𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻'𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲. Aging is a journey marked by strength and resilience, especially through the many transitions and transformations women experience. While men also undergo hormonal changes over time, the shifts women face during midlife are profound and distinct.
With extensive additional training in evidence-based menopausal medicine, Dr. LoriAnne Andersen, Family Medicine Physician, is deeply equipped to understand the science behind today’s treatment options and provide care grounded in the latest research.
Menopause is a season of change that deserves more than dismissal, more than “just deal with it,” more than being told it’s simply part of aging.
At Sioux Center Health, we recognize this chapter for what it truly is: a profound biological shift that touches your sleep, your focus, your mood, your metabolism, your bones, your heart — and your sense of self. Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone don’t just create hot flashes. They can reshape how you feel in your own body. And you should never have to navigate that alone.
The right support doesn’t just relieve symptoms. It rebuilds energy. It protects long-term health. It strengthens confidence. Evidence-based menopausal care can lower future risks, preserve bone density, safeguard cardiovascular health, and help you feel steady and strong again — today and decades from now.
Dr. Andersen listens closely, evaluates thoughtfully, and personalizes your care based on your physiology, your history, and your goals. Whether that includes hormone therapy, non-hormonal options, metabolic support, lifestyle strategy, or preventive screening, your treatment plan is built around you — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause when hormone levels (especially estrogen and progesterone) begin to fluctuate. It can last several years.
Menopause is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. The average age in the U.S. is around 51.
Typically in the 40s, but it can begin in the mid-30s for some.
They may become:
On average, hot flashes last 7–10 years, but this varies widely.
Hormone fluctuations can affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, impacting mood.
Yes, after estrogen declines:
Now more commonly called menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), it can be used to replace estrogen, progesterone and sometimes testosterone help with symptoms.
For many healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, it is considered safe and effective. Risks vary by individual and there are some heath conditions that preclude the use of MHT.
As a Family Medicine and Mid-Life Women’s Health Physician, Dr. Andersen understands that this season is more than a checklist of symptoms — it’s a pivotal shift in your biology and your future health.
When your body evolves, your healthcare should evolve with it.
❌ Myth: Menopause happens suddenly.
✅ Fact: Most women go through perimenopause first—a transition phase that can last several years with fluctuating hormones and changing periods.
❌ Myth: Menopause starts at 50.
✅ Fact: The average age is around 51, but normal menopause can happen anytime between 45–55. Some women experience early menopause (before 45).
❌ Myth: If I’m still having periods, I can’t be in perimenopause.
✅ Fact: You can be in perimenopause for years while still having periods—though they may be irregular.
❌ Myth: Pregnancy isn’t possible in perimenopause.
✅ Fact: If you’re still ovulating—even unpredictably—pregnancy is still possible.
❌ Myth: Hot flashes are the only symptom.
✅ Fact: Symptoms can include:
Every woman’s experience is different.
❌ Myth: It’s “just stress” or “just aging.”
✅ Fact: Hormone fluctuations affect the brain, sleep, metabolism, and mood. Symptoms are real and biologically driven.
❌ Myth: Weight gain is unavoidable.
✅ Fact: Metabolism changes with age and hormones shift fat distribution, but strength training, nutrition, and sleep can significantly help.
❌ Myth: Hormone therapy is dangerous.
✅ Fact: For many healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, hormone therapy is considered safe and effective and can reduce all cause mortality in this group of women.
❌ Myth: If I tough it out, it will go away quickly.
✅ Fact: Symptoms can last several years. There are effective treatments—no one has to suffer in silence.
❌ Myth: Sex hurting after menopause is normal and untreatable.
✅ Fact: Vaginal dryness and pain are common—but very treatable with lubricants, moisturizers, pelvic floor physical therapy and vaginal estrogen.
❌ Myth: Menopause means the end of vitality.
✅ Fact: Many women report increased confidence, freedom, and life satisfaction after menopause.
Give us a call at (712) 722-1271 or explore more ways to connect with us. We're happy to help — anytime, any way we can.
