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Menopause affects half of the population but is often misunderstood and surrounded by misinformation. Unlike puberty and pregnancy, where there is plenty of information and support, menopause, including the stages of perimenopause and postmenopause, lacks open discussion, accurate information, and community support. Many women experience menopause without understanding what is happening to their bodies or how changes in hormone levels can affect their long-term health. There is a lack of preparedness for this stage of life.
Three out of four women face menopausal symptoms that disrupt their daily lives. Furthermore, 10% of women find their menopausal symptoms so challenging to manage that they stop working altogether. Additionally, one in four women endures severe symptoms associated with menopause, highlighting the significant impact menopause has on women’s health and quality of life, underscoring the need for better awareness and support during this critical phase.
At Northside/Northpoint OB-GYN, we understand the challenges and changes women face during menopause, and our team is here to provide comprehensive care and support through this important transition.
For most women, the transition through menopause is a gradual process that encompasses three key stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause, where hormonal fluctuations begin and symptoms may start to appear. Menopause itself is defined as the point in time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months, signifying the end of her reproductive years. Postmenopause follows menopause, marking the years after a woman’s menstrual cycles have stopped.
Menopause is the time that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle. It is a clinical diagnosis (meaning no blood tests are needed to confirm) that occurs when a woman has not had a menstrual cycle for 12 months. The average age of menopause is 51. However, the majority of women will experience menopause between the ages of 45-54. In general, women who smoke will reach menopause 2 years earlier than those who do not smoke.
Perimenopause refers to the transition time between menstruation and menopause. In the years (yes, it can be years – between 4 and 8 years) prior to menopause, the ovarian production of hormones is less consistent. This lack of consistency can cause irregular periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and disturbed sleep. Although the menstrual cycles may be less regular, contraception is still needed during this time.
Post menopause is those years that follow the last menstrual period. Menopause is the point in the time when the menstrual cycles stop. The years after your cycles stop are the post menopause phase of life.
At Northside/Northpoint OB-GYN, we pride ourselves on being your trusted menopause specialists. Our team, comprising board-certified OB-GYN doctors and certified nurse practitioners, and dedicated support staff, is exceptionally qualified to provide comprehensive menopause treatment tailored to your unique needs. We are devoted to guiding you through every stage of menopause with personalized care plans, ensuring your health and wellness are always our top priority.
As a leading menopause clinic, we are committed to addressing the complexities of menopause treatment with the utmost expertise and compassion. We uphold a philosophy that an outstanding patient experience stems from the heartfelt commitment of our staff. Our menopause treatments are administered by a cohesive medical team, working in a collaborative and respectful atmosphere. This synergy ensures that our approach to menopause treatment not only meets but exceeds patient expectations.
Menopause is an undertreated condition. The most effective option for relief of vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes/night sweats) is hormone replacement. This provides the body with the estrogen it is no longer producing. There are many options for estrogen therapy and include both systemic (for the entire body) and local (for the vagina and vulva). Progesterone will also be recommended for anyone who still has a uterus. There are of course risks and benefits to any intervention. For those preferring non-hormonal approaches, there are also many options. The physicians and nurse practitioners of Northside Northpoint OB/Gyn are knowledgeable about all these options and can guide you to reach the right decision for your body.
Menopausal hormone therapy stands as a cornerstone of menopause treatment, specifically designed to alleviate vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. This personalized method ensures that women receive the most suitable form of estrogen therapy, whether through pills, patches, or creams, potentially combined with progesterone for uterine protection if necessary. The objective is to enhance quality of life during menopause by effectively reducing symptoms, guided by a careful consideration of each woman’s overall health and wellness goals.
Our menopause clinic at Northside/Northpoint OB-GYN recognizes that hormone therapy may not be suitable for all women, offering a range of non-hormonal menopause treatment as effective alternatives. These alternatives include lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise adjustments, stress-reduction techniques like yoga and meditation, and targeted therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for mood swings and sleep disturbances. Our menopause specialists work closely with each woman to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs and preferences.
As the leading menopause clinic, we understand that navigating menopause can feel overwhelming. That’s why our team is committed to making each woman’s menopause care journey as comfortable and empowering as possible.
From the initial consultation to ongoing follow-up appointments, our menopause specialists work closely with you to address your unique symptoms, provide comprehensive care, and support you through every stage of menopause.
Choosing Northside/Northpoint OB-GYN for your menopause care ensures you receive comprehensive, empathetic, and personalized support throughout your menopause journey. Here are key reasons to choose us:
Our approach to menopause treatment is highly individualized, recognizing that each woman’s experience of menopause is unique. Our menopause specialists work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and health goals. Whether you require hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal treatments, or lifestyle modifications, we tailor our care to suit your needs.
At Northside/Northpoint OB-GYN, our care team consists of highly trained menopause specialists, including physicians and nurse practitioners who are experts in women’s health. Our team is not only skilled in the latest menopause treatment but also brings a deep sense of empathy and understanding to each patient interaction, ensuring you feel heard, respected, and cared for.
We believe in a holistic approach to menopause care, addressing not just the physical symptoms but also the emotional and psychological aspects of this transition. Our menopause treatment offers a range of support services, including psychological therapies, lifestyle counseling, and wellness programs, designed to enhance your overall quality of life during menopause.
At Northside/Northpoint OB-GYN, we understand that menopause is not just a physical transition but a significant milestone in every woman’s life. That’s why our team of specialists is dedicated to empowering women through comprehensive menopause care from the onset of perimenopause to postmenopause. We provide compassionate support and education to help women navigate this critical phase with confidence and optimal health.
Approximately 75% of women will experience symptoms. Symptoms last on average for 5-7 years. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (or GSM) refers to the changes that take place in the tissues of the vagina, the vulva, the urethra, and the bladder. Women may experience discomfort with intercourse as well as urinary symptoms of urgency, dysuria, and recurrent urinary tract infections.
During the stages of menopause, a woman’s body experiences significant changes as estrogen and progesterone levels decline. These hormonal fluctuations can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
These symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, and other treatments. However, it is essential to understand that menopause is not just a phase of life characterized by unpleasant symptoms. It also marks a significant shift in a woman’s health and requires proper care and management to ensure long-term well-being.
The Menopause Society recently published their non hormonal position statement. The data was reviewed and it was found that there is no strong evidence that avoiding triggers (stress, alcohol, spicy foods) or cooling techniques are helpful for managing vasomotor symptoms. There is insufficient evidence that exercise and yoga help. Weight loss may be helpful for those who are overweight. Cognitive behavioral therapy and clinical hypnosis have also been shown to be helpful.
Many women also experience psychological symptoms such as depressed mood and anxiety during this time of transition. Women with a history of a prior anxiety or mood disorder (including postpartum depression and PMS) are more likely to experience psychological symptoms during the menopause transition. Menopause has been termed a “window of vulnerability.” Cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy (or counseling) can be helpful. Although hormone therapy does not have a direct effect on mood, hormones can improve sleep which may result in improved mood. The data shows more of a benefit for hormonal therapy when started during perimenopause. Antidepressant medications can help both with mood and with symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Please discuss your concerns with your provider at Northside Northpoint OB/GYN.
Are you experiencing menopause symptoms and seeking personalized care and support? Schedule a consultation with one of our menopause specialists at Northside/Northpoint OB-GYN. Our team is dedicated to helping women navigate the complexities of menopause, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Don’t let menopause hold you back from living your best life – let us guide you on your menopause journey.
To schedule an appointment, please call our office or visit our website for more information. We look forward to being a part of your menopause care team!
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