Menopause

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is the name given to the natural period of change in a woman’s life when she stops producing functional reproductive eggs. Her body goes through a lot of hormonal adjustment at this time and the symptoms can be challenging to live with. Each woman has a unique experience as she goes through menopause, but symptoms typically include variations on mood swings, anxiety, irritability, night sweats, hot flashes, loss of libido, and vaginal dryness. The doctors and nurse practitioners at Ovation Women's Wellness help their patients to manage their hormonal changes and symptoms to live more comfortable lives.

What Treatments Help With Menopausal Symptoms?

The doctors and nurse practitioners at our sister clinic Ovation Women's Wellness work closely with their patients to ensure that the best treatments are applied to address the specific symptoms and conditions each individual experiences. The doctors may suggest alternative therapies including meditation, relaxation techniques, and acupuncture to reduce symptoms. Many women benefit from merely taking enough time to themselves for self-nurturing. The doctors may also suggest some lifestyle changes including dietary variations and increased activity levels. Sometimes spicy foods and caffeine can trigger hot flashes or sleeplessness and increased activity not only helps to maintain a healthy weight but also boosts the chemicals in the brain like serotonin. In some cases, hormone therapy may be suggested as medical treatment. Depending on the individual, you may be prescribed estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or any combinations of these. We base our treatments on your lab results and treat each individual patient differently

What changes occur in my sexuality during menopause?

Menopause has many effects on your sexual health - mostly in negatives ways. The reduction in estrogen causes dryness in your vagina, making intercourse uncomfortable or even painful and increase your risk for UTIs. Frequent night sweats and hot flashes are distracting and even debilitation for some women. You might find your sex drive diminishes due to the natural drop in testosterone that happens in mid-life and this may further worsen as these symptoms come together to add to your stress. Combine all of those issues with life changes such as empty nest and spending more time with your partner than you may be used to, and things may not be as positive as you'd like. All of this may be resulting in a less satisfying sex life than you had hoped for. If this describes you or if you have any concerns about your sexual health, talk to our Menopause Specialists at Ovation Women's Wellness. They have special training in sexual dysfunction and is open and easy to talk to and to help you find a solution.

What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy or BHRT is a treatment that is given to menopausal women to help relieve the symptoms of menopause by replacing the hormones no longer being produced by the body. Bioidentical Hormone replacement therapy provides substitute hormones created to exactly match those produced by an individual woman to replace the natural decrease in hormone production as a woman's body goes through menopause. Hormone therapy comes in a variety of forms including gels, creams, troches, pills, patches, and pellets. Since each individual is different, we work with you to find the best therapy

If you'd like to speak with one of our Menopause Specialists, please call our sister clinic, Ovation Women's Wellness, and ask for an appointment with one of our Certified Menopause Specialists.

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