Menopause

What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life when periods stop permanently, signaling the end of childbearing years.

In the years leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, your body slows down its production of reproductive hormones, estrogen and progesterone. This slowdown causes fluctuations in your hormone levels that can lead to a variety of symptoms.

For many women, symptoms become severe enough to interfere with their quality of life, even in the years after their menstrual cycle has ended.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Menopause affects all women differently, causing a variety of symptoms that are similar to other underlying health issues. Throughout perimenopause and even after menopause, you may experience issues like:

• Fatigue
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Mood swings
• Vaginal dryness
• Mental confusion
• Urinary incontinence
• Decreased sex drive

Because of vaginal dryness and a change in sexual desires, menopause can also cause sexual dysfunction and painful intercourse.

Some women go through perimenopause and menopause without any noticeable symptoms, but if your symptoms are disrupting your life, treatments are available.

How are menopause symptoms treated?

There’s no way to prevent menopause, but your Southwest Family Physicians provider can help you effectively manage your symptoms to restore your quality of life.

For many women, the treatment of choice is hormone replacement therapy. By replacing lost hormones, you can find balance again and long-term relief of your symptoms. Your provider may request blood tests to first evaluate your sexual hormone levels and determine whether you need hormone replacement therapy. They will work with you to find the right dosage of estrogen and progesterone to help you feel better.

If you can’t tolerate hormones, your Southwest Family Physicians provider may recommend other options for controlling symptoms, such as low-dose antidepressants and lifestyle changes.

To help you cope with the many changes you’re experiencing in your body and mind, your provider may also recommend on-site counseling, hypnotherapy, acupuncture or massage services.

We understand your concerns about your menopause symptoms. You can schedule a consultation for menopause help by calling Southwest Family Physicians or by requesting an appointment online today.