Menopause: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Menopause?
An ob-gyn, a doctor who treats women's reproductive health, or a primary care doctor can help with menopause symptoms and care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is menopause?
Menopause is the time in your life when you stop having your period and can no longer get pregnant. You have reached menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months.
The time leading up to menopause is called the menopausal transition, or perimenopause. It can last for several years. The most common age for reaching menopause is between 45 and 55.
Menopause before age 40 is called premature menopause. Menopause before age 45 is called early menopause.
Symptoms
During the menopausal transition, the ovaries make less estrogen and progesterone, two hormones. These changes cause the symptoms. Some women have no symptoms or only mild ones. Common symptoms include:
- Changes in your periods. They may be irregular, shorter or longer, and lighter or heavier.
- Hot flashes, a sudden warm feeling in the face, neck, and chest.
- Night sweats, which are hot flashes that happen at night.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Vaginal dryness, which can make sex painful or uncomfortable.
- Mood changes, such as feeling moody, anxious, or irritable.
- Bladder problems, such as leaking urine and urinary tract infections.
Symptoms can last between two and eight years, but this varies a lot from woman to woman. Lower estrogen can also cause bone loss, which can lead to osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones weak and easy to break. It can also raise cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Causes and who gets it
Menopause is a natural process that usually happens on its own as women age. Falling hormone levels from the ovaries cause it.
It can also happen sooner. Surgery that removes both ovaries can cause it right away if you are not taking hormones. Surgery that removes only the uterus stops periods but does not cause menopause. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy can bring it on earlier than usual. Other reasons for early menopause include a family history of early menopause, smoking, and certain health conditions.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor may ask about your age, your symptoms, and your family history. This often shows whether the menopausal transition is the likely cause. True menopause cannot be confirmed until one year after your last period.
Blood tests can check hormone levels, such as estradiol, FSH, and LH. A bone density test, which checks for bone loss, is advised for all women at age 65, and sooner if your risk is higher.
Treatment
Many women do not need treatment. If you want it, options include lifestyle changes, medicines without hormones, and hormone therapy.
These lifestyle steps may help:
- Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine, which can make symptoms worse.
- If you smoke, try to quit.
- Keep a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool for sleep.
Medicines without hormones can help too. Certain antidepressants, an antiseizure medicine, and a blood pressure medicine can ease hot flashes. Water-based lubricants can help with vaginal dryness. Cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of talk therapy, can help with trouble sleeping.
Hormone therapy uses estrogen and sometimes progesterone. It has benefits and risks, so talk with your doctor about whether it is safe for you. Women who still have a uterus take estrogen with progesterone to help prevent cancer of the uterus lining. Your doctor may suggest the lowest dose that works for the shortest time needed.
Supplements, herbs, and natural hormone creams have mixed research results. Some can cause harmful side effects or interact with medicines. Check with your doctor before taking any.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if your menopause symptoms bother you or you have questions about treatment. See your doctor about bleeding changes if:
- Your periods happen very close together.
- You have heavy bleeding.
- You have bleeding or spotting after sex or between periods.
- Your periods last more than a week.
- You start bleeding or spotting again after not having a period for more than a year.
Tell your doctor about any bleeding after menopause, especially if it is more than a year after your last period. It can be an early sign of problems such as cancer.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, or fainting.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can review your symptoms, talk through treatment choices, and help with yearly follow-up visits.
Common questions
Is menopause a disease?
No, menopause is not a disease. It is a normal part of aging for women.
At what age does menopause usually happen?
Menopause most often happens between ages 45 and 55. The average age in the United States is 52.
How long do menopause symptoms last?
Menopause symptoms can last between two and eight years, but the timing varies a lot from woman to woman.
Can you still get pregnant during the menopausal transition?
Yes, pregnancy is still possible until you reach menopause. A woman who does not want to get pregnant should keep using birth control for at least 12 months after her last period.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Menopause
- National Institute on Aging - What Is Menopause?
- MedlinePlus - Menopause (Medical Encyclopedia)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
