Menopause

What are menopause and perimenopause?

Menopause is a period in a woman’s life where she stops getting menstrual periods and is no longer able to have children. Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause and may take several years to complete.

This transition through menopause often begins in the mid to late 40s. If you haven’t had a menstrual period in 12 months, you’ve most likely reached menopause.

The average age that American women reach menopause is 51, but each woman is different. During and after menopause, your body makes less of the hormones progesterone and estrogen, which can cause unpleasant symptoms and negatively impact your health.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Some common symptoms of menopause and perimenopause include:

• Hot flashes, night sweats, or chills
• Bone loss
• Weight gain
• Vaginal dryness
• Trouble sleeping
• Irregular or missing periods
• Mood swings and irritability
• Discomfort during or loss of interest in sex
• Hair loss on your head, but more on your face

Health complications that can arise from hormone fluctuations during menopause may include osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, and heart disease.

How are menopausal symptoms treated?

Your gynecologist may recommend one or several treatments to help combat symptoms and health conditions caused by menopause. Menopausal treatments aren’t invasive and may include:

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy for menopause generally involves taking estrogen with or without progestin to replace low hormone levels, as fluctuations in hormones are the main cause of menopausal symptoms. Doing so helps prevent hot flashes, bone loss, and other uncomfortable symptoms.

Your obstetrician may recommend vaginal estrogen, which is administered to your vagina through a ring, tablet, or vaginal cream. This relieves vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, and urinary incontinence.

Non-hormonal treatments

The medical providers at OB-GYN Associates PC offer various non-hormonal treatments when you’re suffering from menopausal symptoms, but you’re not a good candidate for hormone therapy. Examples of non-hormonal treatment options include:

• Low-dose antidepressants to reduce menopausal hot flashes
• Other medications that provide hot flash relief
• Medications to prevent or treat osteoporosis
• Vitamin D or calcium supplements to strengthen your bones

When you’re ready to ease symptoms of menopause or perimenopause, call OB-GYN Associates PC today or book an appointment online.