Menopause

What is menopause?

Menopause occurs following 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Though it typically occurs when you reach your early 50s, it can take place earlier or later. Most women also experience perimenopause — the years preceding the end of your menstrual cycle when your hormones begin to decline. 

Menopause marks the end of your ability to conceive. For some women, this process also causes unpleasant physical and emotional symptoms.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Symptoms typically associated with menopause usually begin during perimenopause. During the time leading up to menopause, female reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone fluctuate and begin to decline, which can cause a wide array of unpleasant symptoms, such as: 

• Hot flashes
  
• Night sweats
  
• Mood swings
  
• Insomnia
  
• Weight gain
  
• Diminished sex drive 
  
• Vaginal atrophy and dryness
  
• Depression

These symptoms can be extremely disruptive. You might feel like you aren’t yourself or that your body is betraying you. Fortunately, the team at Aspire For Women Obstetrics and Gynecology offers personalized treatments and advice to help you maintain your health and vitality. 

Do periods stop suddenly?

Perimenopause is a gradual process, and periods don’t stop overnight. Menstrual irregularity is one of the warning signs of approaching menopause. For example, your periods might become less frequent. Some women only have periods every few months. Your periods become less frequent until they stop altogether. 

Are there long-term health issues associated with menopause?

Decreased estrogen levels increase your risk for many health conditions, such as heart disease, high cholesterol, and osteoporosis. Other problems associated with menopause include urinary incontinence, decreased libido, and excess fat around the abdomen. However, with effective menopause management, you can manage your symptoms and your health. 

Is there a treatment to ease the side effects of menopause?

In addition to providing personalized lifestyle advice to help reduce some of your menopause symptoms, Aspire For Women Obstetrics and Gynecology offers traditional and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT). 

HRT restores your estrogen levels, which helps alleviate some of the troubling symptoms of menopause. They begin with comprehensive blood tests to evaluate your existing hormone levels as well as exams to assess your symptoms and their impact on your quality of life. 

HRT is available in many forms, such as oral tablets, topical creams and gels, skin patches, vaginal creams and inserts, and subdermal pellets. 

Call Aspire For Women Obstetrics and Gynecology, or make an appointment online today for expert menopause management care.