Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause is a different experience for everyone. Like menstruation, some women have mild symptoms while others have more discomfort. Your provider can help manage the symptoms you may experience, including:
- Body changes, weight gain, and joint aches
- Sleep problems
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal or bladder problems
- Mood changes
- Hair thinning
- Sexual Concerns
- Painful Sex
You may also experience irregular periods that are more difficult to track.
Symptoms should not prevent you from participating in your day-to-day life. An appointment with your provider is a great time to ask any questions about this new stage in your life and address any symptoms you’re experiencing. We may recommend additional tests and exams to pinpoint what’s happening and get you the right treatments.
The Transition to Menopause
Menopause is a part of a gradual transition that happens to your reproductive system as you age. It has three phases:
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the first part of the menopause cycle. It begins before your menstrual cycle completely stops. Your hormone levels begin to change during this stage, and you may experience irregular periods in terms of flow, the length of your period, and how often you get your period.
Perimenopause can begin as early as 40, but for most women, it starts in the 5-8 years prior to menopause.
Menopause
You are considered officially in menopause when you’ve gone a year without a period, bleeding, or spotting. This commonly occurs for most women around 51, although it could happen earlier or later, depending on your body and family history.
Postmenopause
After menopause, you will enter postmenopause. This phase refers to the end of menopause, where you will no longer produce estrogen from the ovaries or be able to get pregnant.
Menopausal Care Options
Your care will depend on your symptoms and personal health history. Some symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications. Your provider can help you explore all your options and create a treatment plan based on your specific lifestyle and symptoms.
A common medical care option for women is menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). MHT gives your body the two hormones your ovaries once produced: estrogen and progesterone. These hormones can help reduce the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Other medications are also available that focus on relieving specific symptoms; for example, vaginal dryness can be managed with vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and local vaginal estrogens. Herbal supplements, such as soy or black cohosh, can also help you manage symptoms if you prefer an alternative to traditional medications but have little science to prove their efficacy. There are newer, non-hormonal medications for hot flashes that are highly effective.
Discuss Menopausal Care With Your Provider
If you’re experiencing symptoms of menopause, your provider can help you find relief. At Florida Woman Care, your comfort and access to high-quality healthcare at every stage of your life is our priority. Contact us to schedule an appointment for menopausal care today.