Midlife Wellness

Comprehensive Care During Perimenopause & Menopause

At Jefferson OB/GYN, we understand that perimenopause and menopause are significant milestones in a woman's life, bringing with them a wide range of changes and symptoms. Our dedicated team of healthcare providers is here to offer comprehensive, compassionate care to help you navigate this transition with ease and confidence.

We provide personalized care rooted in the latest evidence-based practices to ensure the best outcomes for your overall health and well-being. Every experience is different, and it’s essential to work with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment based on individual symptoms, health history, and preferences.

We are excited to offer a Midlife Wellness consultation as a separate appointment for patients wanting to discuss any symptoms and/or concerns relating to perimenopause and menopause. Please see below for details.

Call us to schedule a consult

What is Perimenopause?

Feel like you are too young to be going through menopause but are symptomatic? The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. Beginning in your 30s and 40s, the amount of estrogen produced by the ovaries begins to fluctuate. Some women do not have any symptoms of perimenopause or have only a few mild symptoms. Others have many symptoms that can be severe. Common signs and symptoms are similar to menopause (see list below), one being a change in your menstrual cycle. Cycles may become irregular; you may begin to skip periods altogether; or, you may notice a fluctuation in the amount of flow. Although changes in menstrual bleeding are normal during perimenopause, you should still report them to your healthcare professional.

Understanding Menopause

Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop ovulating. The brain and ovaries work together to give feedback regarding hormone production, and this becomes erratic and less predictable in midlife. Menopause can signal the end of the reproductive years and typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. It is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.

Common Perimenopause & Menopause Symptoms

Menopause affects each woman differently, but common symptoms include:

Hot flashes

These sudden feelings of warmth, usually most noticeable over the face, neck and chest, can arrive without warning and last for varying amounts of time and with varying intensities.

Changes in periods

During this time, women can experience irregular bleeding/spotting, varying lengths and flows of periods, and missed periods.

Loss of energy

Changes in hormones can cause women to feel fatigued or a loss of energy.

Sleep problems

Night sweats, changing hormone levels, increased stress and anxiety, and depression can all contribute to insomnia during this transition period.

Changes in libido

Fluctuating hormone levels can also impact your desire to have intercourse.

Joint pain

Joint pain can be a common symptom of menopause.

Brain fog

Insomnia and hormonal changes from this transition phase can lead to trouble focusing and feeling like one has less mental clarity. 

Mood swings

The hormonal changes in your body can lead to more intense emotions and irritability. 

Vaginal changes

Changing levels of estrogen can also lead to vaginal dryness and discomfort.

Weight gain and metabolism changes

Hormonal shifts can lead to changes in body composition.

Urinary tract changes

This can include the feeling of the need to urinate more frequently and increased urinary tract infections.

Our Process for Midlife Wellness

Getting Started

Call us to schedule an in-person or telehealth visit with one of our board-certified OB/GYNs or women’s health nurse practitioners to discuss your symptoms, as well as possible laboratory testing and treatment options.

Assessment Options

After meeting with you to review your medical history and symptoms, you and your practitioner will decide together if labs are necessary and, if so, which tests to order. 

Treatment Options

  • Lifestyle changes are a first-line approach to managing menopause symptoms, as these strategies can help reduce hot flashes, improve mood, and support overall health. We provide guidance on maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, practicing good sleep hygiene, and utilizing stress management techniques. We also work with local nutritionists, therapists and fitness experts to ensure our patients have access to a comprehensive support network. We’re happy to refer you to our pre-approved list of local professionals.

  • For many women, HRT is an effective treatment for alleviating menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes and vaginal discomfort. We provide detailed information about the benefits and risks of HRT, ensuring you can make an informed decision. Our team will tailor HRT options, such as estrogen therapy or combination hormone therapy, to suit your specific needs.

    • Over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers and lubricants

    • Vaginal estrogen cream

  • We can discuss supplements and alternative therapies that may offer symptom relief, ensuring they are safe and effective for your use.

If you are experiencing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms and are interested in exploring treatment options, please contact us to schedule an in-person or tele-health consultation. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Our Midlife Wellness Team

Our goal is to provide you with comprehensive, holistic, and personalized care throughout your journey.

Our Community Partners

We are partnering with an incredible team of women who specialize in mental health, fitness, and nutrition to offer you additional resources as you navigate midlife. More to come!

Two women having a conversation in an office, one in a gray blazer holding a yellow notepad, the other in a white sleeveless top and large earrings, sitting near a window.

Mental Health Partner

Amanda Barnes
Licensed Professional Counselor
Counseling with Amanda

Emily Young
Psychiatric Physician
Active and Connected Family Therapy

People practicing yoga in a bright studio, focusing on their poses and flexibility.

Fitness Partner

Robin Truxel DeRose
PT/Pilates Instructor
Robin’s Nest Pilates

Rachelle Hill
Polestar Pilates Certified Practitioner
Tru Pilates

Kirsten Lorenger
Fitness Instructor
MADabolic Charlottesville

Physician Referred Exercise Program
ACAC Fitness & Wellness

A bowl of cooked vegetables with cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, and garnished with parsley, served with a side of quinoa. The bowl is on a woven placemat with a light blue napkin, fresh ginger, cherry tomatoes, and greens around it.

Nutrition Partners

Bethany Blalock
Registered Dietitian
Be Squared Nutrition

Kelly A. Rossi
Registered Dietitian
Holistic Performance Nutrition