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Menopause

As many women in their late 40s and early 50s can attest to, menopause can bring with it many emotional and physical changes. While this stage in life is a natural biological process, it can disrupt sleep, zap your energy level and create anxiety. Menopause occurs 12 months after your last menstrual period.

As Siouxland’s leading women’s hospital, St. Luke’s offers a number of services geared toward women in their menopausal years.

Symptoms

Many of the signs and symptoms appear long before the one-year anniversary of a woman’s final period, often around the age of 51.

Symptoms may include:

  • Irregular periods
  • Decreased fertility
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Hot flashes
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Mood swings
  • Thinning hair

Complications After Menopause

One of the more common complications after menopause is urinary incontinence. While not every woman will experience this, it can be an embarrassing condition for those affected. There are procedures that can correct this condition, many of which are performed in St. Luke’s state-of-the-art surgical unit. If an overnight stay is required, our comfortable and private hospital rooms allow you a quiet place to recover. Your physician can provide additional details on available procedures and which one is right for you.

One of the most common surgical procedures performed during a woman’s menopausal years is a hysterectomy. Hysterectomy is performed to treat conditions affecting the uterus. There are many options for hysterectomy and the choice of treatment is determined by the extent of a patient’s condition along with personal factors. Again, your physician can provide additional information on the right procedure for your situation.

Resources at Your Fingertips

If you’ve entered your menopausal years, it’s important to realize you’re not alone. St. Luke’s offers a number of resources for additional information on menopause.

  • Health articles for more information on the signs, symptoms and treatment of menopause.
  • Innovative programs and services offered through Spirit of Women to help you get educated on the latest news on menopause and many other women’s health issues.