Menopause Specialist

What is menopause?

Menopause occurs once the ovaries stop ovulating which leads to the end of monthly periods. To be considered in menopause, your periods need to have stopped for at least 12 consecutive months.

The transition time to menopause is known as perimenopause. This change of life phase can cause a variety of distressing or disruptive symptoms due to the fluctuations in your reproductive hormones.

Symptoms of perimenopause can last from several months to years before you experience the true end of your periods, and they sometimes can even affect you in your post-menopausal years.

The average age for menopause is 51, but women can begin experiencing menopause-related symptoms starting in their 30s.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

As you move toward the end of your monthly cycles, your hormone levels begin to fluctuate. Rather than declining at a nice, steady pace, estrogen and progesterone levels can fluctuate wildly, causing symptoms that range from mild to severe.

Common symptoms associated with the menopause transition include:

• Insomnia
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Mood swings
• Heavy periods
• Irregular periods
• Depression and anxiety
• Concentration difficulties

Many women also experience vaginal health issues, including dryness and irritation. This may cause painful sex and even result in a reduced desire for sexual activity. In addition, urinary incontinence is also common in perimenopause and post-menopause, causing unexpected urine leaks with laugh, cough, or sneeze.

Furthermore, hormonal changes associated with menopause can increase the risk of long-term health complications, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and breast cancer.

What treatment options are available for menopause?

Menopause is a natural stage of life for all women, and each woman experiences the transition differently. However, with proper monitoring and management, symptoms and their severity can become more tolerable.

One of the most common treatments for menopause symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). While HRT isn’t right for everyone, the staff at Complete Healthcare for Women offers a complete assessment of your symptoms and the best treatment for your overall health.  Several non-hormonal options can also be discussed.

To enhance your vaginal health, the team at Complete Healthcare for Women offers advanced, noninvasive laser treatment using MonaLisa Touch. This innovative system uses laser energy to stimulate your body to produce new collagen and elastin, two primary components of healthy skin.

With new collagen and elastin, your vaginal tissue improves, reducing dryness and irritation. Healthier, stronger tissue can also support your bladder, reducing unexpected urine leaks and may even improve sexual sensations.

Find out more about hormone therapy and MonaLisa Touch treatments to alleviate your menopause symptoms by calling the office or book an appointment online today.