Menopause

What is menopause?

Menopause is a stage in a woman’s life that marks the end of her fertility but the beginning of an exciting new phase. You reach menopause when you go an entire year without your period. Most women enter menopause in their early 50s.

However, menopause doesn’t happen all at once. The road to menopause may start in your early to mid-40s. 

During this transitional period called perimenopause, you may experience changes in your menstrual cycle. This occurs due to a slowdown in estrogen and progesterone production, the sex hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle.

Perimenopause may last up to four years.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Many of the symptoms you associate with menopause start during the transitional period. These symptoms include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Mood changes
• Depression
• Weight gain
• Thinning hair
• Dryer skin
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort
• Low libido
• Pain during intercourse
• Fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping

The hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause also affect your physical health, especially your bones. Estrogen supports bone growth. When estrogen levels fall, your bones may weaken, putting you at risk of developing osteoporosis.

When should I seek help for menopause?

You should seek help for menopause when you first experience symptoms. However, your OB/GYN at Women's Care of Beverly Hills may start talking to you about menopause long before the actual “change of life” at your annual well-woman visits.

Seeing your OB/GYN every year is the best way to monitor your health and take action to maintain or improve it before you have symptoms.

When you visit Women's Care of Beverly Hills for a menopause evaluation, the team reviews your symptoms, medical history, gynecological history, and family history. They do a physical exam and may run lab work to check for any other possible causes of your symptoms. 

What are the treatments for menopause?

Women's Care of Beverly Hills offers many treatment options to help you get relief from your menopause symptoms. They work closely with you, designing a plan that fits your personal needs and goals.

Treatment for menopause may include:

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Antidepressants
• Vaginal creams
• Gabapentin for hot flashes
• MonaLisa Touch® for vaginal dryness
• Balanced diet
• Nutritional supplements
• Weight management
• Regular exercise
• Stress management

The team has you come in regularly to monitor your symptoms and treatment plan and make adjustments as needed.

You can take control of the symptoms and regain the life you love. To get help, call Women's Care of Beverly Hills or schedule an appointment online today.