How is Menopause Treated?
Menopause is a biological process that defines the end of your menstrual cycle. You officially reach menopause after going one full year without your period.
Menopause happens because your ovaries no longer make estrogen, which is the hormone that regulates your menstrual cycle.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause (around the time of menopause) is a transitional period. During perimenopause, estrogen production in the ovaries fluctuates, causing a hormonal imbalance. Perimenopause may start years before you reach menopause.
Perimenopause is a critical period for women because it can cause symptoms that affect their quality of life, with issues such as heavy, prolonged, and painful periods.
Though a critical stage in a woman’s life, many health care providers overlook perimenopause and the symptoms it causes. The Ashford Center provides support for women experiencing rough and intense perimenopausal symptoms.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
The symptoms many associate with menopause often start during perimenopause. Common symptoms of menopause and perimenopause include:
Low libido
Fatigue
Mood swings
Night sweats
Hot flashes
Sleep problems
Vaginal dryness
Pain during intercourse
The severity of these symptoms varies from woman to woman. Some women have no symptoms at all, while others have such severe symptoms they find it impossible to go about their daily routine.
When should I schedule a menopause consultation?
You should schedule a menopause consultation at The Ashford Center when you have severe symptoms that affect your quality of life. This usually occurs before you officially hit menopause.
Dr. Ashford reviews your symptoms, medical and gynecological history, and family history. He completes a physical and gynecological exam and runs bloodwork to check hormone levels.
Most of your symptoms during perimenopause are related to hormonal imbalances, often caused by the hormonal lining of the uterus. Another cause can be the neuroactive peptide produced during the degeneration phase of the endometrium lining.
What are the treatments for menopause?
The Ashford Center customizes your menopause treatment plan based on your symptoms, medical history, and whether you’re in perimenopause or menopause.
Dr. Ashford may recommend advanced endometrial ablation to ease your symptoms. This procedure gently removes the hormonal lining of your uterus, eliminating the source of your symptoms.
He also offers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).
When your menopause symptoms start before you reach menopause and affect how you live your life, you need to call The Ashford Center or schedule an appointment online today.