Menopause is marked by the cessation of a woman’s menstrual periods for more than 12 consecutive months. It usually results from decreased function of the ovaries as a result of age or surgery. Some of the common symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, vaginal discomfort during sexual intercourse, frequent urinary tract infections, anxiety and an increased risk for coronary artery disease.

Prior to the complete cessation of menses at menopause, changes in a woman’s menstrual cycle may begin in the 4th decade of life (in her 40’s) with a variation the length of her menstrual cycle. A persistent difference in consecutive menstrual cycle lengths of more than 7 days defines early menopausal transition. Skipping more than 2 menstrual cycles defines late menopausal transition.

The marked fluctuations in the major female hormone, estrogen, during this transition period may contribute to symptoms like breast tenderness, changes in menstrual flow, moodiness and an increase in menstrual migraine headaches.

At NOVA surgery Center, we determine whether the patients symptoms are due to menopause or menopausal transition (pre menopause), and we offer a wide array of options for treating the manifestations of menopause – including lifestyle changes, herbal and alternative medicines and hormonal therapy.