Are You Experiencing Symptoms of Menopause? 

Hot flashes can range in intensity and last for years. They can be annoying and uncomfortable, or they may be a warning sign that you are at increased risk for a heart attack or stroke. The first step in your care is to manage your risk for heart disease. The second is to stop or reduce the hot flashes. Clinicians will discuss hormonal and non-hormonal options to address hot flashes.

Changes in hormone levels can lead to mood swings, which can add stress to daily life. The physical changes experienced during menopause can also be emotionally draining. This is normal. Each woman experiences menopause and its effects differently. Often, changes in diet and exercise, and possibly anti-depressants and other medication, can improve mood swings.

Estrogen provides lubrication. Without it, it’s common to experience dryer, thinner vaginal walls that can cause discomfort, pain during sex, and vaginal bleeding. Irregular vaginal bleeding should be checked out by a specialist because in rare cases, it could be a sign of more serious concerns, including cancer. However, it’s more likely a result of vaginal dryness, and can be treated with prescription estrogen creams or noninvasive laser therapy. A menopause specialist can help determine which treatment is best.

Many women gain weight during the menopause transition. The hormonal changes of menopause predispose women to gain weight around the abdomen. However, hormonal changes alone do not cause weight gain. Weight gain is usually related to aging, as well as lifestyle and genetic factors. A menopause specialist can help determine if any weight gain is negatively impacting health and make a plan to address any concerns.

Sleeplessness due to menopause is often associated with hot flashes. These unpleasant sensations of extreme heat can come on during the day or night. Nighttime hot flashes are often paired with unexpected awakenings. The menopause clinician will design an individualized plan to address the sleep disturbance. This plan might include exercise, medication or other therapies.

Many women note a decrease in sexual desire around menopause. This could be due to a drop in estrogen and testosterone levels. It can also be caused by painful intercourse due to lack of lubrication, vaginismus or vaginal atrophy.  A trained menopause specialist can discuss options to enhance sexual function and intimacy.

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, increasing the risk of sudden and unexpected fractures. Many times, osteoporosis is not discovered until weakened bones cause painful fractures. Women over the age of 50 have the greatest risk of developing osteoporosis. A menopause specialist will assess osteoporosis risk through a thorough medical history and determine if a bone mineral density test should be ordered. Treatments for osteoporosis include medication, calcium and Vitamin D, weight bearing exercise and hormone therapy.