Menopause is a normal and natural phase that most women will experience at some point. Every woman's experience with menopause will be unique, but with the physical and emotional changes it brings, there may also be bothersome symptoms that impact your daily life. Sometimes these symptoms can be very severe and negatively impact one’s quality of life. These issues are treatable and do not have to be endured. Learn more about menopause and the management options that can help you navigate this phase of your life by contacting Dr. Jeffrey Blake of Advanced Gynecology & Pelvic Health Specialists in Noblesville, IN.
Menopause Symptoms
A natural decline in reproductive hormones marks this phase; you may be said to have reached menopause after completing one year since the last menstruation. Also referred to as “ovarian failure”, this stage in a women’s life basically involves the cessation of estrogen production by the ovaries. The average age of menopause in the US is 51 years old. Several factors will affect the timing of ovarian failure including previous hysterectomy, ovarian removal, smoking, medical conditions, medications, and genetics, any of which may cause menopause to occur at an earlier age. Surgical menopause, or the removal of the ovaries during a surgery such as hysterectomy prior to natural menopause, results in an immediate loss of estrogen and other ovarian hormone production, These hormonal changes can lead to symptoms common during menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, muscle and joint aches, weight gain and changes to your sleeping patterns. Mood swings may also result from these same hormonal changes, causing feelings of anxiety and stress to be amplified, often causing symptoms like anger and irritability. Surgical menopause can produce much more dramatic and troublesome symptoms along with other issues.
Managing Menopause Symptoms
Menopause is not directly treated. Instead, its symptoms can be managed to improve your quality of life. A variety of strategies can help reduce their impact, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but your OB/GYN can help you develop the treatment plan that best fits your needs. Lifestyle changes are usually an important part of any treatment plan, typically including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management.
Hormone replacement is still, in our opinion, the best overall treatment for menopausal symptoms. But because some women cannot, or prefer not, to use hormone replacement, we offer alternative treatment for the symptoms of menopause. No 2 women are alike when it comes to treatment, and therefore it is important that management is tailored to each women and their desires and needs.
Menopause Care in Noblesville, IN
Making these changes can usually successfully manage menopause, but although they sound simple, they can be difficult, if not impossible, to undertake on your own.
Never hesitate to seek help if you need guidance during this transition or if you are experiencing symptoms that are affecting your everyday life. And make sure you seek out a provider who takes these symptoms seriously and offers a full range of management options.
With over 30 years of experience in managing menopause, Dr. Blake is well-versed in treatment options. For help and education in managing your menopause symptoms, schedule a visit with Dr. Blake of Advanced Gynecology & Pelvic Health Specialists by calling (317) 982-5222 or visit the website and navigate to the appointment request form.