Winter 2026 5 Menopause is a natural life stage, but you don’t need to put up with symptoms that disrupt your daily life. If you are, it’s time to talk to your provider. “Your concerns and the way you feel are important,” says Tatianna Harris, a family nurse practitioner who specializes in gynecology. Menopause starts a year after your last period—usually between ages 45 and 55. But the years leading up to it (perimenopause) are when your ovaries start to make less estrogen and progesterone. “Women will start noticing the changes that happen to their body from the removal of estrogen,” says Obstetrician-Gynecologist Jeremy Vaughan, MD. “But not all women experience menopause in the same way.” Some women have many of the common symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, low sex drive, fatigue, brain fog, difficulty sleeping and mood swings. Others have only a few. Treatment options may include: ● Hormone therapy. It’s often the most effective treatment for menopause symptoms, though it may not be right for everyone. Having a conversation with your provider about your health history and personal risks and benefits of hormone therapy Navigating menopause symptoms It’s worth having a chat with your provider can help you decide the best option together. ● Nonhormonal medications can ease some symptoms. Supplements might also help, but check with your provider before you add any to your daily routine. ● Lifestyle strategies. Stress management and exercise can make a difference. Avoiding common triggers, such as caffeine and spicy foods, may help reduce hot flashes. And weight-bearing exercise can support bone strength. Get the care you deserve Tell your provider how your menopause symptoms affect your life. “Because treatment is not one-size-fits-all, it’s important for us to know about your symptoms,” Tatianna says. “Keep a diary or a note on your phone.” Remember: Help is here for menopause. Meet our newest OB-GYN Jeremy Vaughan, MD, offers personalized care focused on wellness throughout life’s stages, from the very beginning to maternity, menopause and beyond. Before joining Texas Health Hospital Mansfield, he spent 14 years in private practice. He provides comprehensive women’s health services, including contraceptive management, gynecologic surgeries, low- and high-risk pregnancy care, well woman exams, and treatment for ovarian cysts and menstrual issues. He completed medical school at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and his obstetrics and gynecology residency at Methodist Health System in Dallas.
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