SPONSORED CONTENT -- (StatePoint) A woman’s sexual and reproductive health needs evolve throughout her life. What’s important at age 25 may look very different at 55. But are women talking about their experiences?
Mayne Pharma is committed to breaking stigmas and unabashedly encourages informed conversations. This framework guides women as they discuss and seek to understand their sexual and reproductive health needs throughout their lives.
20s and 30s: Building the Foundation: In these years, women should explore various contraception options and find the right fit for their lifestyle and family planning needs. Today’s methods offer safe and effective choices, including both short-term and long-acting birth control solutions. A dialogue with one’s healthcare provider can help women better understand the benefits of each option available.
Women should prioritize preventive care by performing breast self-examinations at home and by making regular visits with their primary care physician and gynecologist for screenings and further education. Open communication with healthcare providers is essential for addressing sexual health issues, and to tailor treatments (if needed) that best fit a woman’s health and lifestyle goals.
40s: Recognizing Change: For most women, their 40s is when they begin experiencing hormonal shifts due to the onset of perimenopause. Symptoms of perimenopause are wide-ranging and can include everything from irregular periods and low libido to changes in mood and even muscle and joint pain. Women should discuss their symptoms with their healthcare providers to understand what medical and non-medical interventions are best for them to help manage symptoms.
Despite the onset of perimenopause during this time, women must remain proactive about their reproductive health as they are fertile until menopause and may become pregnant. They should also continue with all recommended screenings, including mammograms.
50s and Beyond: Navigating Menopause and Post-Menopausal Health: The average age of menopause in the United States, according to the National Institute on Aging, is 52. This stage often brings noticeable changes, such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and shifts in mood or sexual comfort that can affect daily life and overall well-being. Another common symptom of menopause is vulvar and vaginal atrophy, which can cause pain during sex and vaginal discomfort. While these changes are a natural part of aging, they don’t need to be ignored or endured in silence- women should openly discuss these symptoms with their healthcare providers.
Fortunately, safe and effective treatment options exist that address menopause symptoms while treating their underlying causes, providing lasting relief. From hormone therapy and non-hormonal medications to simple lifestyle adjustments, women have more tools than ever to support their comfort and health. Talking openly with a healthcare provider is the best way to identify the right path forward to ensure individual needs are met.
Women’s sexual health and aging is much more than symptom management. Maintaining bone strength, supporting cardiovascular health, and staying active can all help women feel strong and vibrant in their post menopause years. With the right care and resources, menopause can be seen as a new phase-of-life, one that emphasizes confidence, comfort and overall well-being.
For more than 40 years, Mayne Pharma has been dedicated to bringing patients new and trusted medicines that are safe, effective, and easier to access, and to supporting women at different stages of life with treatment options that meet their evolving needs. For more information, visit www.maynepharma.com.
Women should not feel alone managing their changing bodies. By speaking openly with their healthcare providers about contraception, hormones and reproductive health, women have a partner to support their well-being through every age and stage of life.
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