Menopause care in San Antonio

Menopause is confirmed after 12 months in a row without a period. The average U.S. age is 52, and most women reach it between 45 and 55. Hot flashes, poor sleep and vaginal dryness can last for years, and many symptoms can be treated. Leticia Vargas, MD, OB/GYN, sees women on San Antonio's South Side and by telehealth in Texas.

Key facts

  • Menopause means 12 months in a row with no period, not caused by pregnancy, illness or medicine.
  • The average age in the U.S. is 52. Most women reach it between 45 and 55.
  • Menopause can also happen after surgery that removes both ovaries, or after some cancer treatments.
  • Hot flashes are usually worst in the first one to two years, but symptoms may last five years or more.
  • Lower estrogen after menopause speeds up bone loss. Bone density screening is recommended for women 65 and older, and earlier for some women at higher risk.
  • Care is in-clinic at 1907 Goliad Rd, San Antonio, TX 78223, with telehealth for women located in Texas.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Symptoms vary a lot from woman to woman. Common ones include:

  • hot flashes, flushing and night sweats;
  • trouble sleeping;
  • mood changes;
  • a racing or pounding heartbeat during hot flashes;
  • vaginal dryness and pain with sex;
  • leaking urine or needing to go more often;
  • changes in sex drive.

Some women have few symptoms. Others find them hard to live with. Both are normal, and you don't need to "just get through it" if symptoms affect your sleep, work or relationships.

What happens after menopause (postmenopause)?

The years after menopause are called postmenopause. Hot flashes often ease over time, but some women have them for many years. Other changes tend to continue or grow slowly, such as vaginal dryness and bladder symptoms. These are part of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and they usually don't go away on their own.

Lower estrogen also affects long-term health:

  • Bones. Bone loss speeds up after menopause, which raises the chance of osteoporosis and fractures. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends osteoporosis screening for women 65 and older, and for younger postmenopausal women with risk factors.
  • Heart. Heart disease risk rises with age. Midlife is a good time to check blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.

Any bleeding after menopause should be checked. It is often not serious, but it can be a sign of a problem with the lining of the uterus.

Menopause treatment: what are the options?

Treatment is based on your symptoms, health history and preferences. Options may include:

  • Hormone therapy (HRT). FDA-approved to treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and painful sex, and to help reduce the chance of osteoporosis. Not everyone is a candidate. See our HRT page.
  • Non-hormonal prescription medicines for hot flashes. See hot flashes and night sweats.
  • Vaginal treatments, such as moisturizers, lubricants and low-dose vaginal estrogen.
  • Lifestyle support, including sleep habits, physical activity, nutrition, and limiting alcohol and smoking.
  • Bone and heart health checks, with screening when it is due.

What does a menopause visit at Yaso include?

A first menopause visit usually covers:

  • your period history and when symptoms started;
  • which symptoms bother you most;
  • your personal and family history of blood clots, stroke, heart disease and cancer;
  • your current medicines and supplements;
  • an exam and lab tests when needed;
  • a plan you agree on, with a follow-up to see how it's working.

Many follow-up visits can be done by telehealth if you are located in Texas at the time of the visit. Exams and some tests need an in-clinic visit.

Why a women's health clinic on the South Side?

Yaso Wellness Health Clinic is at 1907 Goliad Rd, in the 78223 ZIP code on San Antonio's South Side. Dr. Vargas was born and raised on the South Side. She is a graduate of UT Health San Antonio and completed her residency at University Hospital in 2004. She started Yaso so people in her community could get care close to home, in a calm and welcoming space.

What to ask your clinician

  • Am I in menopause, or still in perimenopause?
  • Which of my symptoms are likely from menopause, and which need other tests?
  • Is hormone therapy an option for me, given my health and family history?
  • What non-hormonal treatments could help?
  • Do I need a bone density test, and when?
  • Which heart health checks should I have this year?

FAQs

What is the average age of menopause? In the United States it is 52. Most women reach menopause between 45 and 55.

How long do menopause symptoms last? It varies. Hot flashes are often worst in the first one to two years, but symptoms can last five years or more. Vaginal dryness may continue or get worse without treatment.

Do I need a blood test to know I'm in menopause? Usually not. For most women over 45, menopause is confirmed by 12 months without a period. Tests may be used in some cases, such as after a hysterectomy or with early symptoms.

Can I see Dr. Vargas by telehealth for menopause? Many follow-up visits can be done by telehealth if you are physically located in Texas during the visit. Some care, like exams, needs an in-clinic visit in San Antonio.

Is bleeding after menopause normal? No. Any bleeding after 12 months without a period should be checked by a clinician, even if it is light.

Book a visit

Book a menopause visit with Leticia Vargas, MD, OB/GYN. Call (210) 903-1030 or book a visit. In-clinic in San Antonio • Telehealth for women located in Texas Yaso Wellness Health Clinic, 1907 Goliad Rd, San Antonio, TX 78223

About the clinician: Leticia Vargas, MD, OB/GYN, founder of Yaso Wellness Health Clinic. About Dr. Vargas

Sources

Education only, not medical advice or a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 911.