Perimenopause and Menopause Care in Alamo Ranch and Spring Branch, TX
Mercy Wellness Clinic evaluates and treats symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, including hot flashes, irregular periods, sleep disruption, mood changes, brain fog, vaginal dryness, and urinary symptoms. Care is available at our Spring Branch and Alamo Ranch clinics, with gynecological evaluation from Dr. Adrian Simien, DO, at Alamo Ranch.
You Do Not Have to Simply Push Through It
Perimenopause and menopause are natural life stages, but disruptive symptoms are not something you have to ignore. The transition can affect sleep, concentration, emotional wellbeing, sexual health, urinary comfort, bone health, and more.
Our providers take the full picture seriously. We listen to what has changed, evaluate other possible causes, and build a care plan based on your symptoms, medical history, health risks, and treatment preferences.
Ready to talk with a provider about your symptoms?
If changes in your cycle, sleep, mood, or physical comfort are affecting your daily life, call 830-438-9300 to schedule an evaluation.
Perimenopause, Menopause, and Postmenopause
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause. It often begins in the 40s, although it can start earlier, and may last several years. During this phase, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate, menstrual cycles may become less predictable, and symptoms can change from month to month. Pregnancy is still possible during perimenopause.
Menopause
Menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period when there is no other medical explanation. The average age is around 51, but the timing varies.
Postmenopause
Postmenopause refers to the years after menopause. Some symptoms improve over time, while others, particularly vaginal and urinary symptoms, may continue or worsen without treatment. Bone, cardiovascular, and metabolic health also become increasingly important.
Common Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause
The menopause transition can look different for every patient. You may experience only a few symptoms or several at once.
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Hot flashes, flushing, and night sweats
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Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
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Irregular, heavier, lighter, shorter, or longer periods
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Mood changes, irritability, anxiety, or low mood
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Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or memory concerns
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Vaginal dryness, burning, or discomfort during sex
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Lower sexual desire
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Urinary urgency, frequency, discomfort, or recurrent urinary tract infections
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Joint discomfort, muscle aches, or fatigue
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Changes in weight or body composition
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Hair or skin changes
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A thorough evaluation is important, especially when symptoms are new, severe, or rapidly changing.
How We Evaluate Menopause Symptoms
Your visit begins with a detailed discussion of your menstrual changes, symptoms, medical history, medications, reproductive history, and priorities.
Perimenopause and menopause are often identified clinically. Hormone testing is not always necessary because hormone levels can fluctuate significantly during perimenopause. Your provider may recommend bloodwork or other testing to evaluate symptoms or rule out conditions such as thyroid disease, anemia, pregnancy, or metabolic concerns.
Depending on your symptoms, age, and health history, your provider may also discuss preventive screenings, bone health, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, cervical cancer screening, breast screening, or gynecological evaluation.
Treatment Options for Perimenopause and Menopause
There is no single treatment plan that works for everyone. Your care may include one or more of the following:
Hormone replacement therapy is the most effective treatment for bothersome hot flashes and night sweats and may also help certain vaginal symptoms and bone loss. HRT is appropriate for many, but not all, patients.
Non-hormonal Prescription Treatment
Certain non-hormonal medications may help reduce hot flashes, sleep disruption, mood symptoms, or other concerns. Your provider will recommend treatment based on your symptoms, current medications, and medical history.
Vaginal and Urinary Symptom Treatment
Vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, low-dose vaginal hormone treatment, and other therapies may help with dryness, discomfort, painful sex, urinary urgency, or recurrent urinary symptoms.
Lifestyle and Preventive Care
Resistance exercise, adequate protein and calcium intake, sleep support, tobacco cessation, stress management, and cardiovascular risk management can support long-term health during and after the menopause transition.
Menopause and Long-Term Health
Bone Health
Bone loss accelerates around menopause. Your provider may discuss weight-bearing and resistance exercise, calcium and vitamin D intake, bone-density screening, and medication when appropriate.
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health
Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, and body composition may change during midlife. Regular preventive care can identify risks early and support a plan that fits your overall health.
Genitourinary Health
Lower estrogen levels can affect the vagina, vulva, urethra, and bladder. Symptoms may include dryness, burning, pain during sex, urinary urgency, and recurrent urinary infections. These symptoms are common and treatable, but many patients hesitate to mention them.
Emotional Wellbeing
Mood changes during perimenopause deserve attention, particularly for patients with a history of depression, anxiety, severe premenstrual symptoms, or postpartum mood changes. Your provider can help determine whether hormonal changes, another condition, or both may be contributing.
Care at Our Spring Branch and Alamo Ranch Clinics
18568 Forty-Six Parkway #3001, Spring Branch, TX 78070
Our primary care providers evaluate perimenopause and menopause symptoms as part of comprehensive ongoing care.
11911 Culebra Road #107, San Antonio, TX 78253
Our Alamo Ranch clinic offers primary care and women’s health services, including gynecological care with Dr. Adrian Simien.
Gynecological and Hormonal Care with Dr. Adrian Simien
Patients at our Alamo Ranch clinic can receive gynecological care from Adrian Simien, DO, a board-certified OB/GYN whose clinical focus includes preventive women’s health, hormonal health, chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, birth control management, and minimally invasive robotic surgery.
Dr. Simien can evaluate menopause symptoms in the broader context of your gynecological health, including abnormal bleeding, pelvic symptoms, contraceptive needs, and other concerns that may require a gynecological assessment.
Learn more about Dr. Simien’s experience and approach to women’s health.
Ready to Schedule an Appointment?
Call Mercy Wellness Clinic at 830-438-9300 to schedule at the location most convenient for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Perimenopause and Menopause
Find answers to common questions about perimenopause and menopause, including safety, testing, treatment timing, and what to expect from care at Mercy Wellness Clinic.
How do I know if I am in perimenopause?
Perimenopause is usually identified from your age, symptoms, and changes in your menstrual cycle. Hormone levels can fluctuate, so a single blood test may not provide a definitive answer. It is important to discuss symptoms and medical history with your provider.
What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause. Menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Postmenopause refers to the years after menopause.
Can a primary care provider treat menopause symptoms?
Yes. Primary care providers can evaluate symptoms, discuss treatment options, manage many menopause-related concerns, and coordinate preventive care. Patients at Alamo Ranch can also receive gynecological care from Dr. Adrian Simien.
What treatments are available besides HRT?
Treatment may include non-hormonal prescription medications, vaginal moisturizers or lubricants, therapies for vaginal and urinary symptoms, sleep and mood support, and lifestyle changes. The right plan depends on your symptoms and health history.
Does Mercy Wellness Clinic accept insurance for menopause care?
Mercy Wellness Clinic accepts most major insurance plans. Call 830-438-9300 to verify your specific coverage.
You do not have to manage disruptive symptoms on your own.
Changes during perimenopause and menopause are common, but you deserve care that takes your symptoms seriously. Call 830-438-9300 to schedule an evaluation.