Menopause Made Clear: UF Health Expert Addresses Your Most Common Questions

July 21, 2026

UF Health expert Sara Deatsman, MD, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and has more than nine years of experience caring for patients navigating menopause. As a healthcare provider with expertise in menopause, Dr. Deatsman provides clarity on some of the most common questions surrounding perimenopause and menopause.

Perimenopause: signs, symptoms and what to expect

Perimenopause is the transition from regular menstrual periods to the final menstrual period
The average age when menopause occurs, or the last menstrual cycle, is typically 51-52 years old in the U.S.
Perimenopausal symptoms can occur with regular menstrual cycles.
Many women begin experiencing symptoms in their mid-40s. Symptoms vary individually, with some women experiencing little to none, and others experiencing vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats) that can disrupt daily life. Other symptoms include changes in sleep, mood, joint pain, brain fog, vaginal dryness, pain with intercourse, skin changes and urinary changes.
On average, perimenopause symptoms can last about 7-10 years around the final menstrual cycle. Some women will have symptoms for a brief period, while others may experience symptoms into their 60s.
Some medical conditions can mimic perimenopause/menopause through similar symptoms.

Menopause: lifestyle and medical treatments

Menopause is the time after menstruation has ended.
Many types of treatment are available for menopausal symptoms.
Lifestyle treatment options include a plant-based or Mediterranean diet, exercise, sleeping 6-9 hours a night and minimizing the use of harmful substances.
Over-the-counter and online supplements are not recommended for treatment, as they are unregulated and have not been shown to be effective. Be wary of social media influencers suggesting products. They are often only looking to make a profit.
There are FDA-approved and regulated hormonal and nonhormonal medications for menopausal symptoms.

Hormonal medication

Hormone therapy, or HT, is the gold standard for treatment. HT can include estrogen alone or estrogen and progesterone, which is needed for women who still have a uterus.
Estrogen can be prescribed for whole-body treatment in two forms: by mouth or transdermally with a patch. No other systemic forms, like pellets, are regulated for appropriate dosing.
Estrogen treatment should start within 10 years of menstruation ending and/or under 60 years old.

Nonhormonal medication

Brisdelle/paroxetine is an FDA-approved selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, a medicine typically used for anxiety/depression.
Two newer nonhormonal options that work directly in the brain to help with hot flashes are Veozah/fezolinetant and Lynkuet/elinzanetant.

Every treatment has its upsides and downsides. Consult your provider to find what is best for you.

Perimenopause and menopause facts: health, sex and pregnancy

Women can still get pregnant during perimenopause. Use contraception if you are sexually active during this period.
Health issues can begin worsening during menopause. Meet with your health professional frequently for appropriate screening and care.
Menopause can lead to decreased bone mass due to a decrease in estrogen.
A woman’s sex life does not necessarily change after menopause. However, some may experience vaginal dryness and irritation.

Remember, menopause does not manifest the same way for everyone. Understanding what to expect before, during and after this time will make menopause more manageable. Always consult your physician with any questions you may have.

To schedule an appointment with a UF Health Women’s Center specialist to discuss your perimenopause or menopause concerns, please call (352) 265-6200.