Menopause and perimenopause Archive

More than 10 million of the nation's 19 million cancer survivors are women, 80% of whom are 60 or older. Cancer survivors going through menopause may not be able to use systemic hormone therapy if their cancer was hormone-driven, but other measures can provide symptom relief. These include various medications and lifestyle modifications such as cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, acupuncture, and regular exercise. Some women who can't use systemic hormone therapy may still try vaginal estrogen to ease vaginal dryness, some urinary symptoms, or painful sex.

A 2025 study suggests that postmenopausal women may be able to lower their blood pressure simply by standing more often each day.

Waking up in the middle of the night happens to women more often after age 55 due to many factors. These include diminished hormones and circadian rhythm changes. Stress, bladder changes, medications, chronic pain, and alcohol and caffeine use can also contribute. People can break the cycle of nighttime wake-ups by practicing good sleep hygiene, addressing medical issues, trying mind-body techniques such as deep breathing or meditation, and limiting caffeine, alcohol, and heavy evening meals.

Menopausal hot flashes and night sweats, called vasomotor symptoms, are linked in research to higher odds of dementia and cardiovascular disease. But studies don't necessarily account for other health and lifestyle factors that influence brain and heart health. Women who are physically active and have a lower body mass index are less likely to become cognitively impaired. Disrupted sleep, which is common for women with vasomotor symptoms, may also contribute to cardiovascular and cognitive problems.

Burning mouth syndrome affects about 2% of people, with women up to seven times more likely than men to be diagnosed. Symptoms include burning sensations in the lips, mouth, or throat as well as stabbing pain, tingling, a sour or metallic taste, or the sense that something is crawling inside the mouth. Women's hormone dips during perimenopause and beyond may play a role in the condition, and stress and anxiety are also considered risk factors. To confirm the diagnosis, doctors must first rule out other potential causes of symptoms.

Using hormone therapy, which involves taking estrogen and sometimes progesterone, doesn't stop or slow the approach of menopause. The arrival of menopause is determined by women's ovaries, not by the amount of these hormones in the body.

Women receive less information about perimenopause compared with the earlier milestones of puberty and pregnancy. Some women deal with an array of symptoms they don't connect to perimenopause and aren't aware that lifestyle changes can offset them. The menopause transition often involves weight gain from both shifting hormones and aging. Regular exercise and strength training can mitigate weight gain. Healthy eating habits and sounder sleep can also offset perimenopausal symptoms.

Women officially reach menopause a year after periods end. Any vaginal bleeding after menopause should be evaluated. Bleeding can come from vaginal dryness or atrophy, medication side effects, various infections, endometrial thickening, or cancer.