Menopause

What is menopause?

Menopause is the stage of a woman’s life when she no longer menstruates. It marks the end of her ability to have a baby. When you reach menopause, your ovaries no longer ovulate or produce estrogen.

You officially reach menopause when you go 12 months in a row without your period. Though menopause has a definite start date, you may begin the transition to menopause months or years before you stop menstruating.

During the transitional phase of menopause, known as perimenopause, your estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate. These hormonal changes may affect your menstrual cycle and cause many of the symptoms associated with menopause.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Menopause symptoms vary in type and severity. For some women, the symptoms of menopause are mild and have minimal impact on their day-to-day life.

However, for other women, menopause symptoms could be severe and disruptive, affecting their quality of life.

Common symptoms of menopause include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Mood changes
• Difficulty sleeping
• Hair thinning
• Low libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Pain during intercourse

Whether in perimenopause or menopause, the providers at Physicians and Surgeons for Women recommend you continue with your annual wellness exams so they can monitor your health and provide recommendations to help make the transition as symptom-free as possible.  Even after menopause there are many health risks that can arise involving your reproductive organs. Early detection is the key to a cure!

If your menopause symptoms disrupt your life, schedule a consultation with the providers at Physicians and Surgeons for Women for help.

What happens during a menopause evaluation?

When you visit Physicians and Surgeons for Women for help managing your menopause symptoms, you can expect a comprehensive clinical exam. Your provider spends time talking to you about your symptoms and concerns.

We perform a physical and pelvic exam, review your medical and gynecologic history, and run labs to check your hormone levels.

How does hormone therapy help menopause?

Hormone therapy can alleviate some symptoms of menopause. Physicians and Surgeons for Women can design a personalized hormone therapy plan that provides the best relief from your symptoms.

Your hormone therapy may include estrogen or estrogen with progestin. In addition to relieving your menopause symptoms, hormone therapy may also improve bone health and lower your risk of osteoporosis. However, hormone replacement therapy is not the answer to every patient’s menopause issues. Every medication prescribed brings with it notable risks as well as benefits. We will discuss this with you and try to find a treatment that best suits you and your needs.

Menopause is a normal part of the aging process. Physicians and Surgeons for Women can help you manage your health and your symptoms. Call the office to book an appointment.