Menopausal Care
Table of Contents
Menopausal Care
Perimenopause and menopause are natural stages in a woman’s life that mark the transition from reproductive to non-reproductive years.
Perimenopause refers to the period leading up to menopause when hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, start to fluctuate, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and various symptoms. Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.
Common symptoms
Common symptoms experienced during perimenopause and menopause can vary among individuals but often include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, sleep disturbances, weight changes, and changes in hair and skin. These symptoms can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life and well-being.
Treatments
Treatment options for perimenopause and menopause can be broadly categorized into non-hormonal methods and hormonal methods. Non-hormonal methods focus on lifestyle changes and non-hormonal medications to manage menopausal symptoms. Lifestyle changes may involve adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, practicing stress-reduction techniques like yoga or meditation, and avoiding triggers like caffeine and spicy foods. Non-hormonal medications may include certain antidepressants and supplements that can help alleviate hot flashes and mood swings.
Hormonal methods for managing menopause symptoms can be systemic or topical. Systemic hormonal methods involve the use of estrogen to address symptoms like hot flashes, prevent bone loss (osteoporosis), improve sleep, hair, skin, and weight management. Estrogen can be administered in various formulations, such as oral tablets, skin patches, creams, pallets, or vaginal rings. For women with a uterus, progesterone is often prescribed alongside estrogen to protect the uterine lining. Additionally, testosterone levels also decline with age, and replenishing testosterone in some women may help improve libido and overall well-being.
Topical hormonal therapy involves the localized treatment of the vagina and vulva to address issues like genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), painful sex, and decreased urinary tract infections (UTIs). This treatment delivers hormones directly to the genital area, providing relief from symptoms related to vaginal dryness and discomfort. It’s important to note that topical hormonal therapy does not have a systemic effect and does not significantly impact other common menopausal symptoms.
Conclusion
Perimenopause and menopause are natural phases in a woman’s life, and while they can come with challenges, there are various treatment options available to manage symptoms and enhance overall well-being. Women can choose from non-hormonal approaches like lifestyle changes and medications, or opt for hormonal methods, which can be systemic or localized depending on individual needs and preferences.
Schedule an Appointment
If you’re interested in learning more about your options for Menopause management, your first step is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dubinskaya. To get started, contact our office by calling 424-210-9030 or filling out our online form.
MEET Dr. Alexandra Dubinskaya
A leader in women’s sexual health
Dr. Alexandra Dubinskaya is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Urogynecologist and Sexual Health specialist whose mission is to enhance women’s quality of life by improving their pelvic and sexual health. Dr. Dubinskaya’s focus is on making a difference in people’s lives through state-of-the-art, compassionate, and personally tailored care.
