Menopause Specialist

When will I reach menopause?

In the 3-5 years before menopause, you go through a transitional time called perimenopause. During perimenopause, your hormone levels start to fluctuate.

You may not have any symptoms during perimenopause, but most women experience changes in the length and regularity of their menstrual periods. You can also start to have hot flashes.

At menopause, your ovaries stop producing estrogen. You’re officially in menopause when you don’t have a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.

On average, women reach menopause around the age of 51. However, you can enter menopause any time in your mid-40s through your late 50s.  

What symptoms develop during menopause?

The symptoms associated with menopause may begin during perimenopause, and they can last for years after you reach menopause. Each woman has her own experience. Your symptoms may be barely noticeable, or they could severely impact your daily life.

Menopause symptoms include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Mood swings and depression
• Insomnia
• Low sex drive
• Vaginal dryness
• Painful intercourse
• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Weight gain

Nearly half of all women develop a condition called vaginal atrophy after menopause. Vaginal atrophy occurs when the loss of estrogen leads to changes in the tissues inside your vagina, making them dry, thin, and fragile.

As a result, women with vaginal atrophy experience unpleasant symptoms, such as vaginal burning and dryness, and painful intercourse.

How is menopause managed?

Dunwoody OB/GYN, LLC, works with each woman, developing a menopause management plan based on the severity of their symptoms. Your doctor may talk with you about simple lifestyle changes that help relieve mild hot flashes and night sweats. You can alleviate mild vaginal problems with an over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer or lubricant.

For moderate, severe, or long-lasting menopause symptoms, your physician at Dunwoody OB/GYN, LLC, may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Bioidentical hormones are typically made from plant sources that are formulated to have the same molecular structure as your body’s natural hormones.

Both types of hormone replacement therapy effectively relieve your menopause symptoms by restoring normal levels of estrogen. You can also prevent menopause-related health problems such as osteoporosis with HRT and BHRT.

Most women can safely take HRT, but your doctor thoroughly evaluates your medical history to be sure hormones are safe for you. You also have blood work to determine your hormone levels, so your doctor at Dunwoody OB/GYN, LLC, can prescribe the proper dose.

If you struggle with menopausal symptoms, call Dunwoody OB/GYN, LLC, or schedule an appointment online.