What is menopause?

Menopause is the time in a women’s life when she permanently stops getting her period. The average age for menopause in the United States is 51, but you could reach menopause any time in your 40s or 50s.

The period leading up to menopause is called periomenopause. During this time, you may have irregular periods and other signs of hormone fluctuations. You’ve reached menopause when you haven’t had a menstrual period in 12 months.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

The symptoms you may experience because of menopause include:

• Hot flashes
• Chills
• Vaginal dryness
• Night sweats
• Mood changes
• Difficulty sleeping
• Slower metabolism
• Weight gain
• Decreased muscle mass
• Increased body fat
• Thinning hair
• Dry skin 
• Loss of breast fullness
• Reduced sexual desire
• Depression
• Low bone density 
• Osteoporosis 

Hormonal fluctuations are common causes of these and other symptoms of menopause. The good news is that with proper treatment, you don’t have to live with unpleasant menopause symptoms. 

Is menopause symptom treatment right for me?

To find out if you need hormone treatment for menopause, your Bay Area Physicians for Women provider reviews your medical history and symptoms. They check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and order blood tests to evaluate your current hormone levels. You might also need a bone scan or a mammogram.

What are my treatment options for menopausal symptoms?

The main treatments that help reduce menopause symptoms include:

Lifestyle changes

Adopting healthy habits can diminish your chance of menopause symptoms or make them less severe. Eat nutritious foods, get regular exercise, keep stress levels low, and get plenty of sleep each night.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy replaces low levels of estrogen and other hormones. You might take pills or use patches, implants, creams, gels, sprays, vaginal applications, or subdermal pellets.

Medications/supplements

If you have low bone density, osteoporosis, or other common conditions associated with menopause, your Bay Area Physicians for Women specialist may recommend you take medications or dietary supplements. 

To learn more about overcoming menopause symptoms, call the Bay Area Physicians for Women office or use the online scheduler today.