What is menopause?
Menopause is the transition out of your childbearing years. It technically begins after you’ve gone 12 months without having a period, but many women start to experience symptoms years before that point.
The most common age for menopause to begin is between 45-55. The process usually lasts around seven years, but for some women, menopause symptoms linger far longer. The years leading up to full menopause are called perimenopause, and could also present symptoms.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Menopause is different for every woman, and your experience will be unique. There are many different signs and symptoms that menopause is underway. Some things to keep an eye out for include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Sleep disruptions
- Mood swings
- Racing heartbeat
- Depression or anxiety
- Headaches
- Joint aches or muscle pain
- Irregular bleeding
- Vaginal dryness
- Bladder control problems
You are unlikely to experience all of these symptoms, and some may be manageable without treatment.
When should I seek help with menopause symptoms?
This is a simple question with a complex answer. Some women move through menopause with relative ease and don’t find their symptoms to be especially disruptive.
However, if symptoms begin to disrupt your normal daily activities, it may be time to seek treatment at The Miami Institute for Women's Health. There is no need to live with the discomfort or inconvenience of menopause symptoms when there are safe and effective treatments that can help.
What are some treatments for menopause?
The primary treatment for menopause is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This approach involves adding supplemental hormones to help you achieve optimal hormonal balance by replenishing estrogen your body is no longer producing.
At The Miami Institute for Women's Health, Dr. Khamvongsa uses bioidentical hormones for hormone replacement therapy. These hormones, while synthetic, are from plant sources. Certain non-bioidentical synthetic hormones are from the urine of pregnant horses.
Bioidentical hormones share the same molecular structure as your natural hormones, and your body cannot distinguish between the hormones you produce and those that are supplemental.
In some cases, you can treat specific symptoms of menopause without hormone replacement therapy. For example, if your primary complaint is anxiety or depression, some medications can help you during the menopause process.
To explore menopause treatments in more detail, call The Miami Institute for Women's Health or book an appointment online at your earliest convenience.
