Understanding Menopause

Women’s Health • Medically reviewed July 2024by the Cedarcrest Health clinical content committee

Menopause marks the end of the menstrual cycle and is a natural stage in every woman’s life, typically occurring in the late 40s to early 50s. The years leading up to it, known as perimenopause, can bring changes that last months or even several years before periods stop completely.

Common Symptoms

As hormone levels shift, many women notice hot flashes, night sweats, changes in sleep, mood changes, and irregular periods. Vaginal dryness and changes in skin or hair are also common. Symptoms vary widely, and some women notice very few changes while others find them more disruptive.

Ways to Manage Symptoms

• Dress in layers and keep your bedroom cool to manage hot flashes.
• Stay physically active, which can help mood, sleep, and bone health.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol if they seem to trigger symptoms.
• Talk with your provider about options if symptoms affect your daily life.
• Keep up with bone density and heart health screenings, since risk changes after menopause.

Menopause also brings some long-term health considerations, including changes in bone density and heart disease risk, which is why regular checkups become even more important during this stage of life.

Every woman experiences this transition differently, and there is no need to manage it alone. Talk with your Cedarcrest Health primary care provider about symptoms you are noticing and options that may help, or call (814) 555-2650 to schedule a visit.

Page last reviewed: 05/09/2026