Your transition to menopause usually starts between the ages of 45 and 55. During this time, you may experience varying symptoms and at some point, you just might not be able to stand it anymore.
Menopause is a natural transition that all women experience. That’s not much consolation when your body seems like it’s rebelling against you with hot flashes, sleep disruption, weight gain, headaches, brain fog, and vaginal symptoms.
The OB/GYN team at Capital Women’s Care in Silver Spring and Laurel, Maryland, want to help you navigate through menopause with the least disruption so you can still enjoy a high quality of life.
If you’re struggling with menopause symptoms, reach out to us. We can help you deal with those miserable menopause symptoms through some of the following treatments.
Menopause isn’t a short phase. Women typically experience varying types of symptoms for about seven years, while some may struggle for up to 14 years!
Menopause is the catch-all term for this long period of time leading up the end of a woman’s fertility. It’s actually made up of:
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause. Your hormones are starting to shift, sometimes erratically, so you may experience incredible physical and mental changes. A lot of the symptoms we associate with menopause actually happen in this perimenopausal phase.
As you end the perimenopause phase, your ovaries permanently slow the production of estrogen and progesterone, female sex hormones. Your periods become irregular, and symptoms like hot flashes may accelerate. Once your periods have stopped altogether for 12 months straight, you’ve entered menopause.
Post-menopause is the time after you’ve passed through menopause. You might not have symptoms any more, but perhaps struggle with excess weight, increased risk for heart disease, and osteoporosis.
Menopause can’t really be “treated” or cured. It’s a natural progression of a woman’s life cycle. However, certain lifestyle steps and medical interventions can ease symptoms so you can enjoy life.
Lifestyle changes may include your diet, such as avoiding spicy foods and alcohol, which can aggravate hot flashes. Focusing on eating healthy foods like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins also reduces total body inflammation, weight gain, and low energy levels.
For vaginal dryness and sexual discomfort, a vaginal lubricant can help. Being physically active can boost energy and reduce brain fog.
If your symptoms continue to make you miserable, our team can help with hormone replacement therapy. We may offer tablets, suppositories, creams, or rings to reduce vaginal dryness and help mitigate mild urinary incontinence.
Medications are available to help relieve hot flashes. These include low-dose antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, or special pills or patches to relieve hot flashes.
We may also recommend supplements like calcium and vitamin D, as well as specific medications to slow down bone loss and reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis.
Make sure you have a trusted provider during the menopause period. Reach out to the OB/GYN team at Capital Women’s Care, who have expertise in supporting women during this transition. Call or use this website to set up your visit. We can help you.
