Menopause

What is menopause?

Menopause is a time in your life when your period permanently stops and you can no longer get pregnant. 

You’ve reached menopause if you haven’t had a menstrual cycle in the past year. It most often occurs naturally after age 45, and in the United States, the average age of menopause is 52.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Your ovaries produce lower levels of estrogen and progesterone before, during, and after menopause. This can lead to unpleasant symptoms, such as:

• Changes in menstruation
• Night sweats or hot flashes
• Chills
• Problems sleeping
• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Vaginal dryness
• Mood swings
• Hair loss
• Trouble focusing

During the transitional period through menopause, you’ll likely experience irregularities in your period before it ends permanently. 

Some symptoms related to menopause require treatment, such as changes in cholesterol or bone mass. The experienced gynecologists at Rockville Gynecology can help.

What is the treatment for menopause symptoms?

The solution for menopause symptoms depends on which symptoms you suffer from and how severe they are. Your customized treatment plan might include:

Hormone replacement therapy

Your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to replace low levels of estrogen and progesterone and alleviate menopause symptoms. 

You might benefit from low-dose HRT to improve your quality of life and prevent osteoporosis. Because HRT isn’t for everybody, an evaluation with your provider determines if you’re a good candidate for it.

Nonhormonal medications

Women who shouldn’t use hormones, such as breast cancer patients, may get symptom relief from nonhormonal medications. Your gynecologist works with you to develop a custom menopausal medicine treatment plan based on your personal and family health history.

Natural remedies

Often a first line of defense for menopause symptoms is alternative therapies. Examples include soy products, isoflavones, other phytoestrogens, black cohosh or other herbs, weight loss, exercise, paced respiration, and acupuncture. 

Talk with your doctor at Rockville Gynecology to find out if these holistic therapies are good options for you.

MonaLisa Touch®

MonaLisa Touch is a laser treatment for vaginal atrophy (including vaginal dryness) due to menopause. It’s FDA-approved, hormone-free, and requires just three five-minute painless treatments at six-week intervals. Ask your doctor if MonaLisa Touch is right for you.

Don’t let menopause symptoms ruin your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with Rockville Gynecology by phone or online today.