Menopause: What To Expect, When It Arrives & How To Cope
By: Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when she naturally stops having menstrual periods. Menopause is the stage in a woman’s life which marks the end of the reproductive years.
The average age of menopause for women in the United States is 51-52 years of age. Menopause is by definition, 12 months in a row without a menstrual cycle.
Some women have very little symptoms, others have significant menopausal symptoms and find it difficult to cope.
The most common symptom is hot flashes. Other symptoms of menopause can include:
- Night Sweats
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Mood Changes
- Vaginal Dryness
- Sexual Dysfunction
Some women find that the symptoms interrupt their activities of daily living and desire treatment. Treatment can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. There is non-medical and medical treatment.
Non-medical options include good nutrition with a balanced diet, exercise, keeping the area used for sleep at a lower temperature, with a fan or air conditioning, and dressing in layers to adapt to the symptoms as they come and go.
There are over the counter plant-based medications, such as plants and herbs that can be used for menopausal symptoms. Vaginal moisturizer and lubricants can also be helpful to treat symptoms.
Medical treatment can include hormone replacement therapy, including bioidentical hormones. There are other prescription medications, that are used for other medical conditions, that have been found very helpful in treating menopausal symptoms, especially for women who cannot take hormones or do not wish to take hormones.
I spend time with my patients who are menopausal and having symptoms, reviewing the treatment options in detail and tailoring the treatment to what is best for her, her lifestyle and her overall health.
If you would like to learn more information or talk to one of our physicians about menopause management, please fill out our Request Appointment Form. Thanks!