Is There Help for My Menopause Symptoms?

Menopause is a natural transition that’s a normal part of life for every woman. But that doesn’t mean that it’s always a comfortable or easy process. Though the symptoms vary among individual women, it’s more common to have some degree of discomfort than not.

Fortunately, menopause isn’t just an uncomfortable phase with which you have to suffer; there are ways to treat it. Treatments for menopause can help you to become much more comfortable. Dr. Daniel Esteves explains more about how he can help you deal with the symptoms of menopause.

What menopause is

Menopause is, strictly speaking, one year after your last period. However, what most people refer to as “menopause” actually refers to the period of time leading up to that last period. This period of time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause, which can last for up to 10 years. The average length of perimenopause is three to four years. It typically begins sometime in your 40s, but it isn’t unheard of to happen in your 30s as well.

There’s also surgical menopause, which happens rapidly after a hysterectomy. You may have a sudden onset of menopausal symptoms beginning right after surgery, regardless of your age.

What perimenopause symptoms are

Perimenopause symptoms vary in severity from one woman to another. Some women are fortunate enough not to experience any symptoms at all. But most women experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Hot flashes, which may be described as a sudden feeling of uncomfortable sweating
• Irregular periods, which will become more irregular as you near the final period
• Depression
• Night sweats
• Irritability and mood swings
• Changes in sex drive
• Vaginal dryness
• Painful intercourse

Although you’re in the perimenopause transition, you also may experience more breast tenderness, headaches, difficulty with concentrating, weight gain, and thinning hair. These symptoms are usually caused by declining levels of estrogen.

How to get relief

Dr. Esteves is a specialist in treating menopausal symptoms. He may prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to replace some of your missing estrogen. In other cases, he may also prescribe progesterone.

Estrogen and progesterone are available in several forms, including pellets inserted under the skin, creams, and patches. Dr. Esteves will help you to choose the form that is best for you. 

In addition to helping to relieve your menopausal symptoms, hormone replacement therapy can also help to prevent bone loss.

Is hormone replacement therapy safe?

Hormone replacement therapy is generally safe for most people. However, if you have a family history of cancer or a personal history of blood clots, it is not advisable to take it. 

You will always be a part of your own treatment plan. Other treatments may be used in addition to or instead of hormone replacement therapy. Some of these other treatments include antidepressants (to address depression, mood swings, or even hot flashes) and lubricants to help with vaginal dryness.

Exercise and dietary changes can also have a positive impact on your menopausal symptoms. We aim to work together to help you live your healthiest life.

If you are having difficulty with dealing with the transitions of menopause, call Dr. Daniel Esteves today, or request an appointment online.