FAQs About Menopause

Many women in Dothan, AL, associate menopause with a specific set of symptoms. In reality, this natural change in life is a life stage that begins one year after your last period. Some women may have symptoms while others may not notice anything different other than the end of the menstrual cycle. At Women’s Medical Center in Dothan, AL, our team of doctors helps women understand, prepare, and manage this stage in their lives.

What is the Normal Age for Menopause?

There is no definitive age at which you may begin this natural life change. Studies have shown that, on average, women tend to have their last period in their early 50s. Some women experience menopause in their 40s, while others start menopause in the early 60s. 

What are the First Signs of Menopause?

The first noticeable sign of this natural change of life is that you stop having your periods. When this happens, it indicates that there are hormonal changes occurring in your body. Specifically, your estrogen levels start to fluctuate, and your body produces less progesterone. These changes may cause secondary symptoms that are closely associated with menopause, such as mood swings, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, trouble sleeping, gaining weight, and even spotting or irregular periods.

Is There a Test for Menopause?

There are some tests that women in Dothan, AL, to check for menopause at home. The kits check levels of a specific hormone that increases before and during menopause. The best option is to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Women’s Medical Center. Your symptoms may be caused by something other than a natural change in life.

What are the 3 Stages of Menopause?

Menopause evolves in three distinct stages, and the timeline for each stage varies. During perimenopause, hormone levels in your body start to fluctuate. You may have irregular periods, as well as other symptoms. You then transition to menopause. Your body no longer produces certain hormones, and you stop having periods. The third and final stage is post-menopause.

Can a Woman Get Pregnant During Menopause?

Once your ovulation stops, you cannot get pregnant during menopause. Testing your hormone levels determines when you are no longer ovulating.

Are you a woman in Dothan, AL, who has menopause symptoms? Call Women’s Medical Center at (334) 793-3900 today to schedule an appointment at our office in Dothan, AL. Our team of doctors can help you understand and manage your symptoms.