Menopause and perimenopause care

The women’s health specialists at Aurora BayCare Medical Center focus on the unique needs of women managing menopause. You may be experiencing uncomfortable symptoms or want to know what to expect before, during and after this natural life change. We’re here to answer your questions and offer the supportive, compassionate care you deserve.

Menopause management: Why choose Aurora BayCare Medical Center?

Women trust Aurora BayCare for quality care at every stage of life because we offer:

• Skilled providers: An experienced team of gynecologists, fertility specialists, nurses and other providers specializes in helping women manage midlife health concerns. Women of all ages receive the care they need throughout their lives.
• Collaborative approach: Menopause can increase your risk for certain health conditions. Our women’s health specialists work with oncologists, orthopedists, cardiologists and other doctors to ensure that you receive the right preventive care and treatment.
• Range of treatment options: From medication to minimally invasive surgery, we offer a variety of treatments to help you manage menopause. We work with you to build a personalized care plan.

What is menopause?

Menopause occurs when your ovaries stop making estrogen and you no longer have menstrual periods. For most women, menopause occurs around age 50. Sometimes cancer treatments or surgery can trigger early menopause. Perimenopause usually starts 4 or 5 years before menopause, around age 45.

Our treatments and services for menopause and perimenopause

Aurora BayCare offers a range of treatment and services for women before, during and after menopause, including:

• Fertility preservation: We offer a range of fertility options for women who may experience temporary, early menopause due to cancer treatment or surgery. Egg or embryo freezing can help you preserve your ability to get pregnant. Learn more about our fertility services.
• Gynecological surgery: Some surgeries, such as oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries), trigger menopause. If you want to avoid early menopause or still want to get pregnant, we offer less invasive options that may be able to help. Learn more about minimally invasive gynecological surgery.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): If you experience menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, hormone therapy may help. Your provider can recommend estrogen or estrogen and progestin as a pill, patch or skin cream.HRT isn’t right for all women, so talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this treatment.
• Laser therapy: Vaginal dryness is a common side effect of menopause. If hormone therapy or creams haven’t helped, you might consider laser treatment for vaginal dryness. This noninvasive procedure can relieve dryness, itchiness and pain during sex.
• Low-dose birth control: Birth control pills have enough estrogen to manage mild menopausal symptoms. Some women try low doses of birth control before or instead of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
• Preventive care: Your risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis increase after menopause. We offer a range of screenings and preventive care services to keep you in optimal health during your midlife years and beyond.

Conditions we treat

We offer treatment and support for the most common menopause symptoms, including:

• Depression
• Difficulty sleeping
• Hot flashes
• Incontinence
• Memory problems
• Mood swings
• Vaginal dryness or infections