Menopause & Healthy Aging
Our experts help women 40 and older deal with issues and symptoms caused by perimenopause and menopause.
Personalized Care
You’ll receive personalized guidance and counseling along with education and resources to help manage your menopause transition with ease.
We are comprised of specialized physicians, advanced care practitioners, psychotherapists and many other specialties working together to provide a customized consult/ individualized care. We offer both a Menopause Program and a Sexual Wellness Program.
What is Menopause?
You may associate menopause with no longer having a monthly period, but menopause encompasses more than just the end of menstruation. It occurs when the ovaries cease estrogen production, either naturally or through surgical removal. While some women may transition without symptoms, hormonal shifts can lead to experiences such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, recurrent bladder infections, insomnia, mood swings, cognitive changes, and weight fluctuations. Additionally, entering menopause elevates the risk of medical conditions like cardiovascular disease and loss of bone density.
Request a ConsultTailored Solutions
Menopause Program
Menopause is a natural stage of life. There is no shame in seeking assistance. Our specialized team is comprised of Certified Menopause Practitioners of the North American Menopause Society.
The spectrum of concerns, questions, and bothersome symptoms associated with perimenopause/menopause are incredibly varied. Addressing menopausal symptoms, managing associated medical conditions, and understanding your health risks concerning certain cancers, heart disease, and bone health are essential to promote healthy aging.
Our goal is to provide evidence-based information and treatment options comprehensively under one roof.
Common consults are for:
- Bleeding Concerns
- Urinary or Bowel Incontinence
- Pelvic pain/pressure
- Libido/arousal/orgasm concerns
- Vulvar itching/pain
- Painful intercourse
- Vaginal dryness
- Weight gain
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood changes
- Hot flashes
- Vulvar abnormalities
Sexual Medicine Program
Sexual health issues can impact women of all ages, ranging from low desire and arousal to pain during intercourse, vulvar skin problems, and complications related to cancer treatment or contraception. Our team is here to support you through these challenges, including conditions like vestibulitis, persistent genital arousal disorder, vaginismus, and issues stemming from past negative sexual experiences. Don’t hesitate to consult with us—we’re dedicated to enhancing your quality of life and well-being.
Before your visit
To streamline your visit, a coordinator will reach out to schedule an appointment and send a questionnaire for completion before your first visit. Our clinical team will review this along with any existing records in your Cuyuna Regional Medical Center electronic file. We may contact you beforehand if further information is needed, ensuring a thorough and efficient consultation.
What to expect during your first visit
Upon arrival, our nursing staff will greet you, followed by an intake conducted by our advanced practice clinician who has reviewed your questionnaire. They may ask questions to understand your visit’s purpose and goals.
You’ll change into a gown for a thorough physical examination by one of our attending physicians, focusing on the vulva, vagina, pelvic structures, and pelvic floor muscles. We’ll use a mirror during the exam to highlight any findings.
With your consent, we may take a photo if you have a vulvar condition, aiding in documentation and treatment tracking. This will be done securely and stored privately in your electronic medical record.
Following the examination, our team will discuss a proposed treatment plan, educating you about your condition and presenting treatment options using a shared decision-making approach.
Follow-up visits may be conducted virtually via telehealth or in-person, depending on your condition, and will be determined during your initial visit.
Additional Resources
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Menopause Preparedness Toolkit
A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
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Let's Talk Menopause
Nonprofit invested in changing the conversation around menopause
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Rock My Menopause
Over half the population will be affected by menopause. Why don’t we talk about it more?
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Menopause.org
The North American Menopause Society
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