What is menopause?
Menopause marks the time in a woman’s life when she stops having her period and can no longer get pregnant. It occurs because your ovaries no longer ovulate and stop producing estrogen and progesterone, which are the hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle.
You reach menopause when you go 12 consecutive months without menstruating. Most women naturally reach menopause after age 45.
Though menopause has an official start date, it doesn’t happen all at once. Before you reach menopause, you go through a transitional stage called perimenopause.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause occurs several months or several years before you reach menopause. During perimenopause, the production of estrogen and progesterone fluctuates.
These hormonal changes may cause irregularities in your menstrual cycle, as well as some of the symptoms associated with menopause.
If more than 60 days elapse in-between your menstruation, then this may be a sign you’re nearing the end of perimenopause.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause vary in type and severity. Some of the most common and disruptive symptoms include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Difficulty sleeping
- Forgetfulness
- Mood changes
- Vaginal dryness
- Urinary incontinence
- Low libido
Once you reach the postmenopausal stage of your menopause, you should experience a gradual improvement in your menopause symptoms.
However, because of your low estrogen levels, you may be at a greater risk of developing other health complications such as osteoporosis.
What are the treatments for menopause?
The team at Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates takes a patient-centered approach to care.
When it comes to helping you manage menopause and its symptoms, they develop individual treatment plans based on the severity of your symptoms, your medical and family history, and your personal preferences.
Treatment options for menopause include:
- Hormone replacement therapy for hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal estrogen for vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence
- Gabapentin and clonidine for hot flashes and night sweats
- Low-dose antidepressants for mood changes
- Nutrition counseling
- Nutrition supplements
- Stress management
The team closely monitors you and your health before, during, and after menopause and adjusts your treatment as needed.
For comprehensive management of your menopause from a highly skilled and compassionate team, call Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates, or book an appointment online today.
