Menopause is a natural part of aging that all women experience, typically between the ages of 45 and 55. It marks the end of menstrual cycles and can bring about various physical and emotional changes. According to a study, more than a million Americans in the US experience menopause each year.
While every woman’s experience with menopause is unique, there are common symptoms and challenges. Finding the right support and treatment nearby can help you navigate this transition with confidence.
Understanding Menopause
The onset of menopause is usually when a woman experiences a full year without a menstrual period. The time leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, can last several years and is often characterized by symptoms such as:
- Hot Flashes: Sensation of warmth that comes on suddenly and is accompanied by sweating.
- Night Sweats: Hot flashes that occur during sleep, disrupting rest.
- Mood Changes: Increased irritability, anxiety, or depression.
- Sleep Problems: Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Weight Gain: Changes in metabolism, leading to weight gain.
- Vaginal Dryness: Decreased vaginal lubrication causing discomfort during sexual intercourse.
These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, making it important to find personalized treatment options.
Why Seek Treatment?
While menopause is a natural process, its symptoms can significantly affect your quality of life. Seeking treatment can help manage these symptoms, improving your physical comfort and emotional well-being. Treatments can also address long-term health risks associated with menopause, such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
When searching for menopause treatment near you in North Miami, consider the provider who can give you expert care for this condition.
Gynecologists Specializing in Women’s Health
Women often seek the expertise of a gynecologist for menopause treatment due to their expertise. Gynecologists undergo extensive training in women’s health, including menopause-related issues, making them well-versed in the physiological changes that occur during this phase of life. Their extensive experience in managing menopause symptoms extends beyond medical interventions to also include holistic and natural methods.
Some of the services gynecologists can provide to help improve symptoms of menopause and reduce health risks include:
Managing Menopausal Symptoms
Gynecologists can offer guidance and treatment options to alleviate menopausal symptoms that may impact a woman’s quality of life, such as vaginal dryness. MonaLisa Touch, a novel laser therapy, can help reduce vaginal dryness (and increase lubrication) associated with menopause.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Gynecologists are specialized in prescribing hormone therapy to manage menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. In one study, HRT reduced heart disease risk in women who started treatment within 10 years of menopause.
Vaginal Estrogen
A form of hormone replacement therapy, vaginal estrogen can help relieve vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort during intercourse. The medication comes in the form of pills or creams.
Non-Hormonal Therapies
For women who cannot or prefer not to take hormones, non-hormonal treatments like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) may be prescribed to manage symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes.
Bone Health
Gynecologists can assess and address the impact of menopause on bone health, recommending lifestyle changes, supplements, or medications to prevent osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates may be prescribed to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures in women who are menopausal.
Screening and Preventive Care
Gynecologists can conduct regular screenings for conditions associated with menopause, such as breast cancer or heart disease, and provide preventive care strategies that are individualized to the patient.
Lifestyle Changes
Healthy lifestyle practices such as regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, stress management techniques, and adequate sleep can help reduce menopausal symptoms and promote overall well-being.
An advantage of seeing a gynecologist for menopause treatment is that they usually offer personalized treatment programs. They base their treatments on a woman’s medical history and preferences and do not give generic recommendations to every patient.
Menopause Treatment Near Me in North Miami, FL
The gynecologists at Levin’s Women’s Health & Wellness Center advocate for women’s health. We understand how menopause can be a difficult time for anyone, and we provide comprehensive support. Our gynecologists will create a treatment plan to address your specific needs perfectly.
As always, we lead with compassion, which every woman needs during this time. We welcome patients who speak English, French, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Portuguese, and Spanish.
To schedule an appointment with one of our gynecologists, call our OBGYN clinic in North Miami today at (305) 981-0231. You can also use our convenient online form to request an appointment. Our friendly staff looks forward to serving your health needs.