Menopause

What is menopause?

Menopause occurs when a woman stops getting her period and hasn’t had one naturally for 12 months. The average age at which this occurs in the United States is 51, but menopause usually happens in your 40s or 50s. Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause and may last 2-8 years (the average is four years). Symptoms are common during perimenopause.

What are the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause?

Examples of symptoms you may experience include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Low sex drive
• Vaginal dryness
• Irregular periods
• Mood changes
• Weight gain
• Depression
• Brain fog
• Fatigue
• Thinning hair
• Loss of muscle
• Increased body fat
• Urinary urgency or incontinence 
• Skin changes
• Weakened bones/more frequent fractures 

The cause of these or similar symptoms is the natural decline in hormones associated with aging. For example, your ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone as you enter into your late 30s and beyond. 

How is menopause-related hormone imbalance diagnosed?

Diagnosing hormone imbalances linked to bothersome menopause symptoms involves a discussion of your medical history and symptoms, a physical exam, and blood testing to evaluate your current hormone levels. Based on the test results, the Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology team determines which treatments you may be a candidate for.

How are menopause symptoms treated?

Menopause is a normal part of aging in women. But if symptoms bother you, see the experts at Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology to discuss treatment options. They may recommend lifestyle changes, such as adjustments to your diet, exercise, or sleep habits. It’s also important to minimize stress and avoid smoking, drug use, and excessive alcohol consumption. 

Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology offers hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the form of pills, patches, creams, gels, vaginal rings, subdermal pellets, and more to increase levels of estrogen and/or progesterone, balance hormone levels, and diminish menopause symptoms. 

If you choose the pellet option, your specialist inserts tiny pellets under your skin and replaces them every few months to maintain long-lasting balance. Follow up with the Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology team throughout your treatment to ensure it’s effective and call the office at any time with questions or concerns.

Schedule a menopause evaluation at Bayard Street Obstetrics & Gynecology by phone or online today for symptom relief.