Our Services / Menopause

What is menopause?

Menopause is a time in a woman’s life when she stops getting a period. To be diagnosed with menopause, you must go 12 months without getting your period. Menopause can occur in your 40s or 50s, with the average age of menopause in the United States being 51. Unpleasant symptoms can result because of menopause and its hormone changes. Treatment offers relief. 

What are the symptoms of menopause?

In addition to your period stopping, common symptoms you might have because of menopause include:

• Vaginal dryness
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Irregular periods leading up to menopause
• Chills
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Sleeping problems
• Mood changes
• Irritability
• Slower metabolism
• Dry skin
• Thinning hair
• Loss of breast fullness
• Reduced sexual desire

Symptoms caused by menopause vary from woman to woman and can be mild or severe. Your risk of heart and blood vessel problems, urinary incontinence, osteoporosis, and sexual dysfunction also increases after menopause.

What causes menopause?

Aging is the most common cause of menopause, especially if you’re in your 40s or 50s. Other causes include surgery to remove your ovaries, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or primary ovarian insufficiency, which is a condition that causes premature menopause before 40.

How does my doctor diagnose menopause?

To diagnose menopause, your OB/GYN specialist reviews your symptoms and medical history, checks your vital signs, and completes a physical exam. They often diagnose menopause based on your age, symptoms, and menstrual cycle patterns. But they could recommend a pelvic exam, blood tests, an ultrasound, or other procedures to detect or rule out complications. 

How are menopause symptoms treated?

To reduce symptoms and complications associated with menopause, the experts at New Beginnings OB/GYN may recommend:

Lifestyle changes

There are many things you can do at home to reduce the unpleasant symptoms of menopause, such as using lubricants to reduce vaginal dryness, getting plenty of sleep, limiting caffeine, and practicing relaxation techniques. Do kegel exercises, eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and don’t smoke.

Dietary supplements

Your OB/GYN provider might recommend you try plant estrogens or other dietary supplements to reduce hot flashes and additional menopause symptoms.

Hormone therapy

Bioidentical hormone therapy increases low hormone levels due to aging and menopause, reducing unpleasant symptoms. You might take pills or use creams, sprays, patches, vaginal inserts, subdermal pellets, or other hormone replacement therapy. 

Hormone Replacement therapy

Hormone replacement therapy uses hormones identical to the hormones your body naturally produces to increase low levels and help you feel better. Estrogen, progesterone, and other hormone levels often decrease with age, especially during and after menopause, and can cause various unpleasant symptoms. While hormone therapy isn’t for everyone, many women benefit from it.

Medications

Taking oral medicines can reduce menopause symptoms and other complications associated with aging, such as osteoporosis. 

To get relief from menopause symptoms, call the New Beginnings OB/GYN office or schedule an appointment online today.