Menopause & Perimenopause Care in Brandon, Riverview, and Va

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 Medical Health Group provides evidence-based menopause and perimenopause care for women in Brandon, Riverview, and Valrico, Florida. Our approach focuses on accurate evaluation, symptom management, and preventive care guided by nationally recognized medical standards.

Menopause is a normal life transition, but symptoms and health risks vary significantly from person to person. Individualized care helps women manage symptoms effectively and protect long-term health.

 Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, marking the end of ovarian estrogen production. In the United States, menopause typically occurs between ages 45 and 55, with an average age of 51, according to the National Institute on Aging.

The years leading up to menopause are known as perimenopause, a transitional phase characterized by hormonal fluctuations and changes in menstrual patterns.

 Symptoms vary in type and severity. Medically recognized symptoms include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats 
• Sleep disturbances 
• Irregular or skipped periods (perimenopause) 
• Mood changes or irritability 
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort with intercourse 
• Urinary symptoms 
• Changes in energy or concentration 

Not all women experience symptoms, and symptom severity does not reliably correlate with hormone levels.

 The decline in estrogen after menopause is associated with increased risk for certain health conditions, including:

• Osteoporosis and bone loss 
• Cardiovascular disease 
• Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) 

Preventive care during and after menopause focuses on risk assessment, screening, and symptom-based management, rather than routine hormone testing.

Management is individualized based on symptoms, medical history, age, and personal preferences.

According to the North American Menopause Society and ACOG:

• Hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats 
• It may be appropriate for healthy women under age 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset who have no contraindications 
• Treatment uses the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration needed to control symptoms 

Hormone therapy is not recommended for the prevention of chronic disease.

For women who cannot or choose not to use hormone therapy, evidence-based options may include:

• Non-hormonal prescription medications for vasomotor symptoms 
• Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants 
• Local (vaginal) estrogen therapy for isolated vaginal or urinary symptoms
   

Lifestyle measures may support overall health but are not sufficient alone for moderate to severe symptoms.

You should consider scheduling a menopause or perimenopause visit if you experience:

• Symptoms interfering with daily life or sleep 
• Irregular bleeding during midlife 
• Vaginal discomfort or urinary symptoms 
• Concerns about bone or heart health 
• Questions about hormone therapy or alternatives 

Early evaluation helps guide appropriate treatment and screening.

Medical Health Group offers board-certified menopause care grounded in evidence-based medicine for women in Brandon, Riverview, and Valrico. Our approach emphasizes symptom management, preventive health, and personalized care guided by nationally recognized clinical standards.

If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms or would like to discuss treatment options, scheduling an appointment can help determine the most appropriate next steps.