Menopause Specialist

What is menopause?

Menopause is defined as the point at which your body hasn’t produced a menstrual period in one year. During the time leading up to this, perimenopause, your body produces fewer and fewer reproductive hormones until your menstrual cycle stops altogether.

Menopause is a part of every woman’s life cycle, but certain procedures, treatments, and conditions can bring on early menopause. Examples include:

• Hysterectomies
• Radiation
• Chemotherapy
• Primary ovarian insufficiency

What signs suggest you’re entering menopause?

Some of the telltale signs that you’re entering menopause include:

• Irregular periods
• Vaginal dryness
• Dry skin
• Night sweats
• Hot flashes
• Chills
• Thinning hair
• Loss of breast fullness
• Weight gain
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Trouble sleeping
• Pain during sex

When should I see a doctor about menopause?

The norms of menopause are unpleasant, so it can be a little hard to know what symptoms are serious and what aren’t. In general, you should go to a doctor if and when you experience:

• Unbearable symptoms
• Postmenopausal vaginal bleeding
• Depression

It’s also important, whether or not you’re experiencing these symptoms, to maintain regular well-woman visits.

How can I stay healthy while going through menopause?

As your body moves through menopause, you become more susceptible to weight gain, depression, and conditions like heart disease and osteoporosis. To stay healthy, take steps like:

• Getting sufficient calcium and vitamin D for your body
• Maintaining your current (healthy) body weight
• Quitting the use of all tobacco products right away
• Doing weight-bearing exercises (dancing, stair climbing, etc.) to strengthen your bones
• Eating a diet rich in whole grains, fibers, fruits, and veggies, and low in fats

How can ease my menopause-related pain?

To relieve some of your pain, you may want to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Hormone therapy isn’t right for all women, but it helps many women by:

• Reducing night sweats
• Reducing hot flashes
• Easing vaginal dryness, itching, and burning
• Relieving vaginal pain during sex
• Protecting bone density

Are you ready to find solutions for your menopausal pain or discomfort? If so, schedule an appointment with the capable team at Alliance OB/GYN. They can’t wait to help you. Book your consultation today over the phone or via the online booking tool.