- Healthy Lifestyle – Eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise can help perimenopausal and menopausal women maintain strong bones and a healthy weight and, consequently, may help relieve some symptoms.
- THERMIva – THERMIva is a vulvovaginal radiofrequency treatment that helps improve collagen and blood flow and, as a result, can also alleviate vaginal dryness and painful intercourse as well as mild urinary incontinence. We offer THERMIva at The Renewal Center at VPFW. It is important to note that this procedure is not covered by health insurance, but we do offer CareCredit to help you establish more affordable installments to finance the treatment.
During menopause, its important to stay up-to-date with your routine health care and talk to your physician about any concerns you may have. They’re here to help!
To make an appointment with an OB/GYN provider at one of our Richmond, VA, locations, call VPFW at 804-897-2100 or message us to schedule online.
Last updated March 12, 2026
