The average woman will spend almost a third of her life in menopause. 

Menopause is defined as one year without a period. Perimenopause takes place in the years leading up to menopause. During this time, a woman may begin to have symptoms such as menstrual irregularities or hot flashes but still has periods.

These symptoms are caused by fluctuating and declining levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Hormone therapy is medication that replaces the estrogen and progesterone the body stops making during the transition to menopause.

 

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UCSF gynecologists cut through the confusion. "Despite being a universal experience for women, menopause often seems shrouded in stigma or confusion. But menopause is having a moment: Women today can choose from a wealth of options to address their unique needs during this time in their lives, say UCSF experts."

UCSF Magazine

Two million U.S. women enter menopause every year, yet doctors' menopause gaslighting keeps women from getting the treatment they need.

Well +Good

Hormone therapy for menopause was all the rage around the turn of the 21st century, until a single major study appeared to blow up what everyone thought they knew about the treatment and who might benefit from it. More than two decades later, Americans are still reckoning with the fallout.

San Francisco Chronicle

There’s no need to go into it without preparation.

Self.com

To evaluate safety and effectiveness of therapeutic ultrasound for treatment of postmenopausal vaginal dryness. In a pilot study, postmenopausal women with self-reported vaginal dryness were randomized (1:1) to double-blind ultrasound treatment (n = 21) or sham (n = 21) for 12 weeks. Primary effectiveness endpoint was change from baseline to week 12 in Vaginal Assessment Scale symptoms (dryness, soreness, irritation, dyspareunia).

PubMed

UCSF study calls attention to the potential for estrogen therapy in slowing the course of the disease.

UCSF News