Menopause
Each woman's body moves through menopause in its own way and time. Many women experience irregular periods with varied menstrual flow, hot flashes, insomnia, excessive vaginal dryness, night sweats, a drop in libido, mood swings and depression. Women may experience a combination of symptoms or no symptoms at all.

After menopause is complete and a woman no longer has a monthly period, she may be at risk for osteoporosis, heart attack, and heart disease due to lack of estrogen in her system. The menopause section of our health information offers a good overview of symptoms and treatments, and includes a list of additional resources in print and on the Web. The North American Menopause Society has prepared an 8-page Menopause Handbook covering menopause and perimenopause, the years preceding menopause, available for downloading from the Web or by mail.

At Sutter, we offer a variety of services that allows each woman to manage this transition and help ensure she will maintain good health for years to come. Available services include testing and evaluation, education and support, hormone replacement therapy, and others. Care for women is provided through physicians affiliated with Sutter hospitals. To find out what services are available, please contact 1-800-866-7724 or visit the Sutter Physician Alliance website.

For more information about menopause and osteoporosis, please visit our health information section.

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Perimenopause
The years prior to menopause, before menstrual periods end, are referred to as perimenopause. During this time, many women experience irregular menstrual periods and other symptoms, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. The menopause section of our health information offers a good overview of symptoms and treatments, and includes a list of additional resources in print and on the Web. The North American Menopause Society has prepared an 8-page Menopause Handbook covering menopause and perimenopause (the years preceding menopause), available for downloading from the Web or by mail.

Physicians affiliated with Sutter Health hospitals provide care to women at all stages of perimenopause and menopause. To find out what services are available, please contact 1-800-866-7724 or visit sutterphysiciansalliance.org.

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