When will I reach menopause?
Although each woman reaches menopause in her body’s own timing, the average age is 51, and most women enter menopause between the ages of 35 and 55. You’ll know you’re at menopause when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without having a menstrual period.
What symptoms will I experience during menopause?
In the 3-5 years before menopause, a stage called perimenopause, your hormones begin to fluctuate.
These fluctuations often affect your menstrual period, but they can also trigger classic menopause symptoms. Then your symptoms can continue for years after you officially enter menopause.
When your estrogen levels drop, you may experience:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings
- Low sex drive
- Vaginal dryness
- Painful intercourse
- Difficulty concentrating
- Vaginal atrophy
It’s estimated that nearly half of women develop vaginal atrophy after menopause. Without estrogen, vaginal tissues become thin, dry, and fragile. Additionally, blood supply is diminished, there’s less lubrication, and intercourse becomes painful. All of these changes are part of vaginal atrophy.
Does my risk for other health problems increase at menopause?
Estrogen fills important roles throughout your body. For example, it promotes bone metabolism and triggers collagen production in your skin. This means that after menopause your risk increases for numerous health problems, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Osteoporosis
- Urinary incontinence
- Aging skin
- Gum disease
The doctors at North County Women’s Specialists screen for menopause-related health concerns. They’re also experts in helping with urogynecology problems, such as urinary incontinence.
How is menopause managed?
When your menopause symptoms are uncomfortable, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective way to relieve the full range of problems and prevent complications, such as osteoporosis.
HRT is safe for most women, but it’s not appropriate for everyone. Your doctor evaluates your medical history and overall health, orders blood work to determine your hormone levels, then develops a customized plan.
Your doctor at North County Women’s Specialists may prescribe bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Bioidentical hormones have the same structure as the hormones naturally made by your body. As a result, your body responds as if the hormones came from your ovaries.
Whether you develop classic menopause symptoms or struggle with ongoing problems like vaginal dryness and incontinence, call North County Women’s Specialists or book an appointment online.
