Menopause

There’s nothing you can do to avoid menopause, but with the right help, you can smoothly navigate this phase of your life. At Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., in Troy and Rochester Hills, Michigan, the board-certified gynecologists offer comprehensive care to address side effects of the menopause transition. They offer hormone therapy and other treatments to minimize your symptoms and protect you from osteoporosis and other complications. Call the Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., office nearest you, or book an appointment online today to learn more about treatments for menopause.

What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural transition in a woman’s life that signals the end of her periods and childbearing years.

The menopause process happens in three stages. In your 40s, you experience perimenopause, a transition that can last for several years before your periods stop for good. Menopause occurs when you stop getting periods for 12 consecutive months and your post-menopausal years begin after that. The length of each phase varies among women.

You can also move into menopause prematurely if you have a hysterectomy, have ovarian dysfunction, or if you receive treatment for cancer or other conditions.

When should I seek treatment for menopause?

There’s nothing you can do to avoid menopause. Many women reach their post-menopausal stage without issue. However, some might experience symptoms they find difficult to manage on their own.

During perimenopause, your reproductive hormone levels begin to decline and might result in a variety of symptoms, some severe enough to interfere with your daily life. You can schedule a consultation at Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., if you have issues like:

• Irregular periods

• Hot flashes

• Changes in mood

• Vaginal dryness

• Painful intercourse

• Difficulty sleeping

You may also experience unexplained weight gain, especially in your abdomen, or develop osteoporosis, a degenerative bone condition, due to the loss of the estrogen hormone.

Your provider can ensure your symptoms relate to menopause and not an underlying health issue.

How is menopause treated?

The gynecology specialists at Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., offer individualized, compassionate care to help you manage your menopause symptoms.

Many women benefit from hormone therapy. Supplemental hormones can balance your hormone levels and relieve a variety of symptoms, including vaginal dryness and hot flashes. Hormones are available in pills, gels, transdermal patches, or a vaginal ring.

Hormone therapy can also protect you from the complications a loss of estrogen causes, including osteoporosis and heart disease.

If you’re not able to tolerate hormones, your provider can work with you on other strategies to improve your quality of life.

While there’s no avoiding menopause, you can get the resources you need to better manage your symptoms. Schedule a menopause consultation online or by calling the Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., office nearest you today.