Menopause
You might wonder if you've started menopause. Or perhaps, you know you've reached it or have post-menopausal concerns. No matter where you find yourself, we’re here to help.
The menopause experts at Cleveland Clinic understand what you’re going through and will meet you where you are in this journey. You’ll get a healthcare provider who listens to you and your concerns. You’ll discuss not only any treatment you might need, but also how to prevent your risk of diseases like osteoporosis and heart disease. This way, you can get through menopause feeling a little more comfortable and confident.
Why Choose Cleveland Clinic for Menopause Care?
Specialized knowledge:
Our experts have extra education and training in helping people with menopause-related conditions. Some team members have earned the designation of certified menopause practitioner from the Menopause Society.
Personalized care:
Your providers will spend time with you and get to know you. They’ll want to understand your concerns and goals before they craft a treatment plan specifically for you. Meet our team.
National recognition:
Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We're recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.
Virtual Visits:
We make it easy for you to check in with your provider without traveling or taking too much time out of your day. Virtual visits let you talk with them from the comfort of home on any device.
Menopause Stages and Symptoms
Perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause are all natural stages in your life. During perimenopause, your body makes less estrogen (that’s the hormone that regulates your menstrual cycle). Perimenopause is your body’s transition to menopause — the stage when you’ve gone 12 full months without having a period.
As estrogen levels drop, you might get hot flashes and night sweats. You may also notice other menopause symptoms like:
- Weight gain.
- Insomnia (problems getting the sleep you should).
- Painful sex or lack of interest in sex.
- Anxiety disorders and depression.
- Vaginal dryness and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (vaginal atrophy).
It’s normal to experience these symptoms during your transition to menopause. It’s also normal not to experience them. You might go through menopause without ever having a hot flash or feeling different. But if you have symptoms that are affecting your life, talk with your healthcare provider. We can help you manage your symptoms to help you feel your best.
Providers Who Treat Menopause
Locations
We offer treatment for menopause at many locations throughout Ohio, Florida and London.Menopause Treatment at Cleveland Clinic
Menopause might not be your favorite topic. But we’ll talk openly with you. We’ll ask you questions to better understand your lifestyle, symptoms and goals. Then, we’ll design a menopause care plan that's right for you.
Hormonal medications
Your specialist may recommend hormone therapy for menopause symptoms. It may seem odd, but we may prescribe birth control pills during perimenopause to help control your hormones. After menopause, there are a few different ways you can take hormone replacement therapy. We might recommend you take it:
- Internally (an inserted vaginal ring).
- Orally (in pill form).
- Through the skin (as a skin patch, topical spray or topical gel).
Since there are some risks associated with hormone replacement therapy, we’ll look at your overall health to make sure it’s a good fit for you.
Non-hormonal medications
Our experts may recommend a variety of medications to help treat your hot flashes without using hormones. These medications can not only help with your hot flashes and mood — but they might also help you sleep better.
Over-the-counter menopause symptom relief
Most herbal supplements, unfortunately, aren’t effective to manage menopause symptoms. But we may recommend supplements for your sleep concerns. And for vaginal dryness, we may suggest lubricants that you can buy over-the-counter (that don’t contain any hormones) to make you a little more comfortable.
Preventing osteoporosis and heart disease
After menopause, you have lower estrogen levels than before. This puts you at a higher risk for both osteoporosis and heart disease.
So, when you reach this point, our team can go over your risk for these conditions. We can do bone density tests to check calcium levels in your bones. And we can regularly track your blood pressure and cholesterol. You may see a rheumatologist to talk about avoiding osteoporosis. And our preventive cardiology team is here to help you manage your heart risk.
A healthy diet and exercise plan can help you prevent both conditions. Our team will work with you to build a personalized plan to get you moving and eating well. And if you smoke, we’ll help you quit, too.
Gynecologic Care After Menopause at Cleveland Clinic
Routine testing might be the last thing on your mind after menopause, but it’s important to still see your gynecologist for regular pelvic exams and Pap smears. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about how often you’ll need them.
Once you’ve reached menopause, you won’t have periods anymore. So if you notice any bleeding, let your provider know right away. Postmenopausal bleeding could be a sign of:
Taking the Next Step
You don’t have to live with hot flashes, weight gain, mood swings, dry skin or other menopause symptoms. We can help. Our menopause experts are here to help you cool down, get a good night’s sleep — and enjoy life again.
Appointments
Getting an appointment with Cleveland Clinic’s menopause experts is easy. We’re here to help you get the care you need.
Billing & Insurance
Manage your Cleveland Clinic account. Find billing information and financial assistance, plus FAQs.
MyChart
Securely access your personal health information at any time, day or night.
Menopause support
It’s hard sometimes. Not everyone goes through menopause at the same time. Or you might not feel comfortable sharing with your friends. It sometimes can feel lonely going through symptoms on your own. To help, we offer shared medical appointments at various locations throughout Cleveland Clinic. These longer group appointments include follow-up care from your provider and support from others who are going through the same things as you.
Want To Get Menopause Care in Ohio or Michigan Without an Office Visit?
Do you have questions about hormonal changes during menopause — whether it’s perimenopause, menopause, or sexual and bone health?
If you’re in Ohio or Michigan, you can join us for any of our weekly group virtual menopause visits. They’re a convenient way to ask questions from a menopause specialist. You’ll learn not only from the doctor, but from the questions of others.
When: These secure Zoom sessions are every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. (EST). You can schedule only one 90-minute shared medical appointment, or a series of them. It’s up to you!
Who can join: New and current Cleveland Clinic patients. You’ll need a MyChart account, and to fill out a questionnaire a week before your session.
What to expect: You’ll hear from a menopause specialist what they wish everyone knew about menopause. And they’ll answer commonly asked questions. Then, you’ll be able to ask your own questions — or just listen!
What’s the cost? The cost is the same as a regular doctor’s visit. If you need any medications or labs, you’ll follow up with a menopause specialist of your choice for a 1:1 visit.
Schedule today! Call us at 216.444.8686 to reserve your spot.
