The transition into menopause doesn’t have to impact health and happiness. Get the menopause treatment you need at The Center for Women’s Sexual Health & Medicine in Miami, where our doctors empower and support patients through every phase of this pivotal change in every woman’s life.
A one-on-one discussion with a menopause specialist allows us to personalize a treatment plan that is right for you.
What is Menopause?
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years when menstrual cycles cease, and the ovaries stop releasing eggs. The transition into menopause usually begins in the mid 40s and typically lasts 5 to 8 years. During this time, the production of estrogen and progesterone in the ovaries declines.
Perimenopause is the earliest stage of the transition leading up to Menopause. During Perimenopause many women begin experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, brain fog and other symptoms.
Menstrual cycles become more irregular as hormone levels fluctuate and decline. Menopause occurs when a woman has not had a menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive months. Post menopause is the phase after Menopause. Due to the hormonal and metabolic changes, women are at increased risk for weight gain, bone fractures, heart disease, osteoporosis, vaginal dryness/atrophy and possibly diabetes.
What are the symptoms of Perimenopause/Menopause?
Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause produce a number of symptoms, which vary from patient to patient. Some of the more common symptoms include:
Mood swings
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Mental Fogginess
Frequent urination
Dry Skin
Irregular menstrual cycles
Weight Gain in the belly area
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue
Early Menopause
Premature or early-onset menopause happens when a woman reaches menopause before the age of 40. This may be caused by premature ovarian failure,
chemotherapy, radiation, or a surgical procedure that removes the ovaries.
It’s not uncommon for perimenopause to coincide with difficult emotional situations and life stressors. Our compassionate menopause specialists will assess your symptoms and run diagnostics to determine the best strategy for helping you regain control of your health.
Can Menopause be treated?
Women come to us for support and guidance during this challenging midlife transition. In addition, we provide individualized menopause treatment plans that promise relief from symptoms that disrupt daily life.
8 Ways to Manage Menopausal Symptoms
- REGULAR EXERCISE: Getting regular exercise including cardio and weight training can help manage anxiety, boost mood, support heart health and promote better sleep.
- EAT A WELL BALANCED DIET: Include fresh vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil. Avoid processed foods.
- STRESS MANAGEMENT: yoga, meditation, acupuncture, exercise.
- AVOID ALCOHOL
- LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS: wear loose cotton clothing, dress in layers, practice mindfulness, engage in regular exercise.
- CONSIDER BOTANICAL/HERBAL TREATMENTS: Black Cohosh, Rhapontic Rhubarb (Estrovera), or Relizen (Swedish flower pollen extract), our most studied plant based supplements that may provide some relief from from hot flashes and night sweats.
- MEDICATIONS: certain prescription medications such a Paroxitine an SSRI and Gabapentin, a drug typically used for neuralgias, can be effective at reducing hot flashes.
- HORMONE THERAPY: Menopause hormone therapy – Systemic hormone therapy using low doses of bio-identical estrogen and progesterone can give much needed relief for hot flashes and night sweats. It will also promote bone health and reduce dryness of the skin and vagina. While there are some concerns regarding the use of hormone therapy with respect to breast cancer, short term use (less than 5 years) has not be shown to increase
the risk in patients who are at low risk. Testosterone therapy for postmenopausal women may also be a consideration for the treatment of low libido.
Contact a Miami Menopause Specialist
The Center for Women’s Sexual Health & Medicine provides comprehensive, highly specialized menopause care, helping patients find the best treatment for them, feel their best, and find relief from troublesome symptoms. Discuss your concerns with an experienced Miami menopause doctor and develop a treatment plan that is right for you; contact us today for an appointment at (305) 534-2926.
