Menopause is a normal stage of life all women must go through. However, the hormonal changes menopause causes can be difficult to bear. Steven R. MacDonald, MD, is a women’s health expert with an OB/GYN practice in Plano, Texas, who provides gynecological care for women going through menopause. For relief from your symptoms, call the office or schedule an appointment using the online booking button.
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.
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:
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.
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:
These treatment options can’t stop menopause but can lessen your symptoms and help you get through your life change without too much disruption.
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.