As you age, you may experience a natural decline in the reproductive hormones that eventually halt your menstrual cycles. This can lead to a cascade of disruptive symptoms that can be distressing. But fortunately, this can be managed effectively through specific methods to improve your quality of life.
There is no cure or treatment for menopause since it is a normal physiological process every woman must endure. Management for menopause Winter Park through a team of expert women specialists involves comprehensive care to protect your health and wellness as you age.
An insight into the process of menopause
Menopause is a normal physiological process when your body stops releasing mature eggs every month, leading to the cessation of your periods. This marks the end of your reproductive years when you are no longer fertile.
You officially reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months. There are three stages that gradually lead up to menopause:
- Perimenopause: Years leading up to menopause when estrogen and progesterone begin to deplete.
- Menopause: A point where you do not have your periods since your ovaries stop releasing eggs and producing estrogen.
- Post menopause: The period when you do not have periods for more than a year
Symptoms associated with menopause include:
Every woman has a unique experience with any one or all of the following symptoms during menopause:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness and itching
- Obesity (weight gain)
- Loss of libido
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anxiety and depression
- Increased palpitations
- Headaches, joint and muscle pain
- Poor memory
- Hair loss or thinning
Management and treatment of menopause
Your doctor would usually recommend a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, and a review of your medical history to customize an appropriate treatment plan.
You will be advised to undergo a few blood tests to assess your hormone levels and rule out other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
Conservative management may include the following:
- Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good hydration.
- Managing other health conditions like diabetes, or hypertension.
- Avoiding triggers like smoking, or alcohol consumption, that may aggravate symptoms like hot flashes
Medications
- Birth control pills
- Antidepressants
- Prescription vaginal creams
Hormone replacement therapy
- Estrogen therapy (ET)
- Estrogen Progesterone therapy (EPT)
Summary
Menopause is a natural and normal physiological aging process. Skipping periods for almost 12 months confirms the onset of menopause. Menopause symptoms can be frustrating and negatively impact your quality of life. Seek medical help to manage symptoms and make you more comfortable.
About the Author
