Puberty and menopause mark the beginning
and end of the reproductive years, and gynecologic care supports women through
both transitions.

Puberty is the process by which a girl’s body matures into a reproductively
capable adult, driven by rising levels of estrogen and other hormones. It
typically brings breast development, growth spurts, and the onset of
menstruation (menarche). Gynecologic care during this stage focuses on guidance
around normal development, menstrual health, and addressing concerns like
irregular or absent periods, excessive pain, or early or delayed puberty.

Menopause is the natural end of menstruation, usually occurring in a woman’s
late 40s to early 50s, marked by declining estrogen production. The transition,
known as perimenopause, can bring irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats,
mood changes, and sleep disturbances, while the years after menopause carry
increased risk of bone density loss and cardiovascular changes. Gynecologic
care during this stage includes symptom management (lifestyle measures or
hormone therapy where appropriate), bone health monitoring, and ongoing
preventive screening.