When does menopause occur?
The average age of menopause in the United States is 52, but perimenopause and the symptoms associated with the hormonal changes can start up to 10 years before that. Women usually experience symptoms associated with menopause in their mid-to-late 40s, or on average about four years before they transition entirely.
Menopause occurs as a natural progression of aging, but may also happen due to surgical removal of your uterus or chemical inducement, such as with cancer treatment.
What are the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause?
Symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats are common. Other lesser known symptoms of menopause include:
- Painful intercourse
- Decreased libido
- Mild urinary incontinence
- Irregular periods
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty concentrating and mood changes
- Dry, thinning skin
- Vaginal dryness and itching
These symptoms occur due to changes in your hormone levels associated with menopause. Estrogen production decreases, altering your body’s physiology.
What health issues can emerge with menopause?
In addition to the uncomfortable symptoms, your risk for some chronic conditions increases once you’ve moved through menopause. These include:
- Heart disease
- Osteoporosis
- Weight gain
- Urinary incontinence
- Uterine prolapse
Dr. Ardalan can help you navigate these health changes so you continue to live your best, most healthy life even after menopause.
What treatments are available to manage menopause?
Because menopause is a natural process, you can’t prevent it from happening, but you can receive treatments to help calm any uncomfortable symptoms.
Dr. Ardalan may recommend hormone therapy with estrogen to relieve menopausal hot flashes and prevent bone loss. She starts with the lowest possible dose and a short time frame to minimize possible side effects. Some women who still have their uterus, need progestin too.
Estrogen may be administered via a vaginal cream, oral medications, or patches. Dr. Ardalan reviews your medical and family history as well as your current health to determine if estrogen therapy is right for you.
At Women Elite Care, Inc., Dr. Ardalan can address symptoms such as vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and vaginal burning with the Roher CO2 laser vaginal treatments. A series of three sessions can improve your vaginal health, relieving painful intercourse, poor lubrication, and mild urinary incontinence.
If you suspect you’re moving into perimenopause and menopause, don’t hesitate to call Women Elite Care, Inc. to start management of your symptoms. Or book an appointment using the online tool today.
