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Menopause can feel like you've lost your mojo. After all, it can bring hot flashes, mood changes, night sweats and other symptoms. Know the signs, symptoms and treatment, and you'll get relief and ease your mind.
What Are the Signs?
About 6,000 U.S. women reach menopause every day. It's defined as a woman having one year without periods. It can occur:
- Naturally on average at age 51-52
- Prematurely from medical interventions, such as with chemotherapy, radiation or removal of both ovaries
- From impaired ovarian function, which is often due to an autoimmune or genetic disease
What Are the Symptoms?
Menopause symptoms include:
- Changes in cognition, hair, skin and weight
- Hot flashes
- Irregular periods
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Urinary urgency and frequency
- Vaginal thinning, dryness and pain with sex
What Is the Treatment?
If your symptoms don't significantly impact your quality of life and well-being, treatment may not be indicated. If treatment is required, there are hormonal and nonhormonal options. If hormones are indicated for your menopausal symptoms, the following may help your OB-GYN determine if this is safe for you:
- Age
- Blood pressure, history of clots and weight
- Medical history
- Pregnancy prevention and period concerns, if you are menstruating
HRT comes in the form of a cream, patch, pill or vaginal ring. Common risks include, but are not limited to:
- Risk with estrogen for a blood clot, heart attack and stroke
- Risk with progesterone for breast cancer
Taking both hormones does not likely increase the risk of breast cancer until three to five years of use.
Depending on your symptoms, nonhormonal medications and over-the-counter treatments may be an option.
Meritas Health Women’s Health Specialists
For your menopause symptoms, contact Meritas Health Pavilion for Women or Meritas Health Obstetrics & Gynecology. They offer a full range of women's health services. This includes breast health, fertility, gynecology and maternity care.
