Menopause Specialist

When does menopause occur?

Perimenopause begins in the 3-5 years before you reach menopause. During this time, your ovaries produce less estrogen and hormones fluctuate, causing many women to experience changes in their menstrual periods.

Perimenopausal changes are different for each woman. Your periods may become irregular, shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter.

Menopause occurs when your ovaries stop producing estrogen, and you don’t menstruate for 12 consecutive months. While menopause can begin any time after the age of 40, the average age is 51.

What symptoms develop during menopause?

The classic symptoms associated with menopause can begin during perimenopause and last well beyond menopause. You may experience minimal problems or hot flashes that are nearly intolerable. The most common menopausal symptoms include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Mood changes
• Vaginal dryness
• Low sex drive
• Painful intercourse

What health problems arise from loss of estrogen?

Estrogen affects many parts of your body, from your heart and immune system to your skin and gums. For example, it regulates bone metabolism, maintains elasticity of blood vessels and vaginal tissues, and keeps your skin strong by preventing collagen loss.

Loss of estrogen after menopause means you’re at a high risk for:

• Osteoporosis
• Heart disease
• Vaginal atrophy
• Aging skin
• Hair loss
• Dental problems like gum disease
• Urinary incontinence

How are menopause symptoms treated?

Dr. Gyang relieves menopausal symptoms using hormonal and non-hormonal options. Several non-hormonal medications effectively treat hot flashes, while hormone replacement therapy treats all symptoms and prevents problems associated with low estrogen, including incontinence and vaginal atrophy.

Hormone replacement therapy is safe for most women when the dose and type of hormone address your individual needs. Dr. Gyang carefully evaluates your medical history and overall health to verify that hormone replacement therapy is a good choice for you.

What is post-menopausal vaginal atrophy?

Nearly half of all women develop vaginal atrophy, or vulvovaginal atrophy, after menopause. Estrogen maintains healthy vaginal tissues, so after it declines, vaginal walls become thin, less elastic, and dry.

Vaginal atrophy causes:

• Vaginal dryness
• Painful intercourse
• Vaginal burning
• Genital itching
• Pain or burning during urination

Hormone replacement therapy can safely and effectively treat these symptoms. To get help with menopause symptoms, call Osceola Gynecology or book an appointment online.