Menopause

What is menopause?

Menopause occurs when you haven’t had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. In the years preceding your menopause, you experience perimenopause as your hormone production declines, and your body begins to change. Many patients use the term menopause instead of perimenopause.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

The hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause can cause a variety of disruptive symptoms. Your experience is unique, and you may experience any of the following symptoms to varying degrees.

• Mood swings and irritability
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Libido loss and decreased sexual function
• Weight gain
• Muscle mass loss
• Anxiety and depression

Some women seem to sail through menopause with little disruption to their wellbeing, while others may have to deal with disruptive symptoms. You can count on expert, personalized care from the women’s health providers at Williamson Gynecology, regardless of your menopause experience.

How is menopause managed?

The team at Williamson Gynecology provides highly personalized menopause management services. They offer detailed consultations and exams, including blood tests to develop an understanding of your symptoms, hormones, and overall health. After talking to you about your health and symptoms, they work with you to create a customized treatment plan.

Your plan may include:

Hormone replacement therapy

Hormone replacement therapy replenishes your body’s hormonal stores with the precise hormones you need. Your doctor can provide hormone therapy in pills or creams. You have frequent checkups while you have hormone therapy so your provider can monitor your symptoms, hormone levels, and overall health.

Vaginal health procedures

If your depleted estrogen stores cause vaginal atrophy and interfere with your sexual function, your provider may recommend MonaLisa Touch® or other treatments to stimulate collagen and blood vessel growth in your vaginal tissue. As your vaginal tissue becomes thicker and stronger, symptoms such as dryness, itchiness, and painful sex subside.

Lifestyle modifications

In addition to treatments to address some of the more disruptive menopausal symptoms, the team at Williamson Gynecology also help you make some lifestyle adjustments to protect your overall health and wellness.

For example, your metabolism slows as you age, and your provider can help you make dietary adjustments to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need in delicious, fulfilling foods without overeating. They also encourage all patients to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Something as simple as taking a walk after lunch can make a difference.

Call Williamson Gynecology today to make an appointment for compassionate menopause care.