Conditions and Management

For many women, the thought of menopause can bring feelings of uncertainty or even worry. It’s a natural transition that every woman experiences, yet the timing and symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Menopause is not a single event but rather a series of stages, starting with perimenopause, which typically begins in a woman’s mid-40s.

Knowing what each stage entails can help you feel more prepared and supported as you move from perimenopause into menopause, and ultimately postmenopause. Learn what to expect and why it may be helpful to reach out to a menopause specialist for guidance.

The Stages of Menopause

Menopause is a three-part process that unfolds over several years. All women experience menopause differently, with some noticing subtle changes and others having symptoms that affect their daily life.

The process generally begins with perimenopause, as hormone levels start to fluctuate and cycles become irregular. It continues with menopause, the official milestone marked by 12 months without a period. Finally, women enter postmenopause, a stage that lasts for the rest of their lives and brings its own health considerations.

Recognizing where you are in this transition is the first step toward better wellness.

Perimenopause: The Transitional Years

Perimenopause is the stage that signals the beginning of menopause, often starting in the 40s but sometimes occurring earlier. During this stage, the ovaries produce less progesterone and estrogen, resulting in hormone fluctuations that affect both the body and mind.

Many women notice changes, such as irregular menstrual cycles, night sweats, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, or vaginal dryness. Although these are all normal transition symptoms, they can sometimes feel overwhelming or disruptive.

Perimenopause is also a time when long-term health becomes more important, as declining estrogen can impact bone strength and cardiovascular health. Tracking your cycles and noting symptoms can help manage changes. If you experience very heavy bleeding, severe mood shifts, or sleep loss that affects daily life, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider.

Menopause: The Official Milestone

Menopause is officially reached when a woman has surpassed 12 months with no menstrual cycle, marking the end of natural fertility. This milestone occurs at approximately 51 years of age.

During menopause, the ovaries stop releasing eggs and produce less estrogen, which can lead to both emotional and physical changes. Common symptoms include hot flashes, brain fog, changes in hair or skin, weight fluctuations, and a decrease in libido. Some women notice shifts in mood or energy levels, while others may experience few symptoms at all.

As every experience is different, supportive care is essential. Balanced nutrition, exercise, stress management, and other lifestyle strategies are effective. Non-hormonal options and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be considered for those with more severe symptoms under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Postmenopause: Life Following Menopause

The postmenopause stage is after menopause, lasting for the rest of a woman’s life. By this stage, menstrual periods have permanently ended, and while hormone fluctuations settle, the body continues to adjust to lower estrogen levels. Many symptoms, such as hot flashes, may gradually ease, but others, such as vagina dryness, urinary changes, or bone thinning, can persist or develop.

Long-term health considerations become especially important as women experience a higher risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and urogenital concerns. With the right approach, most women can manage these conditions and continue living fulfilling lives. Regular screenings, preventive care, and healthy lifestyle choices are essential in maintaining well-being.

Most importantly, ongoing conversations with healthcare providers can address new symptoms or risks early on, supporting long-term health and quality of life.

Maintaining Wellness During Menopause

Menopause is a natural life stage, not an illness, and it deserves to be approached with compassion rather than fear. While symptoms can sometimes be disruptive, personalized care can significantly improve how the transition is experienced.

Managing symptoms, such as hot flashes or sleep disturbances, while also supporting mental well-being and overall long-term health, highlights how each woman’s menopause is different. Maintaining bone density and cardiovascular health, as well as taking other preventative measures, are important during this stage.

With personalized guidance and consistent support, women can confidently experience menopause, embrace midlife fully, and enjoy good health for years to come.

Schedule an Appointment

Menopause is a transitional stage in every woman’s life, and with the proper care, it can be managed confidently and comfortably. Embracing each stage and learning how your body responds can help you maintain balance and overall well-being.

If you’re seeking guidance or personalized strategies for managing symptoms and maintaining long-term health, contact our Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness team to partner with a trusted menopause specialist.

When you come in for breast cancer screening, your mammogram (or breast imaging study) generates more than just pictures. It produces a report with a Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) score. It’s a classification system developed by the American College of Radiology to standardize how radiologists describe breast imaging findings and help determine future care.

It’s natural to feel worried or anxious when you see unfamiliar terms in your report. Know that your provider will walk you through what a BI-RADS score means, how the categories differ, and how you and your care team can use these results to determine the best course of action.

How the BI-RADS System Works

• The BI-RADS system assigns a number from 0 to 6 as well as a breast density code to indicate how confident the radiologist is that a finding is benign or suspicious.
• BI-RADS 0: Incomplete – more imaging or comparison films are needed
• BI-RADS 1: Negative – everything looks normal
• BI-RADS 2: Benign finding – something benign, such as a cyst or calcification
• BI-RADS 3: Probably benign- very low likelihood of cancer (typically < 2%)
• BI-RADS 4: Suspicious – biopsy often suggested

o This category is subdivided (4A, 4B, 4C) to reflect increasing levels of concern:
• 4A: Low suspicion (2-9%)
• 4B: Moderate suspicion (10-49%)
• 4C: High suspicion (50-94%)

• BI-RADS 5: Highly suggestive of malignancy (>95%)
• BI-RADS 6: Known biopsy-proven cancer (if the imaging is done after diagnosis)

When multiple findings appear in one study, the final BI-RADS category reported is the one that reflects the highest level of concern.

What Your BI-RADS Report Might Say About You

BI-RADS 0 – More Imaging Needed

If your report says “0,” it doesn’t mean there’s an emergency. It means the imaging was inconclusive, sometimes due to breast density, overlapping tissue, or technical factors that made interpretation difficult.

One study found that over half (55.9%) of screening mammograms in a single center were initially classified as BI-RADS 0, triggering follow-up imaging. In a case such as this, additional views, ultrasound, or other diagnostic imaging is recommended.

BI-RADS 1 or 2 – Normal or Benign

These are reassuring classifications. BI-RADS 1 means no suspicious findings; BI-RADS 2 means there is a benign (noncancerous) feature such as a stable cyst or benign calcification.

In many mammography series, about 57% of reports are BI-RADS 1, and 20-21% are BI-RADS 2. These categories typically call for routine screenings at intervals recommended by your health provider.

BI-RADS 3 – Probably Benign, But Watch Closely

When a finding is likely benign (less than 2% chance of malignancy), a BI-RADS 3 may be assigned. Instead of a biopsy right away, the recommendation is often short-term follow-up imaging (for example, every 6 months for 1–2 years). If there’s no change, the rating can be downgraded.

However, the cancer rate for BI-RADS 3 findings can rise slightly with age. One study found that in a group of over 43,000 women, the malignancy rate crossed 2% for ages above 59.7 years in some settings.

BI-RADS 4 – Suspicious (Biopsy Likely Advised)

When imaging raises concern, but doesn’t definitively point to cancer, BI-RADS 4 is used. Because the range is wide (2% to 95% likelihood), it’s further broken down into 4A, 4B, and 4C. A biopsy is often recommended so a tissue diagnosis can be made.

BI-RADS 5 or 6 – Strong Findings

BI-RADS 5 means the imaging is highly suggestive of cancer (over 95% probability).
BI-RADS 6 is used when cancer has already been confirmed by biopsy, and the imaging is matched to that known diagnosis.

What You Should Do After Getting a BI-RADS Report

1. Talk with your provider. We will walk through your imaging result, your personal risk factors, and what fits best for you (whether more imaging, a biopsy, or simply continued screening).
2. Stay on schedule. If the report calls for follow-up imaging (for BI-RADS 0 or 3), showing up for these appointments as scheduled prevents delays.
3. Ask questions. If you’re still not clear about the results of your report, please contact your provider to ask questions or discuss your concerns.

Get the Support You Deserve

Your BI-RADS score is a tool, a standardized way for radiologists and your care team to speak the same language, guide decisions, and track changes over time.

If you’ve recently had a mammogram and received a BI-RADS score that’s confusing or worrying, please reach out to our team at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness. We’d be happy to sit down with you, explain what your report means personally, and support whatever next steps make sense for your health.

Menopause is a natural stage of life, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Hot flashes, restless nights, mood changes, and other symptoms can often feel overwhelming. The good news is that minor, intentional lifestyle adjustments can make a real difference in how you feel each day. These adjustments include nourishing your body with the right foods, staying active, and managing stress.

Working with a trusted menopause specialist who offers guidance, compassion, and practical solutions can also help you move through this phase with greater confidence and vitality.

Menopause and Its Symptoms

The end of menstrual cycles is known as menopause, while the gradual transition that comes before it is perimenopause. During this time, progesterone and estrogen levels start to decline, triggering various changes in the body. Common symptoms include weight fluctuations, hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness.

Every woman’s experience is different, with some having mild symptoms and others having more disruptive ones. While menopause is inevitable, adopting healthy lifestyle strategies can often help reduce the intensity of symptoms and support overall well-being throughout this important life stage.

Nutrition for Symptom Relief

A balanced diet during menopause can help stabilize energy, boost mood, and protect bone health. Focus on nutrient-rich foods such as calcium-packed dairy or leafy greens, lean proteins, and healthy fats from sources such as olive oil or avocado. Incorporating phytoestrogens from soy, flaxseeds, and legumes may also help ease symptoms.

Limit excess caffeine, alcohol, and sugary processed snacks, which can trigger hot flashes or disrupt sleep. Staying well-hydrated is equally important, as drinking enough daily water can reduce hot flashes, improve digestion, and support your overall well-being.

Movement and Exercise

Regular movement can lift your mood, protect bone density, support heart health, and help with weight management during menopause. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or light strength training, can strengthen bones, while low-impact cardio, such as swimming or cycling, boosts cardiovascular health and energy.

Yoga or stretching can help improve flexibility and provide stress relief. It’s best to start at a comfortable pace and gradually increase intensity over time, making physical activity a sustainable and enjoyable part of your daily routine.

Sleep Support Strategies

Quality sleep is essential for maintaining mood, energy, and hormone balance during menopause. To promote better rest, create a consistent bedtime routine, keep your sleeping environment cool, and limit screen time before bed.

To signal your body to wind down, practice gentle relaxation rituals, such as sipping herbal tea, practicing deep breathing, or doing light stretches. If hot flashes or night sweats disrupt your sleep, consider moisture-wicking bedding and wearing layered pajamas so that you can easily adjust for comfort throughout the night.

Managing Stress and Emotional Well-Being

Stress can intensify menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disruptions, making emotional well-being an integral part of symptom management. Deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, and journaling can help calm the nervous system and improve resilience.

Connecting with family, friends, or women’s support groups can encourage and nurture a sense of community. Also, seeking guidance from a counselor or therapist is a valid, healthy choice that can offer valuable tools for transitioning through this stage of life with greater confidence and balance.

Other Lifestyle Tips

Staying socially active can lift your mood, sharpen cognitive health, and provide a sense of connection during menopause. Limiting or quitting smoking supports stronger bones and better heart health. Some women also find relief through gentle complementary approaches, such as acupuncture or massage, which can help reduce stress or ease specific symptoms.

Regular health check-ups are essential for monitoring bone density, cardiovascular health, and hormone levels. They can also help you and your healthcare provider address any changes early to keep you feeling your best.

When to Seek Professional Support

While many women find relief through lifestyle changes, there are times when symptoms become severe or significantly impact daily life, such as intense mood swings, persistent sleep problems, or unbearable hot flashes. If this sounds familiar, consider seeking professional support.

Medical treatments, including hormone therapy and other options, can often be safely combined with healthy habits for the most effective relief. A menopause specialist can provide compassionate, personalized care that matches your needs, helping you find the right balance and support to manage menopause comfortably.

Schedule a Menopause Specialist Appointment Today

Menopause is a natural transition, but that doesn’t mean you must experience its challenges alone. Small lifestyle changes can bring significant improvements in comfort and well-being. Bear in mind, you deserve support and personalized care during this stage of life.

If you are ready to find ways to ease your symptoms and feel your best, reach out to the menopause specialists at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness today to schedule an appointment.

Nearly 1.3 million women transition into menopause every year, yet talking about it, especially with partners or family, can feel isolating or even awkward. You are not alone if you’ve struggled to explain your symptoms or have asked for support. Knowing how to start the conversation, express your needs, and when to speak with menopause doctors can make all the difference.

Learn the best approach to talking with your partner or family about menopause comfortably.

Understand Your Own Experience First

Before opening up to others, take time to understand what you’re going through. Menopause affects each woman differently, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Think deeply about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Gaining a clear perspective of your experience can help you feel more grounded and make it easier to explain it to those around you.

Learn Together With Your Loved Ones

Despite the uncertainty you may feel about this new phase in your life, menopause isn’t just your transition. It can affect those closest to you. Invite your partner or family to learn alongside you to help build empathy and reduce misunderstandings. Share trusted resources, watch a video together, or discuss your discoveries. Knowledge can nurture a connection and reduce distance.

Choose the Right Time to Start a Conversation

Timing matters when starting a sensitive conversation. Choose a quiet, low-stress moment when you and your partner or family feel relaxed and open. A gentle approach, such as saying “There’s something I want to share about how I’ve been feeling,” can set the tone for an honest, supportive exchange.

Explain Common Menopause Symptoms Simply

Menopause can bring a wide range of symptoms, such as hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, and more. Use clear, non-medical language to describe what you’re feeling. Framing it as a natural transition, rather than a problem to be fixed, can help your loved ones better understand your experience and respond with compassion.

Share What You Need From Them Right Now

Your loved ones may want to support you, but may not know how. Be honest about what you need, whether patience during mood changes, extra help at home, or being heard without judgment.

Avoid jumping to anger and use phrases such as, “It would really help me if…” or “When I feel overwhelmed, I need…” This type of clarity can help build trust and teamwork. Let your partner or family members know their support makes a difference, even in small, everyday ways.

Promote Empathy by Explaining Hormonal Changes

Many don’t realize how significantly hormone changes affect mood, sleep, and energy levels. Explain that these shifts happen gradually and can feel unpredictable. Reassure them that it’s not about blame, but rather biology. When your loved ones better understand the changes you’re going through, it can help reduce tension and promote empathy.

Talk About Intimacy and Libido Shifts Clearly

Changes in libido or desire are not uncommon during menopause, but they can be hard to talk about. Let your partner know it’s not about rejection, but your shifting needs. Share openly and invite them to do the same. Emotional closeness, touch, and patience can help you stay connected through this transition.

Work as a Team to Problem-Solve Solutions

Menopause can create daily challenges, but you and your loved ones can tackle them as a team. Discuss simple adjustments, such as cooling strategies for hot flashes, improving sleeping routines, or sharing household tasks.

Collaborating on these changes shows that you’re working together and helps reduce stress. When everyone pitches in, it builds a supportive environment where you can handle menopause changes more easily.

Maintain Ongoing Check-Ins and Communication

Menopause is not a one-time event but rather an ongoing experience. Regularly check in with your partner and family to tell them how you’re feeling and what you may need. Stay open, patient, and use humor to help reduce tension and strengthen your connection. These ongoing conversations can help everyone adjust, even as your transition evolves.

Involve Health Providers When Needed

Sometimes, professional support can make a significant difference in how you get through menopause. If symptoms feel overwhelming or disrupt your daily life, consider reaching out to a menopause doctor who specializes in managing these changes.

Invite your partner or family to join appointments to create a team approach to your health. Don’t think of asking for help as a sign of weakness, but rather strength and self-care.

Contact the Team at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness

Opening up about menopause can feel challenging, but the outcome can be positive for all involved. Being honest about your needs lets your loved ones stand by you through this change. When you’re ready, consider consulting with a menopause doctor for professional guidance to make this transition smoother and more manageable.

Reach out to Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness today to schedule an appointment.

Weight gain after menopause is something many women experience, often without changing their habits. As estrogen levels decline, changes in appetite, metabolism, and fat distribution can make it challenging to maintain your normal weight. In fact, some studies show that women gain an average of 1.5 pounds a year during midlife. If you’ve gained weight after transitioning into menopause, know you’re not alone.

With the proper support, including guidance from menopause doctors, it’s possible to manage these changes to improve your physical and emotional well-being.

Why Appetite and Weight Change After Menopause

During menopause, your body undergoes significant hormone changes, especially a drop in estrogen, which can affect how you store fat, how often you feel hungry, and the speed of your metabolism.

Even if your eating habits remain the same, you might notice gradual weight gain or changes in where fat is distributed. This isn’t about willpower but is instead a natural biological shift. When you recognize what’s happening inside your body, you can take the first step toward managing these changes through informed choices.

How Menopause Affects Your Metabolism

Your metabolism naturally slows as you age, but menopause can accelerate this process. Lower estrogen levels contribute to a decrease in lean muscle mass, reducing the number of calories your body burns at rest. This means you may gain weight more easily, even without increasing your food intake. These changes are not your fault. They’re part of a complex transition that many women often experience during and after menopause.

Appetite and Hunger Changes You May Experience

Menopause doesn’t just affect the body, but can also shift how, when, and why you feel hungry. Hormonal fluctuations may interfere with the signals that regulate appetite, leading to stronger cravings or more frequent snacking.

You might turn to food for comfort during mood swings, irritability, or disrupted sleep. These emotional and physical changes are closely connected, and it’s important not to feel guilty. When you understand that these shifts are hormonal, you can approach your eating habits with greater self-awareness rather than a lack of control.

Common Areas for Menopause-Related Weight Gain

After menopause, many women notice that weight accumulates around the abdomen rather than the hips or thighs. This is caused by declining estrogen levels, which affect where the body stores fat.

While this change is normal, increased abdominal fat can raise the risk of certain health conditions, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Don’t focus merely on appearance, but on your long-term health. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to support your body and reduce potential health risks as you go through this transition.

Practical Strategies to Manage Appetite and Weight

While hormonal changes cannot be controlled, you can make choices that support your body and overall health. Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, healthy fats, fiber, and lean protein to help you regulate your appetite and maintain energy. Mindful eating, which involves listening to hunger cues and identifying emotional triggers, can prevent overeating.

Regular physical activity, especially strength training, helps maintain muscle mass and increase metabolism. Don’t overlook the power of a good night’s sleep and proper stress management, which can impact hunger and weight. Small, consistent changes are more sustainable than strict diets and can lead to meaningful, long-term improvements in your feelings.

When to Seek Professional Assistance

When you’re struggling with weight gain that feels unmanageable or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as mood changes, fatigue, or disrupted sleep, it may be time to consult a healthcare provider.

Menopause doctors can help you better understand what’s happening in your body and offer personalized strategies, such as hormone therapy or nutritional guidance, when appropriate. Getting professional support can drastically affect your physical and emotional well-being, helping you feel more in control during this life stage.

Importance of Embracing Your Changing Body With Kindness

Weight gain and body changes after menopause can damage your self-esteem. You may feel discouraged, especially when your efforts don’t yield the same results as before. But your body is adapting, and this process takes time and patience.

Accepting these changes without harsh judgment and practicing self-compassion can enhance your well-being. Celebrate small victories, focus on how you feel rather than just how you look, and surround yourself with supportive people. This is a new chapter in your life; give yourself the same level of care and compassion that you’d offer a friend.

Speak With a Menopause Doctor at Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness Today

Managing weight and appetite changes after menopause can be difficult, but help is available. Contact the knowledgeable Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness team today for professional care and personalized guidance.