Menopause isn’t an ending—it’s a transition. Understanding what is happening inside your body can help you take charge of your health and thrive in this next stage.
Updated February 19, 2025
Contributed by: Shauna L. Pagel, APRN-CNP / Obstetrics and Gynecology
As Gen X is hitting menopause, the national conversation is heating up (pun intended). That’s a good thing, says Shauna Pagel, a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) and nurse practitioner at MetroHealth’s Menopause Clinic. Half the population will go through this transition, so there’s no need to keep it secret!
What is Menopause?
Menopause means you haven’t had a period for 12 months. On average, women go through natural menopause at 52, but it can happen between 45 and 55. It is caused by the gradual decline of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which affect nearly every system in your body.
Symptoms of Menopause
Before menopause, you can experience symptoms for years (five is typical, but it could be more), which is called perimenopause. Symptoms are caused by wild fluctuations in levels of the hormone estrogen in your body as you approach menopause. You may notice the following:
- Irregular periods (periods closer together or further apart)
- Heavy periods
- Hot flashes, including night sweats
- Brain fog and mood swings
- Trouble sleeping
- Changes in weight or sex drive
- Vaginal dryness
By the time you’ve actually hit menopause, your body may be more used to the lack of estrogen, which means the ups and downs may be easier and your symptoms might not be as severe. Everyone’s experience is different.
Tips to Stay Cool and Healthy
Hot flashes are common—but you can manage them. Try these tips:
- Sleep with a fan
- Keep cold washcloths in the fridge to drape over the back of your neck
- Wear layers you can take off
- Drink plenty of water and watch for triggers like alcohol
- Eat a balanced diet — focus on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to help your body process hormones
- Keep moving — regular exercise, especially strength training and yoga, can ease stress, support your mood, and keep your bones strong
Treatment Options That Work
While lifestyle changes can help, many women benefit from medical treatments that target the root cause — hormonal shifts. Menopause hormone therapy can relieve many symptoms and may protect against bone loss. Talk to your provider about:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): The gold standard for treating hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Options include pills, patches, gels, or rings.
- Non-Hormonal Medications:
– Fezolinetant (Veozah): A new drug that targets the brain’s temperature center.
– SSRIs/SNRIs: Certain antidepressants that can reduce hot flashes and improve mood. - Supplements: Some alternatives may help but always talk to your doctor first.
Finding Support
“Menopause shouldn’t be a period of silence or discomfort. It is a natural transition that deserves proactive care. Whether through medical treatment or lifestyle adjustments, we are here to ensure this next chapter of your life is defined by vitality, not just symptoms.” says Shauna L Pagel, MSN, APRN-CNP.
MetroHealth makes it easy to find help. And with over 15 MetroHealth locations offering Women’s Health services and a dedicated menopause clinic, you can find care that is convenient for you.
If symptoms interfere with sleep, mood, or daily function, the MetroHealth Women’s Health Team is here to help. You don’t need to tough it out. There are safe, effective ways to feel better and stay healthy during and after menopause. To make an appointment with a Women’s Health Team provider, call 216-778-4444 or schedule online through MyChart. To learn more about Women’s Health at MetroHealth, visit metrohealth.org/obgyn.
