Menopause Specialist

What is menopause?

Menopause is a process that starts when women are in their 40s and continues into later life. 

There are several phases of menopause, starting with the initial slowing down of hormone production, which often begins in your 30s, through perimenopause when hormone production begins to fluctuate more severely, and into menopause, when hormone production slows right down and stops, meaning you’re no longer able to bear children.

Estrogen and progesterone, the female sex hormones produced by your ovaries, are gradually reduced by your body during menopause. These hormones are responsible for reproduction and fertility, regulating ovulation and your entire menstrual cycle, and influencing your sex drive.

As you enter perimenopause, the production of estrogen and progesterone becomes erratic, causing an imbalance that can result in the unpleasant symptoms some women experience.

Your periods are likely to become irregular at this stage, becoming more frequent, less frequent, or a combination until they finally stop altogether. Menopause officially starts when you haven’t had a period for at least 12 months.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

There are a variety of symptoms associated with menopause, and you may have one, some, or all of them. Typical menopausal symptoms include:

• Irregular periods
• Night sweats
• Hot flashes
• Depression
• Irritability
• Mood swings
• Changes in libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
• Problems sleeping
  
  

Many women experience few symptoms or only mild effects from menopausal hormone imbalance. However, some women find perimenopause and menopause to be considerably challenging. Additionally, changes in your hormones could make you more susceptible to developing osteoporosis, which can make your bones weak, brittle, and vulnerable to breaking. 

Your physician can help by creating a customized treatment program that addresses all your symptoms and provides effective treatments that are appropriate for your particular needs.

What treatments are available for symptoms of menopause?

One of the most effective approaches to dealing with menopausal symptoms is to lead a healthy lifestyle and take good care of your mental and physical well-being. Lifestyle has a significant impact on how well your body manages menopause, and you’re likely to find your symptoms are worse if you:

• Are overweight or obese
• Smoke
• Drink large quantities of alcohol
• Have chronic stress levels
• Are physically unfit
• Eat a poor diet
  
  

Your doctor at Women's Health of Manhattan can help you make changes to your lifestyle, such as losing weight and quitting smoking, which forms the foundation of being able to manage menopause successfully.

Medications are also available if you’re experiencing severe menopausal symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy is the primary approach to treatment, and your physician can discuss the various options and assess your suitability for hormone therapy at your consultation.

To learn more about managing your menopause, call Women's Health of Manhattan today, or book an appointment online.