Is There a Solution for My Menopausal Symptoms?

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive life, and while it’s a perfectly natural life transition, the effects of menopause sometimes seem anything but natural. 

Symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disruption, and urinary incontinence are shared by many, but the intensity may vary widely, as does the combination of symptoms. 

There are solutions for the menopausal symptoms that have the greatest negative impact on your daily living. Your optimal treatment is likely a plan that’s designed specifically for you. 

Our team at Southeast Urogyn in Madison and Flowood, Mississippi, can help to minimize the effects of menopause for you. We take a complete medical history and perform an examination to pinpoint the therapies from which you’ll benefit the most.

Hot flashes and night sweats are perhaps the most frequent complaints that women share after menopause. An annoyance for some, these symptoms can rule the lives of others. 

Other common disruptive symptoms can include uncomfortable sex, sleep disorders, urinary incontinence, and mood changes. Let’s look at these common menopause side effects, as well as their potential solutions.

Hot flashes and night sweats

Sudden changes in body temperature and sweating as you sleep may spur you to stand in front of an open fridge. Though sometimes the effects are barely noticeable, it’s common for hot flashes to be so severe you’re distracted from your daily tasks. Night sweats can interfere with sleep. 

The most effective treatment for these body temperature problems is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Your body’s production of estrogen drops dramatically after menopause, the main reason behind many of the symptoms you might experience. Supplementing with hormone blends featuring estrogen is the best way to reduce body temperature issues. 

Uncomfortable sex

Another common result from changes in hormone balance is drying vaginal tissue. This leads to thinning and drying of the genital lining of the vagina and vulva. In turn, you could experience painful sex. In minor cases, over-the-counter lubricants may be all you need, but more serious symptoms could require topical estrogen creams. 

Insomnia

If you’ve taken sleep for granted, you may be in for some lifestyle changes. Developing and maintaining a healthy sleep routine can strengthen your circadian rhythms to dominate the effects of your new hormonal balance. 

Try strategies like regular sleep and waking times, a relaxing before-bed routine, and banishing electronics from the bedroom. You may see benefits from HRT, too, if you’re taking those for hot flashes. 

Urinary incontinence

The changes that result in painful sex can also cause issues with urinary incontinence. These are related, part of a condition known as vaginal atrophy or the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). 

Topical creams, HRT, and lifestyle changes can help improve your control, and there are medical treatments if conservative efforts aren’t enough. 

Mood changes

Feeling out of control, irritable, anxious, or depressed are also common menopause symptoms. Stress reduction therapy can help, as does addressing healthy eating and activity levels. 

You can also discuss your symptoms with our team before minor mood changes become pronounced. This is a known menopausal symptom, so you can count on a supportive experience. 

Contact us at Southeast Urogyn’s nearest location to book your consultation. The solution you need for your symptoms awaits, and we look forward to helping you find it. Book your appointment today.