Menopause Specialist
New England Women's Healthcare
OBGYNs located in Woburn, MA & Wilmington, MA
Menopause is a major transition in your life, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one with the support of the compassionate and committed OB/GYNs at New England Women’s Healthcare in Woburn and Wilmington, Massachusetts. When you notice changes like erratic periods, hot flashes, or mood swings, reach out for support right away. Book your appointment through the online scheduler or by phone today.
Menopause Q & A
What is menopause?
Menopause is the time in your life when you stop menstruating, marking the end of your child-bearing years. After you have no periods for 12 consecutive months, you’re finished with menopause. This process often takes several years, sometimes more. Many women have sporadic periods, so you may go months without a period and then have periods several months in a row. It’s different for everyone.
While the end of periods can be a relief for many women, it also comes with some other, less welcome, changes due to significant estrogen depletion during this time. Some of the common symptoms of menopause are:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood swings
- Reduced sex drive
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Insomnia
Exactly how the symptoms occur varies by woman. The majority of menopausal women experience at least some symptoms, either regularly or sporadically.
When does menopause start?
Menopause can start at any time from your 30s through your 60s, but most women begin menopause at about age 51 in the United States. If you begin menopause before the age of 40, it’s known as premature menopause.
What is the treatment for menopause symptoms?
Menopause symptom treatment often takes a couple of forms, including lifestyle changes, medication, and hormone therapy.
Lifestyle and health changes
Your OB/GYN may recommend lifestyle changes like avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which often intensify symptoms like hot flashes. Other changes that might help include things like dressing in layers, relaxation breathing, and eating a healthier diet.
Medication
There are several types of medications that your OB/GYN at New England Women’s Healthcare may prescribe to help with menopause symptoms. Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, can relieve hot flashes in addition to helping with depression and mood swings.
Other medications can help with certain individual symptoms. For example, gabapentin medications like Neurontin® can relieve hot flashes and night sweats while clonidine drugs like Catapres® help with hot flashes.
Hormone replacement therapy
Replacement hormones come in several different forms, including pills and injectable pellets. Hormone replacement can greatly reduce all your menopause symptoms because it restores healthy estrogen levels. There are also hormone creams that you can apply directly to your vagina to relieve symptoms like dryness or vaginal atrophy.
Your OB/GYN can help you have a comfortable menopause transition using one or more of these effective treatment approaches.
Use the online scheduler or call New England Women’s Healthcare to make your appointment today.
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