Menopause Care

We provide education, support and resources for women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms, including:

• Disrupted sleep
• Hot flashes
• Mood changes
• Painful intercourse or vaginal dryness
• Weight gain

In addition to online information, we offer presentations about menopause-related topics. The presentations are conducted by doctors and nurse practitioners at both El Camino Health's Mountain View and Los Gatos campuses. You have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of each presentation.

Introduction to Menopause

Menopause is the stage of life when a woman has stopped having menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months. While the average age for menopause is 51, it can actually occur any time from your 30s to mid-50s or later. Generally, women tend to experience menopause at about the same age as their mother did.

What Is Perimenopause?

The transitional phase before menopause is called perimenopause, which can last from two to 10 years. Many people, including doctors, use the term menopause to include perimenopause.

During perimenopause:

• The production of estrogen and progesterone (female hormones) decreases.
• The supply of mature eggs in your ovaries diminishes.
• Menstrual periods become increasingly irregular. 

Staying Healthy After Menopause

Lower estrogen levels are thought to play a role in weight gain and increased susceptibility to certain health conditions, including heart disease, after menopause. Good nutrition, regular exercise and preventive care are more important than ever.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) uses medications that contain female hormones to replace the hormones your body stops making during menopause. While HRT is effective at controlling many symptoms of menopause, it’s been associated with possible health risks.

Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy to determine whether it’s right for you.

Incontinence, Prolapse and Other Pelvic Issues

One in 4 women will experience some form of pelvic health issue, such as urinary incontinence, prolapse or pelvic pain. Pelvic health issues can have a big impact on a woman’s quality of life. Incontinence and other pelvic issues aren’t necessarily a normal part of aging. Help is available at our Pelvic Health Program.

The menopause program is supported by donations to El Camino Health Foundation.