What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural transition out of your reproductive years. Technically, menopause begins after you’ve gone 12 months without a period. Some women navigate menopause with ease and are relieved to no longer have to worry about bleeding, cramping, bloating, and more. 

But many women experience symptoms that interfere with normal daily routines. In those cases, treatments can help make it easier to move through the menopause transition. 

Every woman has a unique experience of menopause. Your journey can even be different from that of a close female relative. 

What are some signs I might be in menopause?

Knowing what to look for can help you better understand when your body is entering menopause. Most women begin noticing changes between the ages of 45-55–this is referred to as perimenopause. On average, the process takes around seven years, but some women experience changes for far longer. 

Some of the signs you might be entering or in menopause include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Headaches
• Weight gain
• Sleep disruptions
• Mood swings
• Dry skin
• Irregular bleeding
• Incontinence
• Vaginal dryness

These are just some of the changes that can develop during menopause. Some women only notice one or two, while others experience several. 

Are there treatments that can help with menopause?

Most of the changes brought on by menopause occur because your body slows estrogen production. The resulting hormonal imbalance can throw your system out of its normal ebb and flow. 

The primary treatment for most menopause changes is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This approach seeks to restore optimal hormonal balance by adding hormones to the supply your body produces naturally. 

Treatment begins with a physical exam, a discussion of symptoms, and lab testing to learn more about your current hormone production. Advanced Women’s Healthcare of Waxahachie also offers bioidentical hormone replacement. Bioidentical hormones are created from plant sources and are chemically identical to your natural hormones. 

When you’re ready to talk about your options, call the office or request an appointment online.