Menopause

What is menopause?

Menopause isn’t a disease — it’s a new stage in every woman’s life that marks the end of her ability to bear children. Menopause starts when your ovaries slow down the production of estrogen and progesterone (the hormones that regulate reproduction), then stop releasing eggs.

Menopause typically occurs in your early 50s, but many women experience symptoms for several years on either side. It can take five years or more to complete the process and can have a significant impact on many women’s quality of life.

What symptoms does menopause cause?

Menopause symptoms begin when your estrogen and progesterone levels start to fall, gradually worsening and then improving again once you reach menopause. The time prior to menopause (perimenopause) is when your symptoms are likely to be worst.

The first sign of perimenopause is often a change in your menstrual cycle. Your periods might become irregular, happening every five weeks or three weeks instead of monthly. As menopause progresses, your periods gradually get less frequent and then stop altogether.

You reach menopause when you haven’t had any periods for twelve months. Up until this time, you could still get pregnant, so continue using birth control until you reach menopause.

Other menopause symptoms include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Problems sleeping
• Vaginal dryness
• Painful intercourse
• Depression
• Difficulties concentrating
• Mood swings
• Memory problems

Some women experience few or no menopause symptoms, and others have ones they can manage with self-care. But for a significant number of women, menopause can seriously disrupt their lives.

What treatments help manage menopause?

Estrogen and progesterone hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are among the most effective treatments for menopause symptoms. Your OB/GYN at The Women’s Health Group, P.A. does a physical exam and medical history review to ensure the treatment is safe for you.

Other medications, including antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs, can also ease menopause symptoms. Topical estrogen creams relieve vaginal dryness, and lubricants reduce the friction that causes painful intercourse.

Your OB/GYN at The Women’s Health Group, P.A., can also help you make lifestyle changes that improve your overall well-being. Eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and finding ways to manage stress can all help with menopause symptoms.

Falling estrogen levels reduce your bone density and could lead to osteoporosis, where your bones break very easily. Your OB/GYN might recommend a bone density scan and prescribe vitamin D and calcium supplements to improve bone health.

To find out how The Women’s Health Group, P.A., team can help you manage menopause, call or book an appointment online today.