Menopause

What are Menopause and Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is a period in a woman’s life when she transitions into menopause, which usually happens over the course of several years. You’ve hit menopause when your period stops permanently. Normally, you’ll know you’ve hit menopause when you haven’t had a period in 12 months.

Women normally reach menopause when they are over age 45. In the United States, the average age women reach menopause is 52.

What are the Symptoms of Menopause?

During and after menopause, you may experience symptoms from fluctuating hormone levels, such as:

• Hot flashes or night sweats
• Changes in length, heaviness, or time between periods
• Vaginal dryness or changes in sex drive
• Mood swings
• Trouble sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Thinning hair on the head and more hair on the face
• Slowed metabolism and weight gain
• Urinary incontinence
• Dizziness

Vaginal dryness can make sexual intercourse painful, and hot flashes may be embarrassing or hinder your quality of life. Due to the hormonal changes brought about by going through menopause, you’re also at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, which can lead to getting weak and brittle bones.

How are Menopausal Symptoms Treated?

While you can’t delay menopause, the expert gynecologists at Capital Women’s Care can reduce menopausal symptoms to restore your quality of life and lower your risk for developing a disease. The following treatment options may help ease symptoms:

• Estrogen Therapy: Estrogen therapy may help relieve hot flashes and prevent bone loss associated with menopause. Vaginal estrogen tablets, suppositories, creams, or rings, all administered directly to the vagina, can relieve vaginal dryness and reduce urinary incontinence.
• Medications for Hot Flashes: Your doctor may also recommend low-dose antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, or special pills or patches to relieve hot flashes.
• Osteoporosis Medications: In addition to hormone therapy, other medications and vitamin supplements — such as calcium and vitamin D — may help treat or reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Your provider at Capital Women’s Care may also talk with you about additional menopausal treatments to improve your sleep, reduce urinary incontinence, and put an end to thinning hair.

If you’re ready to reduce your menopausal symptoms and enjoy life again, call Capital Women’s Care or book an appointment online.

CALL US NOWRequest Appt