Menopause affects all women differently. While some manage this transition with ease, others struggle and need a bit of help.
If you are having difficulty managing your symptoms, then it’s time to see a menopause specialist in Bethesda, Maryland to see if bioidentical hormone replacement therapy or other treatment might help.
What Exactly Is Menopause?
In your 30s, your body slows down the production of natural hormones. Eventually, usually between the ages of 45 and 55, your enter into menopause, which is marked by a period of at least 12 months without menstrual bleeding. Before menopause (perimenopause) and after (post-menopause), you can have menopausal symptoms that reduce your overall quality of life.
While menopause is considered a normal transition, it can be brought on by other causes that are not natural. Surgery to remove ovaries (oophorectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy) can cause menopause at any age. Certain cancer treatments can also cause menopause-like symptoms. These may or may not be permanent.
What Symptoms Are Associated With Menopause?
You might experience only one or two symptoms, or you can experience all of them. They may range from mild to severe. If you experience any of the following and it’s been a year since you’ve had a period, you may have reached menopause:
- Decreased libido
- Hot flashes
- Insomnia
- Mood changes
- Night sweats / chills
- Thinning hair
- Vaginal dryness / painful intercourse
- Weight gain
How Will a Specialist Diagnose Menopause?
Your diagnosis begins with a visit to the top menopause specialist in Bethesda, Maryland. Ideally, you’ll start your treatment during perimenopause, as it helps to begin managing menopause symptoms early during your transition.
Your menopause specialist will ask questions about your symptoms. Be as thorough as possible with your descriptions. You’ll need a physical exam, as well as urine and blood tests.
It’s going to help tremendously if you keep track of your symptoms. Many women choose to keep a journal so they can jot down what they are experiencing.
Once you enter menopause, you are at risk for developing osteoporosis and heart disease, so never ignore your symptoms. Preventative healthcare is vital!
What Treatments Will My Menopause Specialist Offer?
This condition usually does not require serious medical intervention. Instead, your menopause specialist will create a treatment plan to help you manage the effects.
The most common treatments are hormone replacement therapy, vaginal estrogen, and potentially a low-dose antidepressant. Your menopause specialist might also recommend changes to your lifestyle such as exercise, learning to cope with stress, and diet modifications.
It’s important to remember that it might take a bit of time to develop the right treatment plan, so be patient. You will likely discover you benefit most from a combination of treatments.
What Questions Should I Ask My Menopause Specialist?
Prepare for your appointment by writing down questions you want to ask. Use this list to get started (and add to it whatever else you’d like to know about):
- Are there natural supplements I can take to manage menopause?
- What are my options for treating vaginal dryness and increasing my sex drive?
- How do I handle insomnia / sleep disturbances?
- What are the risks of hormone therapy?
- How do I manage weight?
- How long does menopause last?
- What exams or tests do I need while I’m in menopause?
- Is what I’m experiencing actually menopause, or could it be something else?
You’ll Find the Best Menopause Specialist in Bethesda, Maryland at Atlantis Medical Wellness & Weight Loss!
Dr. Benjamin González and our expert care team are here to help you navigate menopause with experience and personalized compassionate treatment. If you are experiencing troubling symptoms, know you don’t have to go through it alone.
We invite you to call us today at 301-658-7686 to schedule your appointment with a menopause specialist! Put the hot flashes behind you and a better quality of life in front of you!
