Diverse group of midlife women discussing wellness

Menopause Wellness

At Community Health Network, menopause care is designed to help you manage symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. We understand that every woman’s menopause journey is unique. We take a personalized, whole-person approach — offering medical, non-hormonal and supportive options based on your symptoms, health history and goals.

Our experienced ob/gyns, including providers with advanced training in menopause care, can connect you to a wide range of specialists across the network based on your individual symptoms.

Together, we will:

  • Evaluate your symptoms and overall health
  • Recommend evidence-based treatment options
  • Create a care plan tailored to your needs and preferences

Menopause care is available across Central Indiana, with in-person and virtual visit options. Call 317-621-2727 to request an appointment or find an ob/gyn provider below.

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About the Menopause Journey

The menopause journey is a natural transition in a woman’s life, marked by shifting and gradually declining hormone levels. This transition unfolds in stages and can bring a range of physical and emotional changes, which vary from woman to woman.

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause, often referred to as the transition to menopause, occurs when your body's production of estrogen/progesterone rises and falls, and you move to the end of your reproductive years. Many of the changes experienced during this time are linked to hormonal dysregulation, which often leads to common symptoms that can last for several years. The average amount of time spent in perimenopause is four years. You may notice signs sometime in your 40s, but some women may notice them as early as their mid to late 30s. While this is a natural process, every woman's experience is unique, and the timing can vary.

What Is Menopause?

When you’ve gone a full 12 months without having your menstrual cycle, you’ve officially entered menopause. Once you are at this stage, you can no longer bear children. Many women experience menopause between the ages of 44-55, but some women experience it earlier.

You may also experience menopause if your ovaries have been surgically removed, which is known as surgical menopause. It can be a more sudden process that occurs more rapidly after surgery rather than over several years.

What Can I Expect After Menopause?

Some women continue to experience symptoms or develop new health concerns after menopause. Community Health Network providers can help evaluate ongoing postmenopausal symptoms, review long‑term health considerations, and recommend appropriate treatment options to support overall well‑being after menopause.

Menopause Symptoms and Personalized Care

Perimenopause and menopause can cause a variety of symptoms in women—from fatigue, headache and sleep disruption to changes in periods, vaginal health and body composition. Symptoms can be influenced by a woman’s genetics as well as external factors, such as race and ethnicity, culture, lifestyle and environment.

Menopause care at Community Health Network focuses on symptom management and individualized treatment (it does not replace routine preventive or emergency medical care). Together with your physician, you'll determine the best treatment options for menopause based on the severity of your symptoms, your health history and your personal preferences.

All our ob/gyns can treat your menopause symptoms. However, if you are experiencing complex or high-risk symptoms of menopause, we may refer you to our menopause certified providers for advanced care.

The table below provides an overview of common menopause symptoms and general treatment approaches. Your personal care plan may include one or more treatment options based on your needs and may draw from several areas of care.

Symptom Category Common Symptoms Treatment Options That May Be Considered When to Talk With a Provider
Hot Flashes & Night Sweats Sudden warmth, sweating, chills, disrupted sleep Hormone therapy; non-hormonal medications; lifestyle strategies Symptoms disrupt sleep, daily activities, or quality of life
Sleep Changes Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or early waking Sleep support strategies; treatment of underlying symptoms; behavioral approaches Ongoing fatigue or impact on work, mood, or daily life
Mood & Emotional Changes Mood swings, anxiety, irritability, low mood Counseling or therapy; medication when appropriate; stress-management strategies Symptoms are persistent or affect relationships
Cognitive Changes Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, memory concerns Symptom-focused treatment; sleep optimization; lifestyle supports Cognitive changes interfere with daily activities or work
Vaginal & Urinary Symptoms Vaginal dryness, discomfort, painful intercourse, urinary changes Local therapies such as vaginal estrogen; non-hormonal options Persistent discomfort, pain, or recurrent urinary issues
Sexual Health Changes Decreased libido, discomfort with intimacy Local or systemic treatment options; counseling; pelvic health support Concerns affect comfort, relationships, or overall well-being
Physical Changes Weight changes, joint discomfort, fatigue Lifestyle counseling; symptom-specific treatment approaches Symptoms are ongoing or becoming difficult to manage
These symptom categories and treatment approaches are examples; most women benefit from a combination of therapies tailored to their individual needs. Treatment options vary based on individual needs, medical history and clinical recommendations.

The sections that follow describe different types of care that may be included in a personalized menopause treatment plan, such as medications, integrative medicine therapies, surgical options and non-surgical interventions.

Medical Management

Medical management is the use of prescription medications to treat symptoms or conditions.

  • Non-hormonal medications for hot flashes and night sweats symptoms
    • Medications: SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), gabapentin, fevolinetant (Veozah), oxybutynin
  • Hormone medications (MHT - Menopause Hormone Therapy) to relieve symptoms and address biological changes
    • Medications: Estradiol, progesterone, testosterone
Integrative Medicine

Integrative medicine is a holistic, healing-oriented approach to treating the whole person. Through evidence-based conventional and alternative therapies, patients and physicians can create a personalized treatment plan for you, which could include the following:

Comprehensive Circle of Care

Hormonal changes can impact various aspects of your body, which is why we offer the Circle of Care, a comprehensive approach that connects you with all the subspecialists necessary to ensure a smooth and healthy midlife transition.

  • Behavioral Health
    • Manage stress, anxiety, insomnia and depression during the menopause transition.
    • Help treat insomnia, hot flashes and decreased libido through cognitive behavioral therapy.
  • Neurology
    • Managing hormonal health can support long-term cognitive wellness and help address concerns regarding Alzheimer's risk.
  • Cardiology
    • Cardiovascular health is a critical focus during menopause, as shifting hormone levels can increase the risk of heart disease, arrhythmias and other conditions in midlife.
  • Orthopedics
  • Oncology
    • Because cancer is the second leading cause of death for women in midlife, our oncology program provides comprehensive cancer risk assessments and genetic testing, including personalized breast cancer risk management.
    • For cancer survivors experiencing menopause symptoms or sexual health issues after treatment, our experts can provide specialized care: Dr. Candace Westgate or Dr. Michelle Murphy.
  • Urology/Urogynecology
    • Manage complex issues related to pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, etc.
Surgical Options

For certain patients, a surgical option is recommended to control perimenopause bleeding issues. This could include, but is not limited to:

  • Progestin IUD placement
  • Dilation and curettage hysteroscopy: a surgical procedure to remove tissue from inside your uterus
  • Endometrial ablation: a surgical procedure to remove the uterine lining
  • Hysterectomy: a surgical procedure to remove the uterus
Non-Surgical Procedural Interventions

Empower RF treatments are now available at our Noblesville ob/gyn practice. Please read below to learn more about the treatments. We encourage you to reach out to your physician with any additional questions.

  • About EmpowerRF by InMode: The EmpowerRF system is an FDA-cleared device specially designed to deliver in-office women’s wellness treatments, including vaginal rejuvenation procedures, pelvic muscle therapy and vaginal floor therapy.
  • EmpowerRF and Menopause: There are several different treatment modalities available. We can use it to treat incontinence, vaginal dryness, pain with intercourse and vaginal laxity, as well as help restore basic function and quality of vaginal tissue and pelvic floor.
  • About the Treatments: Depending on your circumstances and treatment type, you may receive numbing cream to provide you with additional comfort. However, most patients only report feeling a pressure sensation during the procedure. Most procedures take about 30-45 minutes total.
  • Cost: The cost of the treatment varies depending on the procedure, but patients have the option to purchase bundles of 3 treatments at a time.
  • Recovery: Typical recovery includes pelvic rest for 3-5 days. You will be sent home with Aquaphor and an ice pack to help with recovery if needed. Our team will follow up with you a couple of days later to check in on you and see if you have any additional questions during your recovery process.

Looking for Menopause Care?

Schedule a visit with one of our advanced ob/gyn physicians to find the best treatment option for you!

Menopause Wellness FAQs

What's the Difference Between Perimenopause and Menopause?

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, when hormone levels begin to change and symptoms may occur. Menopause is reached after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Both are natural stages of aging, but symptoms and timing vary from person to person.

What Symptoms Are Associated With Menopause?

Symptoms vary and may include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep changes, mood shifts, brain fog, vaginal dryness, changes in sexual health and changes in bladder health.

Can Menopause Affect Sleep or Mood?

Yes. Changes in hormone levels during perimenopause and menopause can affect sleep, mood and emotional well-being. Some women experience insomnia, anxiety, irritability, mood changes or difficulty concentrating. If these symptoms are affecting your daily life, your provider can help identify treatment options and supportive resources.

Does Heart Disease Risk Increase After Menopause?

Yes. Heart disease risk increases with age and tends to rise after menopause. Changes in hormone levels may contribute to increases in cholesterol, blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. Regular screenings and healthy lifestyle habits can help support heart health during and after menopause.

When Should I See a Provider About Menopause Symptoms?

Make an appointment with an ob/gyn if symptoms interfere with sleep, daily activities, work or quality of life, or if you have questions about available treatment options.

How Are Menopause Symptoms Treated?

Treatment is individualized and may include hormonal therapy, non-hormonal options, lifestyle strategies or supportive therapies based on your needs and preferences. When needed, your provider can also connect you with specialists across Community Health Network for related health concerns.

Do I Have To Take Hormone Therapy To Manage Menopause Symptoms?

No. Many women manage symptoms with non-hormonal treatments, lifestyle changes or a combination of approaches.

What Are Alternate Medication Options If I Can't Take Hormones?

We understand there are patients who can't or choose not to use hormones, such as breast cancer survivors. Non-hormonal medication options include fezolinetant (Veozah™), elinzanetant (Lynkuet™), SSRIs (antidepressants), gabapentin, clonidine, oxybutynin and others. Your provider will help determine the treatment plan that is right for you.