Menopause officially occurs when your ovaries stop producing estrogen or are surgically removed. While some women experience no symptoms, hormonal changes usually result in hot flashes, vaginal dryness, recurrent bladder infections, insomnia, mood swings, brain fog and weight gain. After the menopause transition, women are also at increased risk for medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease and bone loss.

While many women say they are “done with menopause” they usually are referring to cessation of hot flashes. The repercussions of estrogen deprivation are life long and with increasing life expectancy, women today can expect to live almost 40 percent of their lives after the menopause transition. In addition, many women experience an early menopause due to removal of ovaries, chemotherapy, radiation or other medical conditions.

By the year 2030, 1.2 billion women will be postmenopausal.

At the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Program for Menopause, our team of Certified Menopause Practitioners of The North American Menopause Society will help you navigate both hormonal and non-hormonal options to alleviate symptoms or consequences of menopause. In addition, our team of experts are uniquely suited for the woman whose care is complex due to medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or cancer.

Learn more about the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Program for Menopause.