Menopause

Menopause is a natural change in your fertility that happens as you age, but that doesn’t mean it goes unnoticed. Sometimes, menopause symptoms disrupt the quality of life. Emerald Lovely, MD, and her team at Lovely OBGYN work with you to help alleviate menopause symptoms and manage health changes through this transitional time. Women in the Lawrenceville, Georgia, area going through menopause should call the office to learn more about menopause management and schedule a visit. You can also request an appointment online, which is fast and convenient.

What is menopause?

Menopause is clinically defined as going 12 months without your period, marking the end of fertility. Most women in the United States go through menopause in their late 40s or 50s, but symptoms of menopause can happen much sooner. This perimenopause period affects your life, mood, and sleep.

You cannot stop menopause from occurring, but you can manage uncomfortable symptoms and effects with the expert care available at Lovely OBGYN.

What are some symptoms of perimenopause or menopause?

Not all women have the same symptoms or severe ones during their fertility transition. Common signs include:

• Irregularity in menstruation
• Night sweats
• Hot flashes
• Mood changes
• Difficulty sleeping
• Weight gain
• Decreased libido
• Painful intercourse
• Vaginal dryness

Fluctuating hormone levels that occur during menopause often cause these symptoms. 

Decreasing progesterone and estrogen levels also affect other health aspects, raising the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, and sexual dysfunction.

Changes in estrogen levels that occur during menopause cause changes to your vaginal tissue that results in a loss of lubrication. You experience itching, dryness, and pain as a result. Talk to the Lovely OBGYN team about options to improve your quality of life, sexual comfort, and libido.

How is menopause treated?

You can manage menopause and relieve symptoms with a number of strategies. The team at Lovely OBGYN might recommend the following:

• Clonidine and Gabapentin, medications that might help to control hot flashes
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Estrogen suppositories (or patches, pills, gels, or sprays)
• Testosterone
• Prasterone (Intrarosa®)
• Antidepressants

If you choose to go on HRT, your doctor provides you with the lowest dose possible for the shortest time to reduce potential health risks and optimal results.

If you are not a candidate for hormone therapy, lifestyle changes are also a good option, including exercise, dietary adjustments, stress management, and stress-relieving activities. The Lovely OBGYN team can also suggest supplements or medication to help preserve your bone health.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, call Lovely OBGYN for expert care and health management. Alternatively, make an appointment online, which is fast and easy.