Menopause is the cessation of a woman’s menstrual cycles. Physiologically, this is when the ovaries stop making estrogen and as a result the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is no longer stimulated to cycle. While most people think of hot flashes as the quintessential menopausal symptom, menopause affects nearly every body organ and system.

The average age of menopause is 51 years of age and had been for centuries. A woman born in 1900 had a life expectancy of 44 years. A woman born in 2000 however has a life expectancy of 86 years. Many of our great-grandmothers never lived to experience menopause or spent few years in that stage of life. Women will now spend nearly half of their life in that stage. As a result, maintaining quality of life and a vigorous lifestyle are important.

As women mature and begin to experience menopause, it is paramount that they have a physician who understands the physiology and challenges of that stage of life. While a natural process, menopause introduces a whole new set of experiences and physical challenges for a woman.

We at Academy Women’s Healthcare Associates understand the challenges physically and emotionally that occur during this phase of a womans life. We will help you develop a plan of care individualized to meet your needs created by your unique medical history and personal desires.

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Additional Resources

Menopause Explained

The North American Menopause SocietY

The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) is the leading nonprofit scientific organization devoted to promoting women's health and quality of life through an understanding of menopause...