Menopause

Perimenopause/Menopause Care

Each woman goes through menopause in her own unique way. Some have no symptoms at all, while for others it can be a life altering change. At Bella, we understand the medical and emotional implications and are experienced in helping our patients manage menopause.

Menopause

Menopause, by definition, means no periods for one year. The average age of menopause is age 51. The 3-5 years prior to menopause is typically when women experience their first menopausal symptoms. This is called perimenopause when our hormone levels begin to fluctuate. The symptoms associated with menopause can begin during perimenopause and continue for years after you reach menopause.

Symptoms include:

• Hot flashes
• Sleep disturbances
• Night sweats
• Mood swings (irritability or anxiety)
• Vaginal dryness
• Painful intercourse
• Difficulty sleeping
• Weight gain
• Low sex drive

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

HRT involves taking medications that contain hormones to replace the ones our body is no longer producing. HRT has been used for decades and is considered to be safe in order to alleviate menopausal symptoms.

HRT has many health benefits such as prevention of osteoporosis, makes some women less likely to have heart disease and can lower your chances of dementia. But, HRT is not without risk. Your Bella Physician will help tailor your treatment in order to keep you safe.

There are alternatives to treating menopausal symptoms without hormones. We are happy to discuss these options with you. Please call to schedule an appointment so we can assist you in choosing the treatment that is right for you.

Post-menopausal bleeding

If you have gone through menopause and experience any kind of bleeding (pink when you wipe, spotting, bright red bleeding or brown discharge) it is best to call your physician and make an appointment. Any amount or duration of bleeding is considered to be worthy of a workup. It could be an indication of a benign polyp or something more concerning such as uterine cancer. Workup of this condition usually includes an ultrasound, and possibly, an endometrial biopsy.

Vaginal dryness

This is the most common symptom of menopause. With this condition, vaginal tissues become thinner and more easily irritated — resulting from the natural decline in your body’s estrogen levels during menopause. Vaginal dryness might not impact your day-to-day activities, but it can lead to itching or stinging. Many women also report that it has negatively affected their sex life leading to decreased sexual activity, causing frustration for both partners. There are multiple ways to treat this condition. Talk to your Bella doctor to discuss options to help restore your vaginal health.