Pregnancy & antenatal care
Prenatal and obstetric care through every trimester, with monitoring and support you can rely on.
Savannah Medical ClinicCountry Corner · Savannah
Women's health
Care for every stage of a woman's life
Obstetrics, gynaecology and menopause care at Savannah Medical Clinic with Dr. Rhonda Reeves, our Obstetrician & Gynaecologist — compassionate, evidence-based care in a safe, confidential environment.
Your specialist
Dr. Rhonda Reeves
Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
With over 12 years of experience in women's health, Dr. Reeves provides compassionate, evidence-based care for women at every stage of life — from pregnancy and family planning through to menopause and beyond.
- · Prenatal & obstetric care
- · Gynaecologic health
- · Family planning & contraception
- · Menopause management
- · Fertility management
- · Women's wellness & screening
What we care for
Women's health services
Whether you are planning a pregnancy, managing your cycle, or navigating menopause, we are here to help.
Gynaecologic health
Consultations for period problems, pelvic pain, infections and other gynaecologic concerns.
Family planning & contraception
Guidance on the contraceptive options that fit your health, your plans and your lifestyle.
Menopause management
Assessment and treatment for perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause symptoms.
Fertility management
Support and investigation for those trying to conceive, with onward referral where needed.
Wellness & screening
Cervical screening, pap smears and routine women's wellness checks at every age.
Patient education series · Guide #2
Understanding menopause
Information to help you navigate this new stage of life.
What is menopause?
Menopause marks the end of a woman's fertile years. It is part of the body's natural ageing process and occurs when the ovaries stop producing hormones.
Menopause is not a single event but rather a gradual process that can last 2–8 years. It has three stages.
How do I know which stage I'm in?
If you have begun to have symptoms, your OB/GYN will discuss them with you, along with your menstrual cycle over the past year. Blood tests to check hormone levels can determine your menopausal status and help guide your treatment options.
Perimenopause
Also called the menopause transition. It begins 8–10 years before menopause, usually in your mid to late 40s, when the ovaries gradually produce less and less oestrogen. This is when menopause symptoms usually begin.
Menopause
Occurs when you no longer have periods and have gone 12 consecutive months without one — usually around age 52. The ovaries no longer release eggs and produce very little hormone, mainly oestrogen. Symptoms are typically at their peak.
Postmenopause
The time after menopause — you remain in postmenopause for the rest of your life. Symptoms taper off and become mild, but may still persist for several years.
Know the signs
Menopause symptoms
You may have started your menopause transition if you begin to experience:
Hot flashes
A sudden feeling of heat that spreads over the body.
Cold flashes
Usually follow hot flashes.
Night sweats
Sweating that disturbs your sleep.
Sleep disturbances
Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Vaginal dryness
A common and treatable change.
Discomfort during sex
Pain or discomfort during intercourse.
Change in sex drive
A change in libido.
Urinary urgency
A more frequent or urgent need to pass urine.
Emotional changes
Irritability, mood swings, sadness or depression.
Difficulty concentrating
Brain fog, memory lapses and forgetfulness.
Breast tenderness
Soreness or sensitivity.
Change in breast size
Breasts may change shape or size.
Weight gain
Changes in weight and body composition.
Hair loss
Thinning of the hair.
Increased facial or body hair
New or coarser hair growth.
Every woman's experience is unique. Our OB/GYN will work with you to find the best approach so you can feel like yourself again.
Your options
How is menopause treated?
There are many treatments available — you do not have to cope with menopause alone.
Hormonal therapy
Available as vaginal creams, patches, tablets or intrauterine devices (IUDs). May be oestrogen alone, or in combination with progesterone.
Antidepressants
Can help with mood and memory, as well as hot flashes.
Dietary changes
Cutting back on caffeine and spicy food can reduce the severity of hot flashes. Include foods with phytoestrogens — nutrients with oestrogen-like properties — such as soybeans, chickpeas, lentils and flaxseed.
Exercise
All physical activity helps. Weight-bearing exercise supports muscle and bone health, swimming can help with hot flashes, and yoga can help with mood and relaxation.
Herbal remedies
Various herbal remedies can help manage symptoms, such as black cohosh and pumpkin seed oil.
When should I see my OB/GYN?
- · You are experiencing bothersome symptoms
- · You have changes in your periods
- · You are unsure if you are in menopause
- · You need guidance on treatment options
- · You have any unusual vaginal bleeding
- · You are due for your routine wellness check
Important things to know
Common questions
Do my periods return after menopause?
No. Once you have gone through menopause your periods do not return. If you have any bleeding after menopause, see your doctor immediately.
Can I get pregnant during perimenopause?
Yes, you can. Unless you have completed menopause, continue on your birth control.
Do I still need to see my OB/GYN after menopause?
Yes. You still need health checks even though you are no longer fertile — pap smears and other wellness screening continue in postmenopause.
How will I know if I am in perimenopause or menopause?
Your OB/GYN will discuss your symptoms and your menstrual cycle over the past year. Blood tests to check hormone levels can determine your menopausal status and help guide your treatment options.
About this guide. This page provides general information and does not replace medical advice. Talk to your OB/GYN about what is best for you.
We are here to help
Menopause is a natural part of ageing, and it can bring physical and emotional symptoms that are challenging. Our OB/GYN will help you with the treatments available — so you don't have to cope with menopause alone.