Menopause: Frequently Asked Questions

It is common to have questions about what to expect during your menopause experience. View the questions below to learn more about common concerns, or print out these questions and answers to discuss with your doctor.

Can Menopause Cause a Woman's Voice to Change?

The majority of women do not experience a voice change during menopause. Rarely, some women may lose the upper register of voice.

What Can I Do About the Facial Hair I’ve Developed as a Result of Menopause?

Although many women do not experience any additional facial hair growth, it can be a problem for some. There are a number of hair removal options available to you, including waxing, depilatories (liquids or creams that remove body hair) and laser hair removal.

Now That I’ve Begun Menopause, Do I Still Have to Be Concerned About Birth Control?

Until you have gone one year without a period, you should still use birth control if you do not want to become pregnant. You should continue to practice safe sex techniques with use of latex condoms to reduce risk of sexually transmitted infection.

My Hot Flashes Aren’t as Intense as the Ones My Friends Describe. They’re Actually More "Warm" Than "Hot." Is This Normal?

While hot flashes are very common in perimenopause, not all women experience them at the same intensity. Hot flashes can be as mild as a light blush or severe enough to wake you from a sound sleep. Most hot flashes last 30 seconds to 5 minutes. They usually disappear within a few years after menopause.

I’m Perimenopausal and Have Been Told That I Should Be Taking Very Low Dose Birth Control Pills. Why?

Compared to regular birth control pills, the lower dose of estrogen in very low dose pills may be safer for perimenopausal women. While regular birth control pills contain 30 to 50 micrograms of estrogen, these low dose pills contain only 20 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol. These pills also regulate menstrual periods and may provide protection from ovarian and uterine cancer. The pills may also prevent bone loss. Women with a history of breast cancer, heart disease or blood clots should not take these pills.

How Are Hot Flashes Treated?

While menopausal hormone therapy (HT) is the most efficacious and the only FDA-approved treatment for menopausal symptoms for many women, there are other drug treatments that may offer relief. These include both over-the-counter and prescription therapies. Over-the-counter therapies you may want to try include vitamin B complex, and soy protein found in foods.