Menopause Treatment
Menopause
Welcome the next phase of womanhood with comfort and enthusiasm.
Menopause is a normal phase in a woman’s life. It is defined as the permanent cessation of menses resulting from the loss of ovarian function. During this transition, from the reproductive years into menopause, a woman experiences many physical changes which are normal consequences of this transition. While some women welcome this stage with a sense of liberation, many women suffer mild to debilitating “menopausal” symptoms.
The formal definition of menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months of not having a menstrual period. The time period preceding menopause is termed perimenopause and usually lasts 2-3 years before the final menstrual period occurs. During perimenopause, women experience quite vast hormonal fluctuations and these fluctuations correlate with the symptoms of menopause.
Symptoms of Menopause
- Irregular menstrual cycles (varying length of cycle, intensity of cycle, and regularity of cycle).
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Moodiness
- Insomnia (trouble falling back asleep)
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
- Increased symptoms of anxiety and/or depression
- Urinary tract infections or issues with bladder control
- Decrease libido (sex drive)
Diagnosis of Menopausal Symptoms
The formal definition of menopause is 12 consecutive months of not having a menstrual period in the absence of a pathological cause (IUD, Ablation, hysterectomy, chemotherapy treatment, hormonal replacement treatment, etc). However, many women have a progestin IUD or a uterine ablation which will cause cessation of menses as well.
Many women will go 8-9 months without a period, and then have a normal period which resets the calendar. In these scenarios, we commonly will check a woman’s hormone levels to gauge where she is along the “transition”. No hormone level defines menopause, but it does help us guide the treatment options for a patients symptoms.
Treatment Options
- Nutritional and lifestyle counseling
- Stress relief techniques
- Acupuncture
- Herbal and supplement remedies
- Hormone replacement therapy (topical or oral)
- Non-hormonal oral therapy
Urodynamic Studies
Many perimenopausal and menopausal women experience uncomfortable urinary symptoms. Whether it is frequent urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, or lower urinary tract symptoms, we specialize in evaluating these disorders.
We recommend a consultation with one of our board certified OBGYN physicians to discuss your symptoms and complete a formal history and evaluation. Sometimes a simple urine culture can determine the problem. However, we also offer urodynamic testing which studies the nerve and muscle function of the lower urinary tract, the pressure in and around the bladder, flow rates, leakage thresholds, etc. This testing is important to determine the cause of your urinary complaints and the optimal solution.
Why Visit Swan Mountain Women's & Family Clinic
Get in Touch
Buena Vista Clinic
by appointment only
Business Hours
- Mon - Fri 8 AM to 5 PM
- Sat to Sun - Closed
Sail Through Your Menopausal Phase
Consult your trusted gynecologist and realize that menopause is the next fabulous phase in your life.
If you are conflicted about whether you may need treatment or not, visit Swan Mountain Women’s & Family Clinic, and we’ll help you understand and manage your menopausal symptoms. Book an appointment with our care team today.
