Menopause

Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her fertile years draw to a close, and it can be challenging both mentally and physically. The dedicated team of OB/GYNs at Urgyn in Atlanta, Georgia, is committed to helping women through menopause to ensure they experience minimal disruption in their lives. Call Urgyn or schedule a consultation online today for expert menopause support.

What is menopause?

Menopause indicates the end of a woman’s fertility, and you’re said to be in menopause when you’ve not had a period for a minimum of twelve months.

Menopause is triggered when your ovaries produce less of the fertility hormones (estrogen and progesterone). This reduction in hormone levels leads to changes in your body, known as perimenopause.

Most women enter perimenopause in their mid-40s, although it may happen a few years earlier or later for some.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

There’s a range of symptoms you could experience when you enter perimenopause:

• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Reduced libido
• Hot flashes
• Mood swings
• Night sweats
• Palpitations
• Vaginal dryness
• Pain during sex
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Depression
• Trouble sleeping

You might have all or just some of these symptoms, which could be mild or severe.

Perimenopause typically lasts for around four years, and then you enter the post-menopausal phase of life. Hot flashes and many other problems usually reduce post-menopause, although some women continue to experience symptoms. Your risk of problems like osteoporosis (weakened, brittle bones) increases after menopause.

What treatments are available for menopause?

There are several ways you can help yourself when you notice menopausal symptoms:

• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
• Take regular exercise
• Reduce alcohol consumption
• Quit smoking
• Avoid caffeine and spicy food
• Dress in several light layers

You can also start on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which, as the name suggests, replaces the estrogen and progesterone that you’re no longer producing. Urgyn uses BioTE® bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), which consists of safe, effective plant-derived hormones.

BHRT is one of the most effective treatments for menopausal symptoms, but it may not be suitable for all women. Your Urgyn OB/GYN is the best person to advise you.

Other treatments for specific menopause symptoms include:

• Antidepressants
• Antiseizure medication
• Blood pressure drugs
• Vaginal lubricants

Many women benefit from taking up yoga or meditation to help them relax. You can also try complementary therapies such as acupuncture, or there are natural and herbal preparations you may find useful.

You should consult your Urgyn OB/GYN before trying any of these therapies. Discuss the symptoms you’re experiencing so they can prescribe the most appropriate, personalized treatments.

If you’ve noticed signs that you’re entering perimenopause, call Urgyn and make an appointment, or request an appointment online today.