Menopause Questions, Answered Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Menopause 8 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Menopause Menopause can be a confusing time for anyone. Here are some of your most common questions, answered. By Becky UphamMedically Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MDReviewed: July 31, 2019Medically ReviewedThe more you know about menopause, the more prepared you'll be for the transition.Getty ImagesIn theory, the definition of menopause is straightforward: one year with no menstrual bleeding. But in reality, its symptoms are anything but. The transition to menopause can include irregular bleeding, hot flashes, and mood swings, and while they typically last about 7 years, they can continue for as long as 14 years, according to the National Institute on Aging. During this transition, the amount of hormones produced by your ovaries — estrogen and progesterone — can fluctuate greatly, leading to symptoms like night sweats and irritability. Even aspects of your everyday life, such as having sex or falling asleep at night, can be more challenging during menopause. If you feel you’ve lost some control over your body or that someone has turned your internal thermostat way up, that’s understandable. But the more you know about menopause, the better you’ll be able to cope with the symptoms. Here are eight questions you probably have about menopause, plus the answers. 1 How Do I Know if I m Going Through Menopause Menopause is defined as the cessation of bleeding for one year. During the transition, however, a woman’s period becomes less regular, and the menstrual flow will become lighter, says Micah Garb, MD, a doctor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital in Lake Forest, Illinois. Other clues that you’re entering menopause include irritability, memory problems, hot flashes, and night sweats, says Dr. Garb. Another sign of menopause is weight gain. “Metabolism slows, and it can be harder to lose weight,” he says. “You may feel you have to exercise longer to get the same benefits.” 2 What Can I Do About Hot Flashes “Hot flashes are probably the single biggest concern that brings women into the office,” says Garb. Ask your doctor if you should try hormone therapy, which can help minimize the symptoms. Other medications that can help quell hot flashes include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of antidepressant; antihypertensive drugs, used for high blood pressure; and certain mood stabilizers. “Minimizing caffeine and alcohol and maximizing exercise can also help with hot flashes,” says Garb. 3 Interrupted Sleep Is This Normal Yes, it’s common for women to have sleep problems during menopause, says Garb. One common complaint: night sweats, which are similar to hot flashes but occur when you’re in bed, he says. If night sweats are keeping you awake, lower the temperature of your room, opt for lighter pajamas, and don’t sleep under a lot of blankets, says Garb. Limiting alcohol intake can also help you sleep better, he adds. 4 What Are My Options for Treating Vaginal Dryness Vaginal dryness is a common symptom of menopause, not only during intercourse but also throughout the day, says Garb. If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness, try an over-the-counter lubricant, he says. “And try to stay away from any product that is stimulating or warming,” Garb says, “because these lubricants tend to be more irritating than helpful for menopausal women.” There are also vaginal moisturizers available over the counter that can help with day-to-day discomfort outside of sexual activity, he says. You can also talk to your doctor about using vaginal estrogen, which is available in several different forms, including creams and suppositories, says Garb, but these medications aren’t appropriate for everyone. 5 How Long Until I Feel Normal Again The transition to menopause is usually measured in years, not months, says Garb. In general, the symptoms last fewer than 10 years, but you might experience the majority of symptoms over a period of 1 to 3 years, he says. That said, every woman is different. Some women have symptoms throughout their lives. Others go through menopause and don’t experience any symptoms at all, says Garb; they just stop their monthly bleeding. “I see a handful of those women every year, but I tell them not to brag about it in the waiting room, because other women might get angry with them,” he says. Both examples are exceptional cases, not the norm. 6 How Can I Maintain a Healthy Weight This can be an uphill battle, and menopause may not be entirely to blame. Both women and men struggle with weight gain as they get older. “Metabolism slows as we age,” says Garb. “And we begin storing more fat.” Age can also reduce a person’s ability to exercise as intensely as they once did, and they may need a longer recovery time after a workout, says Garb. Still, exercise is just as important for older adults as it is for younger people. “I’m a big believer that exercise improves everything,” he says. Regular physical activity can not only keep your weight down and control other conditions but also ease insomnia and minimize hot flashes, says Garb. 7 My Monthly Schedule Has Changed Should I Be Concerned Some changes should be checked by your doctor, says Garb. “If your periods get closer together than 3 weeks — say, you start bleeding on January 1 and then again on January 15 — or if you go longer than 3 months … between periods, talk to your doctor,” says Garb. Depending on the circumstances and your usual pattern of bleeding, this may warrant further investigation, he says. While these changes could be due to menopause, your doctor may want to verify that they aren’t being caused by another underlying health issue, says Garb. 8 Is There a Way to Navigate Menopause Gracefully There’s no one way to tackle menopause, but try to stay positive. “I think it helps to accept what’s coming your way,” he says. “Many of these changes are a normal part of getting older.” Sometimes women who have sexual health problems during menopause take it very personally, says Garb. “I try to get them to look at some of these changes in the same way that we do other signs of getting older; for example, at a certain age, we all need reading glasses to read a menu,” he says. Having issues with sexual function isn’t a reflection of your relationship, desire, or enthusiasm, he says. Many of these changes are natural and universal, and they don’t necessarily make you a less sexual person. Remember to keep your sense of humor and focus on the positives during menopause. For example, Garb says, “by the time many women get to menopause, they welcome not having a monthly period — and that itself can be a welcome transition.” More in Menopause 5 Changes That Happen to Your Vagina During Menopause 7 Healthy Foods Women Should Eat During Menopause 5 Things You Should Know About Sex During MenopauseNEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Women' s Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 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