Menopause

What is menopause?

Menopause is a distinct point in your life determined when you’ve gone 12 months without your period. In the United States, the average age of menopause for women is 51.

Often referred to as “the change of life,” menopause is a normal part of the aging process. However, the symptoms that come with these changes can affect the quality of life. The team at Pure OBGYN understands what you’re going through and develop an individualized treatment plan to help manage your symptoms.

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transitional stage leading up to menopause. Menopause doesn’t come on suddenly, but is a gradual process. During perimenopause, your hormone levels begin to fluctuate, which may cause some of the symptoms often associated with menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats.

You may also experience irregularities in menstruation, including skipping months and shorter or longer periods. Most women begin the transition to menopause in their mid-40s.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Common symptoms of menopause include:

• Mood swings, depression, or anxiety
• Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
• Vaginal dryness
• Hot flashes or night sweats
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Thinning hair and dry skin
• Low sex drive

How is menopause managed?

Everyone’s symptoms and health needs are different, and the team at Pure OBGYN takes an individualized approach to help manage your menopause.

Some treatment options include:

• Hormone replacement therapy
• Vaginal creams
• Antidepressants
• Lubricants

Gabapentin, a medication used to treat seizures, and clonidine, a blood pressure medication, may also be recommended if you’re experiencing hot flashes.

Menopause increases your risk of osteoporosis due to the loss of your bone-protecting estrogen. The team at Pure OBGYN may recommend medications to help prevent bone loss and maintain bone health.

In addition to bone health, menopause may also lead to weight gain. Eating a healthy balanced diet and getting regular exercise may help reduce your risk of the weight gain associated with menopause. Plus, making better food choices and increasing your activity may reduce your risk of developing other medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.

For help managing your menopause, call or book an appointment online with the women’s health experts at Pure OBGYN.