Menopause

Menopause services offered in Chinatown and Lower Manhattan, New York, Brooklyn, Flushing and Syosset, NY

Menopause is a natural stage of life, but symptoms such as hot flashes, disrupted sleep, mood changes, and vaginal dryness can significantly affect your comfort and quality of life.

The experienced OB-GYNs at Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology provide personalized menopause care at convenient locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island. Call the office nearest you or request an appointment online to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.

What are menopause and perimenopause?

Menopause is confirmed after you have gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period for reasons other than pregnancy, medication, or another medical condition. In the United States, the average age of menopause is approximately 51.

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate and menstrual periods may become shorter, longer, heavier, lighter, or less predictable.

What symptoms can menopause cause?

Symptoms vary from person to person and may include:

Hot flashes and night sweats
Difficulty sleeping
Irregular menstrual periods
Mood changes or irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Vaginal dryness or irritation
Pain during sexual intercourse
Changes in sexual desire
Urinary urgency or recurrent urinary symptoms

Changes in bleeding can occur during perimenopause, but unusually heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods, or any bleeding after menopause should be evaluated.

How is menopause diagnosed?

For most patients in their 40s or 50s, menopause and perimenopause can be identified based on age, symptoms, and changes in menstrual periods.

Routine hormone testing is usually unnecessary because hormone levels can fluctuate considerably during perimenopause. Bloodwork or other testing may be recommended when symptoms occur at an unusually young age or when another medical condition may be responsible.

How are menopause symptoms treated?

Treatment depends on your symptoms, medical history, health risks, and personal preferences. Options may include:

Lifestyle and sleep recommendations
Nonhormonal medications for hot flashes and night sweats
Vaginal moisturizers or lubricants
Local vaginal hormone treatment
Systemic menopausal hormone therapy
Evaluation and treatment of related sleep, mood, sexual, urinary, or bone-health concerns

Hormone therapy can be highly effective for appropriate patients, but it is not the right choice for everyone. Your provider will review the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives before developing a personalized treatment plan.

Looking for more comprehensive menopause care?

Explore personalized menopause and hormonal health consultations through Mulberry, a private-pay extension created by physicians from Bayard Street OB/GYN.

Explore Mulberry →