--- title: "Menopause care and treatment options | Sutter Health" description: "Our menopause care covers the transition from perimenopause through postmenopause. Get help managing symptoms with hormone therapy, lifestyle changes and more." url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/menopause-care" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services) / 3. Menopause care # Menopause care Some things never change. Your body does. Menopause can shift your sleep, your mood, your focus. And it can start earlier than you'd expect. We can help you manage what's happening and feel like yourself again. [Find a gynecologist](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Gynecology%22%2C%22Obstetrics+and+Gynecology%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&staticFilters=%5B%7B%22displayName%22%3A%22Sutter+Health+provider%22%2C%22selected%22%3Atrue%2C%22filter%22%3A%7B%22kind%22%3A%22fieldValue%22%2C%22fieldId%22%3A%22c_providerIsSutterHealth%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%2C%22value%22%3Atrue%7D%7D%5D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals) Why choose Sutter? If you've been told it's just aging, we hear you. The sleepless nights. The hot flashes that hit at the worst moment. The mood changes that catch you off guard. The brain fog that makes you stop mid-sentence. Whether you're in perimenopause or menopause, the symptoms are real and you shouldn't have to just push through them. Your care starts with the doctor you already know — your OB/Gyn, primary care provider or family medicine doctor. Hormone therapy, nonhormonal treatments, vaginal estrogen, bone health medications and lifestyle strategies are all options, along with integrative approaches like acupuncture and clinical hypnosis. Together, you and your doctor build a plan that fits your symptoms, preferences and goals. If you’d like more specialized support, we also offer a dedicated [comprehensive menopause program](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/comprehensive-menopause-program). Many of the program's clinicians are Menopause Society Certified Practitioners (MSCPs) with advanced training in evidence-based menopause care. It starts with a 30-minute virtual consultation. We're ready to help you get back to you. ## By the numbers ### 1 center of excellence honored for minimally invasive gynecology procedures. ### 400+ care team members  including gynecologists and specialists dedicated to women's health. ### Top 50 hospitals for gynecology as recognized by U.S. News & World Report. ### Top 100 Women's Health Programs as named by Becker's Hospital Review. ## Request a referral Chat live with our team Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, or call us at [888-834-1788](tel:+18888341788). [Request a referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals) ## Conditions - Cognitive Changes - [Menopause](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/menopause-care) - Mood Swings - Osteopenia - Osteoporosis - Perimenopause - Post-Menopausal Bleeding - Postmenopause - Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) - Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) - Sexual function concerns - Sleep disturbances - Surgical menopause - Urinary incontinence - Vaginal/genitourinary symptoms - Vasomotor Symptoms - Weight changes ## Diagnostics - Bone density scan - Breast cancer screening - Cardiovascular Risk Assessment - Endometrial Biopsy - Hormone lab testing - Mood/depression screening - Pelvic examination - Pelvic ultrasound - Sexual health assessment - Sleep assessment - Thyroid function tests ## Treatments - [Acupuncture](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/acupuncture-and-traditional-chinese-medicine) - Bone health medications - Calcium and vitamin D supplementation - Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) - Exercise programs - Hormone replacement therapy - Hypnotherapy - Menopausal Hormone Therapy - Non-hormonal treatment of menopausal symptoms - Nutrition counseling - [Pelvic floor physical therapy](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/pelvic-floor-and-incontinence-therapy) - Sexual health treatment and counseling - Sleep therapy - Stress management - Vaginal estrogen - [Weight management](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/weight-management-programs) ![Middle-aged woman on video call](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/Hero-Images/comp-menopause-program_2100.jpeg?h=1402&iar=0&w=2100) ## Sutter Comprehensive Menopause Program  Get a care plan built around your menopause symptoms and your life. A 30-minute virtual consultation with our specialized team gets you started. [See how it works](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/comprehensive-menopause-program) ## Hormone replacement therapy In this video, Risa Kagan, M.D., FACOG, MSCP, discusses the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This treatment can alleviate menopause symptoms and help women feel more comfortable. ## Sutter spotlight Health & wellness ### [Sex After Menopause](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/menopause-sex) Get the answers to questions you’re afraid to ask. Health & wellness ### [Three Phases of Menopause](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/three-phases-of-menopause) Knowing what to expect can help you have a healthier transition. Health & wellness ### [How to Reduce Menopause Symptoms](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/menopause-symptoms) Find help getting relief for symptoms so you can feel your best during perimenopause and menopause. Frequently asked questions **What is menopause?**  Menopause is the point when you've gone 12 months in a row without a period. It's a natural part of aging. Your ovaries stop releasing eggs and produce less estrogen. Most people reach it between 45 and 55, and it can happen earlier for some. **What is perimenopause?** Perimenopause is the transition into menopause. It's the months or years before your periods stop for good. Your hormones shift, your cycles change and symptoms like hot flashes, sleep issues and mood changes can kick in. It can last anywhere from a few months to several years. **How do I know if I'm in perimenopause or menopause?** Perimenopause usually starts in your 40s, though it can begin earlier. One of the first signs is a change in your periods. They may get shorter or longer, heavier or lighter or less predictable. You might also notice hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, brain fog, vaginal dryness or changes in sexual function. Menopause is reached when you've gone 12 months in a row without a period. If you've had a hysterectomy, use hormonal contraception or have another condition that affects your periods, it can be harder to tell where you are in the transition. Your doctor can help you figure it out. **How long does menopause last?** Menopause itself is one point in time: 12 months without a period. The symptoms that come with the transition can last for years before and after. Everyone's timeline is different. If symptoms are affecting your daily life, talk with your doctor. You have options.  **When does menopause start?**  Most people start the transition in their 40s and reach menopause around 51 to 52, on average in the U.S. Everyone's timeline is a little different. Some go through it earlier because of genetics, surgery or medical treatment. If you're noticing symptoms in your 30s or 40s, talk with your doctor. **Is bleeding after menopause always cancer?**  No, it isn't always cancer. In fact, there are many common reasons for bleeding after menopause. However, it's still something you want to have checked. Don't wait it out — contact your doctor.  ## Relief from menopause symptoms Get care at Sutter, where providers offer personalized plans to manage hot flashes, sleep and mood changes. 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