Menopause Care

No. It depends on your health situation. A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Sometimes, the surgeon will also remove a woman’s cervix, which is known a total hysterectomy. Health care providers prefer that women keep one or both ovaries, so they can continue producing estrogen hormones; however, there are times when it’s medically necessary to remove both ovaries. Only when both ovaries are removed would a woman enter menopause — if she hadn’t already.

Many factors can lead to insomnia at middle age, from hormonal hot flashes to stress and changes in metabolism. Sometimes insomnia comes with getting older or from grief from losing loved ones.

It’s normal to experience sleeping issues while going through a hormone imbalance. That’s why your lifestyle needs to include both a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals and regular exercise, getting your heartbeat up consistently.

Behavioral health therapists can help you reframe grief and stress, which can help with insomnia. Your physician can also refer you for a sleep study, so talk to your doctor if you’re interested in addressing a sleep disorder.

PFD involves disorders that affect your pelvic floor, a group of muscles that help support the areas of the pelvis. This includes your bladder, urethra, vagina, uterus or reproductive organs. While the exact cause will be determined by your doctor, common risk factors can include:

• Childbirth
• Chronic conditions
• Muscle strain
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Trauma

Pelvic floor dysfunction affects about a third of women in the United States, making it is a very common disorder. It affects patients with a wide range of ages including people going through menopause as well as patients who have experienced pregnancy and childbirth.

With the right treatment plan and physical therapy, you can strengthen and improve your pelvic floor muscles. A urogynecologist can help you address pain, incontinence, discomfort and sexual dysfunction. Some physical therapists across the Avera footprint also specialize in pelvic floor therapy.

Many people experience hot flashes due to hormonal changes that disrupt the brain's temperature control, leading to symptoms like heat, sweating, a racing heart, nausea, dizziness or headaches. Triggers include alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, hot weather, smoking, stress and diet pills.

To ease symptoms, wear breathable fabrics, dress in layers and sleep in cotton pajamas. Taking cool showers, adjusting the thermostat, using fans and sipping ice water can help. Higher stress levels can worsen hot flashes, so stress management techniques like exercise, massage and mindfulness may reduce their frequency and intensity.

Yes, you should still see your gynecologist, family medicine or internal medicine provider for Pap tests, pelvic exams and other screenings. This appointment can cover all aspects of your sexual and reproductive health. You should also continue scheduling mammograms to care for your breast health. Learn more about screenings.

While menopause is not a cause of depression, the many hormonal changes from perimenopause through post-menopause can affect your mental health and emotions. It’s important to recognize shifts in your mental health, consider how you manage and cope with stress, and make sure you get enough sleep. Talk to your primary care doctor, who can offer recommendations and treatments, and may refer you to a therapist or specialist.

Estrogen helps protect a woman’s heart, so as your body produces less estrogen, your blood vessels can stiffen, which can cause:

• Increased artery inflammation
• Increased bad cholesterol level
• Decreased good cholesterol level

As a result, women may experience a growing risk of heart disease, stroke and coronary artery disease (especially in post-menopause). While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help with cardiovascular concerns, there are other risks and benefits that you should discuss with your health care provider.