Menopause Symptoms: What's Normal, What Helps, and What Needs a Visit
Hot flashes, sleep trouble and irregular periods are common in the years around menopause. Here's what helps, and which symptoms need a visit instead of waiting.
Menopause is when periods have stopped for 12 months in a row, usually between ages 45 and 55. The years before it (perimenopause) bring the most change: irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, mood changes, vaginal dryness and more frequent UTIs. These are common and treatable. Any bleeding after menopause, very heavy bleeding, or chest pain or a racing heart shouldn't be put down to "just menopause," and needs a visit.
Common symptoms
- Irregular periods: closer together, further apart, heavier or lighter
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Mood changes, irritability, anxiety or low mood
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
- Needing to pee more often, and more UTIs
- Brain fog and trouble concentrating
- Joint aches and changes in weight
What helps
- Hot flashes: dress in layers, keep the bedroom cool, and notice triggers such as alcohol, caffeine, spicy food and stress
- Sleep: keep a regular bedtime, limit screens and alcohol at night, and stay active during the day
- Vaginal dryness: over-the-counter moisturizers and lubricants help; prescription treatments are available
- Mood: exercise, enough sleep and talking to someone help, and treatment is available if low mood or anxiety persists
- Bones and heart: weight-bearing exercise, calcium and vitamin D, and not smoking
Hormone therapy and other prescription options can make a big difference for many people. They're best discussed with a primary care provider or gynecologist, who can weigh the benefits and risks for you.
Symptoms that need a visit
- Bleeding after menopause: any bleeding or spotting 12 months or more after your last period should be checked. See our vaginal bleeding page.
- Very heavy or prolonged bleeding during perimenopause, especially soaking a pad or tampon every hour
- UTI symptoms, such as burning or urgency. Our UTI post explains treatment.
- Itching, discharge or irritation, which may be a yeast infection or BV
- A racing or pounding heart that's new, or doesn't settle
What urgent care can do
Urgent care can treat UTIs and vaginal infections, check bleeding, run a pregnancy test (pregnancy is still possible in perimenopause), and do an EKG if you have palpitations. For long-term menopause care and hormone therapy, you'll be pointed to a primary care provider or gynecologist.
At an AfterOurs clinic, a standard self-pay visit is $175, and a self-pay in-clinic visit never costs more than $330. We contract with all major commercial and government plans, including Colorado Medicaid and Medicare. See the cost and insurance page.
Call 911 or go to the ER if you have very heavy bleeding with dizziness or fainting, chest pain or pressure, sudden shortness of breath, or a racing heart with chest pain, fainting or shortness of breath. If you're having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988.
Where to find us
Four clinics across metro Denver, all ages welcome, se habla español:
- Hampden (Southeast Denver): 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Littleton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Thornton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Highlands: Mon–Fri 5–11 PM, Sat–Sun 8 AM–11 PM
Walk in, or book online.
Medically reviewed by Peter Martinuzzi, MD
This article is general health information, not medical advice for your situation. If you are worried, come in or book a telehealth visit — and if it is an emergency, call 911.