Understanding Menopause

• Are you between ages 40 and 60 and experiencing:
• Changes in your menstrual cycle
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal changes
• Emotional changes such as mood swings, tearfulness and irritability
• Bladder control issues (incontinence)
• Fatigue
• Trouble with memory and staying focused
• A decrease in sex drive
• Weight gain around the waist
• Hair loss or thinning
• Increased growth of facial hair
• If you are experiencing some or all of these symptoms, you may be going through menopause.

What is Menopause?

As women enter their 40s and 50s, many begin to notice changes in their bodies, due primarily to changes in hormone levels. Menopause is a normal process of aging that affects every woman differently. Becoming familiar with the signs, symptoms and options to relieve symptoms is the first step to managing menopause — rather than allowing it to manage you!

Phases of Menopause

• Perimenopause: This is a transitional phase during the years leading up to menopause, usually between ages 45 and 55, but as early as late 30s. Perimenopause can last from two to eight years. The first signs of menopause begin during perimenopause and can include changes in menstrual cycle, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, a decreased interest in sex, mood changes, urinary incontinence and/or an increase in urinary tract infections, an increase in body fat around the waist and trouble concentrating or remembering.
• Menopause: Menopause is defined as going 12 consecutive months without a period. This sometimes is referred to as “the change” or “change of life.” Some women have no other symptoms, but many women will notice the common symptoms listed above.
• Postmenopause: This is the span of time after menopause when most symptoms have faded, but bone loss and estrogen loss are areas of concern that should be discussed with a health care provider.

Lifestyle Changes Make a Big Difference

By making a few changes to your diet and lifestyle, menopause doesn’t have to interfere with your life.

• Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Add calcium-rich foods or take a calcium supplement and a daily multivitamin. Because osteoporosis and heart disease risk increase after menopause, eating well is more important than ever.
• Limit how much alcohol and caffeine you drink.
• If you smoke, quit!
• Get regular exercise. Physical activity helps maintain weight, improves sleep, strengthens bones and elevates mood. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. A combination of aerobic and strength training activities will help fight weight gain and keep bones strong.
• Stress reduction is as important now as ever. If you don’t already do stress-reduction activities, now is the time to start them. Meditation, yoga and other relaxing activities will help you cope with changes.
• Dress in layers and keep a fan in your home to minimize the effects of hot flashes.
• Keep your bedroom cool and dark, and go to bed and wake up at the same times every day.
• Counseling or support groups are available for women struggling with menopause-related changes.

Getting Symptom Relief

Discuss prescription hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with your physician if lifestyle changes do not offer the level of symptom relief desired. HRT can help control hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness, as well as prevent osteoporosis. HRT increases the risk for blood clots, breast cancer, stroke and heart attack. Discuss your symptoms with your physician, who will determine if HRT is right for you.

Dietary supplements may help relieve some symptoms. Supplements and other products that come from plants may seem safe and claim to help improve menopausal changes. Be sure to consult with your physician before taking dietary and/or herbal supplements.

Is It Time to Talk to a Provider?

You may benefit from speaking with a women’s health provider if you:

• Are between the ages of 40 and 60, and
• Are experiencing one or more menopause-related symptoms, and
• Feel your symptoms are limiting your daily activities or negatively affecting your quality of life

Norton Healthcare offers both in-person and virtual menopause care, giving patients flexible options for managing perimenopause and menopause symptoms. You may speak with your current women’s health provider or schedule a virtual visit.

Virtual Visits for Menopause Symptoms

If you’re experiencing symptoms of menopause or perimenopause, help may be available from the comfort of your home. Norton Healthcare offers virtual visits for many menopause-related concerns, allowing you to connect with a provider using your computer, tablet or smartphone.

Virtual appointments can be a convenient option for discussing symptoms, reviewing your health history and exploring treatment options.

Common concerns addressed during a virtual visit include:

• Changes in your menstrual cycle
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Mood changes such as irritability or tearfulness
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex
• Urinary urgency or recurrent urinary tract infections
• Fatigue
• Trouble with memory or focus
• Changes in sex drive
• Weight gain around the waist
• Hair thinning or increased facial hair

Important Information About Virtual Visits

Virtual visits are not appropriate for all medical conditions. During your appointment, your provider may recommend laboratory testing, imaging, medications or an in-person follow-up visit to fully evaluate and manage your symptoms.

Please seek in-person care for urgent or potentially serious symptoms such as heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking a pad or tampon every hour), requests for procedures, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting or neurological symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Visits for Menopause

How Do I Access My Virtual Visit?

Virtual visits are conducted through Norton MyChart. After scheduling, you’ll receive instructions in Norton MyChart with a link to join your visit on your computer, tablet or smartphone. Be sure to log in a few minutes early and test your camera and microphone.

Do I Need a Norton MyChart Account?

Yes. A Norton MyChart account is required to schedule and complete a virtual visit. If you don’t have one, you can create an account online before your appointment.

What Should I Do to Prepare for My Visit?

To get the most out of your visit, it’s helpful to:

• Make a list of your symptoms and when they started.
• Note any medications, supplements or hormone therapies you’re using.
• Be ready to discuss your menstrual history and any prior treatments.

What Happens If I Have Questions After My Visit?

If you have follow-up questions, you can:

• Send a secure message to your provider through Norton MyChart.
• Review your visit summary and care plan in Norton MyChart.

Your provider will let you know if additional follow-up, testing or an in-person visit is recommended.

Will I Need Labs or an In-person Visit?

Possibly. Some patients may need lab work, imaging, or an in-person follow-up visit depending on symptoms and treatment recommendations. Your provider will discuss next steps during or after your virtual visit.

Can Medications Be Prescribed During a Virtual Visit?

When clinically appropriate, providers may prescribe medications as part of a virtual visit. In some cases, prescriptions may require lab results or an in-person evaluation before they can be issued.

Is My Virtual Visit Covered by Insurance?

Coverage for virtual visits varies by insurance plan. Patients are encouraged to check with their insurance provider to understand benefits and any potential out-of-pocket costs.

What If My Symptoms Worsen or Change?

If your symptoms worsen, change or become urgent, seek appropriate care right away. This may include scheduling an in-person appointment or seeking urgent or emergency care.

Is My Information Private and Secure?

Yes. Virtual visits through Norton MyChart are conducted using secure technology that complies with laws and regulations to protect your privacy.