Dr. Lanny F. Wilson, MD, Avalon’s Dean of Clinical Sciences, has been asked to consult for the American Medical Association’s What Doctors Wish Patients Knew series since November, 2021. During his most recent discussion with the AMA’s Senior Communications Specialist, Sara Berg, he was asked to talk about menopause since Dr. Wilson practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology for more than forty years. The full article is a twelve minute read, published in the AMA News, and can be found by researching “What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Menopause”. Following, are a few highlights from the article.

Menopause is usually a natural phase of a woman’s life that marks the end of her reproductive years. In most cases, it is normal, but it can be associated with significant physical and emotional challenges. It usually occurs gradually over a three-to-eight-year time frame. During the premenopausal years, menstrual periods start becoming irregular; and symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep problems begin to occur. Most women achieve menopause, the complete cessation of menses, around 51 years of age. However, anywhere from 45 to 55 years old would be a normal time frame to cease menses.

The article goes into depth about a variety of therapies to treat the symptoms, including the “avoidance of triggers” that can cause hot flashes such as smoking, alcohol, spicy foods, warm or tight-fitting clothing, stressful situations, and even stressful relationships.

Education about menopause, and seeking advice from trusted healthcare professionals, will help the transition from the childbearing years through menopause go more smoothly. There are some real advantages to the postmenopausal phase of a woman’s life, including freedom from birth control and cessation of menstrual periods. Whenever possible, it is good to talk with friends or family members who have navigated menopause. They might be the best counsellors of all.

Dr. Lanny Wilson
Dean of Clinical sciences