By 2030, the world population of menopausal and postmenopausal women is projected to increase to 1.2 billion, with 47 million new entrants each year. Despite the staggering need for menopause care, only 1,500 physicians worldwide are certified by the Menopause Society, leaving many women underserved, misdiagnosed, or untreated. Lack of access to specialized support and care coordination are partly to blame.Â
To help demystify this transformative—and universal—stage of life, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and expert answers.Â
How will I know when I’m officially going through menopause?Â
The signs and symptoms of menopause can vary widely among women, but menopause is officially diagnosed after one year without menstrual bleeding. Throughout the transition, periods become irregular and lighter and you may experience increased irritability, memory problems, hot flashes, and night sweats. Another indication of menopause is weight gain and changes in metabolism.Â
My hot flashes are out of control, is there anything I can do?
Hot flashes are a major concern for many women. Lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine and alcohol intake can help manage them effectively. Our experts dive into 8 more lifestyle tips that can help manage your symptoms here.Â
I’m not sleeping well. Is this normal?
Yes, sleep disturbances, often due to night sweats, are common during menopause. Lowering room temperature, choosing lighter sleepwear, and limiting alcohol intake can improve sleep quality.
What are my options for treating vaginal dryness?
Vaginal dryness is a prevalent symptom of menopause. The good news is, it can usually be managed with over-the-counter lubricants or vaginal moisturizers. Have other questions about navigating intimacy through menopause? We dive deep on that topic here.Â
Will I ever feel ‘normal’ again?
Menopausal symptoms typically last fewer than 10 years, with the majority occurring over 1 to 3 years. However, every woman’s experience differs. If you find your symptoms are impacting your day-to-day life, you have options. WIN’s Nurse Care Advocates are experts in finding the in-network doctor best suited to support your symptom relief, and ultimately, help you get back to a sense of normal.
It’s increasingly difficult to maintain a healthy weight, what can I do?
It’s no secret that metabolism slows with age, making weight management a challenge. Maintaining a regular exercise routine is vital to taking control of your weight, improving sleep quality, and even reducing hot flashes.Â
My menstrual patterns aren’t as they used to be, should I be concerned?Â
While some changes in menstrual patterns are normal during menopause, others might require investigation to rule out an underlying health issue. If your periods are occurring closer than 3 weeks or longer than 3 months apart, we advise scheduling an appointment with a WIN Nurse Care Advocate so they can match you with a doctor to discuss further.Â
Have other questions about menopause? Let’s talk! WIN Nurse Care Advocates are experts in identifying menopause symptoms and can work with you to find a solution best suited for you.
7 Essential Menopause Questions, Answered
We compiled a list of menopause FAQs and partnered with our experts to demystify this transformative stage of life.
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