Menopause Specialist

What is menopause?

Menopause marks the end of your menstrual cycle. You reach menopause when you go one full year without your period.

It occurs because your ovaries no longer produce the hormones — estrogen and progesterone — that regulate your menstrual cycle. Menopause is a natural biological process, but it doesn’t happen overnight.

Hormone production starts to decline in your 30s, affecting your fertility. In your 40s, your hormone levels may fluctuate, causing irregularities in your menstrual cycle.

These hormonal changes may also cause many of the problematic symptoms associated with menopause. This transitional period, known as perimenopause, may last up to 10 years.

Jennifer specializes in helping women manage their menopause symptoms during the transitional period, as well as after they reach menopause. 

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Menopause symptoms vary in type and severity. Some women experience mild symptoms, while other women have severe symptoms that disrupt their daily life. 

Common symptoms women experience before and during menopause include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort
• Mood changes
• Fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Weight gain
• Dry skin
• Thinning hair
• Low libido

In addition to your physical symptoms, fluctuations in your hormone levels also affect bone health, increasing your risk of low bone density and osteoporosis. 

When should I seek help for menopause?

If you have concerns about menopause or have problematic symptoms, Jennifer recommends you schedule a menopause consultation. However, she may talk to you about menopause and the transitional period at your annual well-woman exam well before you officially reach menopause.

During a menopause evaluation, Jennifer asks detailed questions about your menstrual cycle and symptoms. She reviews your medical and gynecological history and conducts a physical and pelvic exam.

To determine the best treatment to help you manage your menopause symptoms, Jennifer runs lab work to assess your hormone levels. 

How is menopause treated?

Jennifer takes a long-term approach to the management of menopause. She spends time talking to you about the strategies and interventions that can minimize symptoms.

Treatment for menopause focuses on:

• Lifestyle modifications to improve overall health and well-being
• Sexual modifications to maintain a healthy level of intimacy
• Prescription medication to manage various symptoms
• Therapy

Jennifer also offers many types of hormone replacement therapy, including traditional hormone replacement therapy, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and pellet hormone replacement therapy. 

Hormone replacement therapy is one of the most effective treatments for managing menopause symptoms. Jennifer discusses your hormone therapy options so you can make an informed decision about how you want to proceed.

You can’t stop menopause, but you can get help managing the problematic symptoms. Call Luxe Women's Health, or schedule an appointment online today.