Aging & Menopause

Defined by hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and vaginal dryness, menopause is official when your periods have stopped for a full year. It can occur as early as age 40 and as late as 55-plus, but for most women, menopause happens in their early 50s.

There were probably times that you dreamed of this day – sending your last child off to college or into the world so that you could enjoy a quiet house for a change. But now that the moment is near, it’s completely normal that you might be experiencing feelings of sadness, remorse or loneliness. Empty nest is called a syndrome for a reason – it can be a real challenge for individuals and couples alike – whether you were looking forward to this time or dreading it.

While a celebration isn’t the first thing most women think of when they consider menopause, National Menopause Awareness Month in September encourages women to embrace this phase, rather than just suffering from its symptoms. At Clinic Sofia, we are proud to support women at every life stage and offer resources and support for women experiencing menopause and pre-menopause.

Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s aging process. It marks the beginning of a new phase of freedom in life without periods or pregnancy. While the changes that happen in women’s bodies are similar, every woman experiences menopause differently. Your caregivers are here to guide you through this transformation.

As women experience menopause, estrogen production naturally slows down. Estrogen helps support bone growth, so many women have weaker bones later in life. Some women are at risk for developing osteoporosis, which causes the bones to become extremely brittle and easily fractured.

Yes, at Clinic Sofia we like to see our patients – no matter what your age – once a year. While the focus of your annual visit will change over time, we still perform preventative screenings such as breast exams, mammograms, screenings for colon cancer and ovarian cysts, and cholesterol checks, among others.