Pressing “Play” on Menopause: Taking Charge Through a Natural Life Milestone

September 25, 2025 | Tags: Wellness

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Menopause is one point in a continuing cycle of life changes for women. While half the world’s population will experience menopause, it’s still a stigmatized topic that many don’t talk about, fully understand or seek treatment for. This stigma impacts women’s physical and mental well-being as well as their quality of life and can result in long-term health risks. Let’s discuss menopause together and why learning about this natural health milestone is beneficial. 

What is menopause? 

Menopause is the permanent end to your menstrual cycle, marking the end of your reproductive years. It's caused by the loss of ovarian follicular function – the activity of producing eggs and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Menopause is officially diagnosed after a woman goes 12 months without: 

• A menstrual period 
• Vaginal bleeding 
• Spotting 

While women are unable to predict when menopause will occur, most experience it between the ages of 45 and 55 as a part of biological aging. However, some women can experience it before age 40. Transitioning to menopause can result from: 

• Natural causes: Menopause occurs gradually as you age without any surgical or medical conditions or procedures that can cause bleeding to stop. 
• Surgical or medical causes: Menopause is induced through means like birth control, chemotherapy or radiation therapy or surgical removal of the ovaries, called an oophorectomy.   

Raise your voice about menopause 

Many people feel uncomfortable talking about women’s health issues and menopause is no exception. Several negative stigmas, attitudes and beliefs are tied to menopause as it involves aging and the loss of fertility. However, menopause is a natural health milestone that indicates a new stage in life and discussing it openly can not only help women better understand their wellbeing but also feel less alone. 

Women’s health is important, and talking about women’s health issues helps us: 

• Learn more about crucial topics that affect parts of the population. 
• Understand symptoms and what to expect. 
• Feel more comfortable openly discussing important topics with loved ones or healthcare professionals. 

Menopause can be a confusing and frustrating time, so it’s okay to take breaks and give yourself grace as you navigate the changes happening with your body. 

Three stages of menopause 

When menopause happens naturally, it occurs in three stages: 

• Perimenopause: The transition stage when the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. Usually starts for women in their 40s and lasts several months or several years. Changes that indicate perimenopause include irregular periods or changes to menstrual flow. Pregnancy can still occur during this stage. 
• Menopause: Not a stage you stay in, but more of a defined moment when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. The ovaries no longer release eggs and the body doesn’t produce as much estrogen.  
• Postmenopause: The time after menopause where women remain the rest of their lives. While most menopausal symptoms ease up, some mild ones can continue for several years.  

Symptoms of menopause 

All women experience menopause differently and not everyone will experience the same symptoms, which can be uncomfortable, irritating or potentially life-altering. You may be transitioning into menopause if the following occur: 

• Irregular periods (heavier or lighter than usual). 
• Hot flashes (sudden feeling of intense heat), cold flashes and/or night sweats. 
• Urinary symptoms, such as urgency, frequency or burning or pain with urination.  
• Emotional changes, like irritability, mood swings, anxiety or depression. 
• Vaginal dryness that causes discomfort or pain during sex.  
• Abnormal uterine bleeding. 
• Insomnia. 

Other symptoms that can occur during menopause include: 

• Memory problems or brain fog. 
• Weight gain or changes in weight distribution. 
• Hair loss or thinning. 
• Dry skin, eyes or mouth. 
• Changes in libido, including lower sexual desire. 

Treatments for menopause 

While some women may not require any treatment for menopause, others may choose to opt in if symptoms negatively impact their quality of life. These include: 

• Hormone therapy, such as estrogen therapy and estrogen progestogen therapy. 
• Hormone replacement therapy, which uses hormones to treat menopause when it occurs young, especially before age 40. 
• Nonhormonal treatments, such as nutritional changes, getting regular exercise, avoiding triggers for hot flashes (i.e. spicy foods or warm environments) or joining a support group. 

There are certain risks associated with hormone therapy. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about the importance of creating a treatment plan that works for you. As some women go through grief or heavy mood fluctuations during menopause, your PCP may suggest a support group or counseling as useful resources to help with emotional changes you’re experiencing. 

Starting the menopause conversation empowers your health 

Due to lower estrogen levels caused by menopause, women are at a higher risk for certain health conditions, like osteoporosis and heart disease. Talk to your PCP about monitoring your health and your risk levels for these conditions. 

Keep track of and discuss your menstrual cycle over the last year with your PCP. They may order blood tests to check hormone levels and see if your symptoms are related to menopause or another health condition.

If you don't have a PCP, Medical Mutual can help. Use our Find a Provider tool on My Health Plan or call the Customer Care phone number listed on your member ID card.