Does menopause feel like a mystery? You felt well informed about pregnancy, family planning, and other related issues during your reproductive years. But you're not sure what comes next. If you think menopause is around the corner, take a look at the following tips for handling this next stage of your life. 

Do Talk to Your Gynecologist

An OB-GYN does more than deliver babies. This doctor is a specialist in reproductive health throughout your lifetime. When new potential menopausal or perimenopausal (the time before you're in full menopause) symptoms start popping up, the first step is to talk to your doctor. Your annual OB-GYN visit is the perfect time to bring up this subject and ask for more information. You can also schedule an in-between annual visit appointment to discuss new symptoms or other menopause-related issues of concern.

Don't Expect a Sudden Change

Menopause doesn't happen overnight. Your regular menstrual period isn't likely to suddenly stop. Instead, many women go through a gradual process known as perimenopause. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), perimenopause can start in a woman's 30s or 40s. 

The perimenopause time includes a range of symptoms, such as longer or shorter periods, missed periods, heavier periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal changes, vaginal dryness, sleep issues, or emotional changes. You may experience all, some, or only one of these symptoms. These symptoms may come and go, get better, or grow more noticeable as you progress through perimenopause.

Do Talk to the Doctor About Birth Control

More specifically, talk to your doctor about birth control if you don't want to get pregnant. Even though it's more difficult to get pregnant during perimenopause (compared to your 20s and early 30s), it isn't impossible. As long as you have a menstrual period, you could potentially conceive. After 12 months of no periods, you're in menopause. 

If you don't want to expand your family and have gotten a period within the last 12 months, discuss birth control options with your OB-GYN. They can provide you with information on the best choices for this stage of life.

Don't Ignore Symptoms

While it's tempting to assume period-related symptoms are just part of the road to menopause, some menstrual issues have another cause. These causes can include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, premature ovarian failure, stress, overactive thyroid, underactive thyroid, and other medical conditions. If you're not sure whether you're really in perimenopause/menopause, schedule an appointment with a gynecologist for an exam, or visit a site like http://www.centraliowaobgyn.com to learn more.