A variety of hormone-related changes are experienced by women over a lifetime, starting with puberty and the onset of periods through the effects of pregnancy and childbirth. There are multiple sources of information to prepare patients for these physical and psychological journeys integrated into both educational settings and routine healthcare. Not so much for the transition to menopause.

Many people associate menopause with old age, hot flashes, and moodiness. But there is much more to know about the path to menopause,

If you’re a woman, chances are pretty good you’ve at least heard about hot flashes. Maybe you have experienced them yourself or you know someone who has them. Hot flashes are one of the more common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause – and they can be rather inconvenient. One minute you’re freezing cold, the next minute you’re burning up and stripping down to a tank top. They can happen during the day, or they can wake you up in the middle of the night.

Hot flashes, weight gain, and difficulty sleeping – these are all commonly discussed issues that women encounter during perimenopause and menopause. Painful intercourse is something women may be a bit more hesitant to discuss, but it shouldn’t be because it’s a problem that many women experience during this transitional time in their life. The fact is, as we age, our skin collagen decreases and this can lead to less cushioning between the skin and our pelvic bones as well as a decrease in lubrication.