While menopause is a natural part of aging, it can cause sleep disruptions, skin changes, stress, brain fog, weight gain, hot flashes and other symptoms.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of menopause or perimenopause, St. Luke’s University Health Network’s women’s healthcare providers want you to know you are not alone.

“We believe that women deserve support during this unfamiliar stage of their lives,” says Ann Freeman, DO, one of four physicians and two nurse practitioners at St. Luke’s who are certified menopause specialists.

Women can schedule a menopause visit with a women’s healthcare provider.

“We often schedule these appointments for a full hour and spend time talking to patients about their concerns related to the changes their bodies are going through,” Dr. Freeman says. “We review ways to treat their menopause symptoms and guide them to options that will get them the most benefit.”

Oftentimes, Dr. Freeman says, diet and exercise can help with symptoms of perimenopause, which can last up to 10 years, and menopause, which is defined as no period for a full year.

“But sometimes more is needed and there is a lot we can do,” Dr. Freeman says. “Some of the solutions we can offer go beyond general OB/GYN care including weight management, pelvic floor physical therapy, urogynecology and behavioral health.”

Menopause discussion groups

Women also are encouraged to attend “Menopause & Me” discussion groups where St. Luke’s menopause specialists are available to answer questions in a comfortable, small group setting.

Two sessions have been scheduled for late this year and early next:

• Sleep and Mood Changes is the topic of the discussion to be held from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, in the Lower-Level Conference Room A and B at St. Luke’s Anderson Campus Medical Office Building at 1700 St. Luke’s Boulevard, Easton.

Featured speakers will be John Illingworth, MSW, and Judith Illingworth, MSW. They will discuss how to sleep better in menopause.

• Weight Management and Nutrition is the topic for the discussion to be held from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at St. Luke’s Valley GYN Associates, 322 South 17th Street, Allentown. Featured speakers will be Dorraine Salmon, lead outpatient dietitian, and Rosie Hulbert, fitness instructor. They will discuss how to stay fit and healthy in menopause.

Space is limited and registration is required. To register, visit go.sluhn.org/menopauseandme.

Experts available

A Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP) is a licensed healthcare professional who has undergone rigorous training and passed a demanding examination from The Menopause Society to demonstrate specialized knowledge in menopause and midlife women’s health, Dr. Freeman notes.

In addition to Dr. Freeman, women’s healthcare providers at St. Luke’s who have earned the credential are:

• Gina Harper Harrison, MD

• Jennifer Landes, DO

• Douha Sabouni, MD

• Angie MacMillan, CRNP

• Valerie Schissler, CRNP

To find a gynecologist near you, visit sluhn.org/obgyn or call 484-526-8600.

St. Luke’s Natural Approach to Menopause

St. Luke’s approach to caring for you during menopause is more natural and tailored to your needs than many other approaches.

In most cases, you and your doctor will discuss your medical history in detail, including your symptoms, diet, exercise and sleep patterns and your family history. You will undergo a series of hormone tests and update other important tests such as a mammogram and Pap smear.

Your risk for hormone use will be assessed, and any alternatives, such as herbs and botanicals, will be discussed. Your care provider will make recommendations for diet, exercise and nutritional supplements, and will provide follow-up care to provide maximum benefit and the highest quality care.