Comprehensive Care for Menopause Management

Patient outside hospital

The highly-skilled gynecologic team at Skagit Regional Health has the experience and knowledge to help our patients through every aspect of menopause management. Menopause is a normal stage in life when a woman stops having her monthly period. Menopause usually occurs in a woman’s late 40s to early 50s, although women can experience menopause or surgical menopause earlier in life. Surgical menopause takes place when surgical treatments cause a drop in estrogen. This can happen if one or both of your ovaries are removed.

Menopause can also sometimes be caused by drugs used for chemotherapy or hormone therapy (HT) for breast cancer.


Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause is a multi-system transformation that occurs naturally in women. The most noticeable signs and symptoms of menopause include:

  • Hot flashes
  • Mood swings
  • Night sweats
  • Not having a period for one year (called post-menopause)
  • Racing heart or heart palpitations
  • Skipped periods
  • Sleep issues such as insomnia
  • Vaginal dryness

Menopause Can Increase the Risk of Heart Disease

Because of the drop in estrogen and other factors, menopause-related changes can raise the risk for heart disease. Our team works collaboratively with our Skagit Regional Health team of heart and vascular experts to manage any increases in:

  • Blood pressure
  • Blood-clotting proteins
  • Glucose intolerance
  • Homocysteine, affecting metabolism
  • LDL or bad cholesterol
  • Total cholesterol
  • Weight

Improving Your Health During Menopause

Despite the many changes that occur during menopause, the loss of estrogen is not a definitive cause of poor health. Working closely with your doctor at Skagit Regional Health, women can continue to monitor their health and take care of themselves by improving their diets and increasing activity levels.

Also, preventive care is very important during this life stage, including bone density tests, routine gynecological examinations, breast checks, screening mammograms and cardiovascular support. Our doctors can talk about treatment for menopausal symptoms, including hormonal and non-hormonal issues, to improve your quality of life. We help women understand the importance of managing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, elevated blood glucose and loss of bone density through medications, improved nutrition and increased exercise.

Learn More about Menopause Management at Skagit Regional Health

If you or someone you love is experiencing issues with menopause, contact one of our team members Skagit Regional Health women’s services. We can help you through every phase of menopause and improve your quality of life.