Do you have irregular periods, or have your periods stopped? Do you feel flushed or hot for no reason? Do you have trouble sleeping or wake up sweaty? You might be in menopause. This is a normal and natural part of aging. There are three phases of menopause: perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause.
The Difference Between Menopause and Perimenopause
Menopause happens when your ovaries stop making estrogen, the hormone that controls your menstrual cycle. This signals the end of your reproductive years. You've officially entered menopause after 12 consecutive months without a period.
Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause. For most women, this happens between ages 45 and 55. Perimenopause can last from seven to 14 years. How long it lasts depends on:
- age when perimenopause begins
- if you smoke
- race and ethnicity
- weight
- medical conditions or treatments
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Perimenopause?
While each woman may experience perimenopause differently, a few signs and symptoms are:
- changes in your menstrual cycle such as longer, shorter or skipped periods
- hot flashes
- trouble sleeping
- vaginal dryness
- urinary incontinence
- hair growth or loss
- mood changes
- weight gain
Common Questions During Perimenopause
- Can I get pregnant? Yes. If you still get a period, even if it's irregular, you can get pregnant. You should continue using birth control if you don't want to become pregnant.
- Will perimenopause affect my sex life? It's possible you may have pain during sex due to vaginal dryness or other symptoms associated with menopause.
- Is there treatment? Call your provider if symptoms begin to affect your daily life.There's no cure for perimenopause, but there may be ways to reduce your symptoms:
- vaginal creams or lubricants for discomfort during sex
- antidepressants for help with depression and mood swings
- birth control pills or other treatments to stabilize hormone levels
Stay Healthy When You are Postmenopausal
It's important to live a healthy lifestyle after menopause because the hormonal change puts you at an increased risk for heart attacks, stroke, and osteoporosis.
- Eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet. Try to consume foods with plenty of calcium and vitamin D for healthy bones.
- Exercise regularly. Maintain a healthy weight and do exercises like strength training, yoga and walking to help keep your bones strong.
- Visit your provider for regular health screenings and take advantage of your no-cost preventive care.
Resources for TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Standard
Provider Finder®
Use Provider Finder® to search for an in-network OB-GYN that fits your needs.
Mental Health Care
Mental health issues are common before, during and after menopause. If you feel depressed, anxious or think you might need help with a mental health issue at this stage of life, support is available.
Virtual Health Care
Use TRS Virtual Health to make a mental health appointment online or over the phone with Teladoc®.
Ovia Health App
The Ovia Health app provides support as you transition to menopause. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store:
- Select “I have Ovia Health as a benefit" during signup.
- Skip the step where it asks you to enter your employer's name.
- Select Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas as your health plan.
- Explore Ovia Health!
Already have an Ovia Health app on your phone?
- Open the “more" menu.
- Tap “My healthcare info."
- Enter your health plan (required).
- Enter your employer (optional)
Resources for TRS-Care Medicare
Annual Wellness Visits
Your plan covers one physical exam and one wellness visit per calendar year. You can ask your provider to combine the visits into one convenient annual care appointment. You and your provider can work as a team to create a preventive care plan for the year.
24/7 Nurse Support
Helps make your health decisions simple and convenient while providing:
- Quick answers to your health questions anytime, anywhere
- Access to registered nurses with clinical experience
- Information to guide your health care decisions
Call 1-877-365-7949, TTY 711 any time for health information and support – at no added cost to you.
Virtual Doctor Visit
See a doctor anytime using live video chat from your computer, tablet or smartphone. With Virtual Doctor Visits, you can ask questions, get a diagnosis or even get medication prescribed and have it sent to your pharmacy. All you need is a strong internet connection. Consider setting up an account with a Virtual Doctor Visit provider so you're ready when it's time to make an appointment. Ways to access Virtual Doctor Visits:1. On your computer, visit uhcvirtualvisits.com and click on Choose a Medical Provider 2. On your tablet or smartphone:
- Download the American Well (Amwell) app
- Download the Doctor on Demand app
- Download the Teladoc app or call 1-855-615-8335 to set up an account and request a visit by phone.
Mental Health Virtual Visits
Connect with a mental health expert on your computer, tablet or smartphone. Visit VirtualVisitsMentalHealth.uhc.com to select a health care provider. They can evaluate and treat conditions such as depression and anxiety, and address substance use concerns.
On-demand Self Care
Self Care from AbleTo gives you access to self-care techniques, coping tools, meditations, and more—anytime, anywhere. With Self Care, you get personalized content to help boost your mood and shift your perspectives. Tap into tools created by clinicians and suggested for you based on your responses to a short, optional assessment. Self Care is here to help you feel better — at no added cost to you. To start, visit ableto.com/begin. Questions? We're here to help.Call UnitedHealthcare at 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday.
Silver Sneakers
As a TRS-Care Medicare Advantage participant you have access to SilverSneakers, a fitness and lifestyle program, at no added cost.
What does SilverSneakers include?
- Memberships to thousands of fitness locations — visit as many times as you wish
- Group exercise classes for all abilities — fun activities held outside the gym
- SilverSneakers On-DemandTM — online workout videos that feature tips on fitness and nutrition
- SilverSneakers LIVE — virtual classes and workshops throughout the week
- SilverSneakers GOTM mobile app
Get started today. Visit SilverSneakers.com or call 1-888-423-4632, TTY 711.