Menopause

What is menopause?

Menopause is the end of a woman’s reproductive years. When menstruation ends, menopause begins. Menopause is not a health problem but instead a milestone for a woman. While the end of your period may feel freeing, this transition causes hormonal changes that can result in various physical and emotional symptoms.

With a team of women’s health specialists, Roswell ObGyn, LLC provides expert menopausal management services to help you navigate the changes and challenges of this time.

What are the signs of menopause?

Menopause causes estrogen levels to plummet quickly, which can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Mood swings
• Low libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Pain during sex
• Insomnia
• Weight gain

As menopause approaches, your periods can become irregular. They may be shorter and lighter before they stop altogether.

Are there different stages of menopause?

The three stages of menopause are:

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause. It typically begins in your 40s but can start earlier or later. During this phase, your periods may become irregular as your estrogen levels start to decline.

Menopause

Menopause marks the conclusion of the reproductive phase in a woman's life. It usually occurs in your 40s or 50s, marking the end of your reproductive years.

Postmenopause

Postmenopause happens after menopause. During this phase, symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats typically decrease, but other health risks, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, may increase.

How long does menopause last?

The duration of menopause varies. While some women experience symptoms for about seven years, others are in menopause for up to 14 years. Smoking, race, and lifestyle habits can affect how early you begin menopause and its duration. Most women notice symptoms between ages 44 and 56.

Are there treatments to relieve menopause symptoms?

Many treatments can help manage menopause symptoms. Depending on your specific symptoms, the team may recommend:

• Lifestyle changes
• Diet changes
• Hormone therapy
• Antidepressants
• Osteoporosis medications
• Vaginal estrogen

While menopause can be challenging, the expert team at Roswell ObGyn, LLC offers many treatments to manage its symptoms and help you find relief. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.