What is menopause?
Menopause is a time in a woman’s life that marks the end of her fertility. Medically, menopause is defined as going 12 months without your period. Most women in the United States reach menopause in their early 50s, although some women may hit menopause in their 40s.
The transition to menopause may start sometime in your late 30s as your body begins to decrease the production of your sex hormones. During this period, referred to as perimenopause, you may experience irregularities in your menstrual cycle as well as many of the symptoms associated with menopause, including moodiness and hot flashes.
What are some of the common symptoms of menopause?
Menopause symptoms vary in type and severity. You may be able to determine what to expect during menopause based on your mother’s experience.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Moodiness or depression
- Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
- Weight gain
- Low sex drive
- Vaginal dryness or painful intercourse
In addition to your physical symptoms, menopause also increases your risk of osteoporosis, which is a bone condition that makes you more susceptible to fractures.
How can I get relief from my menopausal symptoms?
If your menopausal symptoms are making it hard for you to go about your everyday life, Dr. MacDonald can provide treatments to help relieve your symptoms.
Treatment may include:
- Traditional hormone replacement therapy
- Hormone replacement pellets
- Vaginal estrogen creams
- Antidepressants
- Gabapentin or clonidine for hot flashes
- Medication to improve bone health
These treatment options can’t stop menopause but can lessen your symptoms and help you get through your life change without too much disruption.
What are hormone pellets?
In addition to traditional hormone replacement, Dr. MacDonald offers hormone pellets. These pellets are designed to specifically match your hormonal needs and are placed under your skin to provide you with a steady stream of hormones for symptom relief.
Unlike traditional hormone therapy, hormone pellets are made from bio-identical hormones, which come from yams or soy and are modified to mimic the actions of the estrogen in your body. Many women prefer these more natural hormone replacement options.
Dr. MacDonald can manage all of your health care needs, from childbearing to menopause. Call the office today or schedule an appointment using the online booking tool to get help managing your health after menopause.
