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Menopause

Gallatin Women's Center

OB/GYNs located in Gallatin, TN

Women turn to Gallatin Women’s Center for comprehensive menopause care. The team of providers and support staff offers the highest quality medical care, as well as a warm, personable approach. Far too many women accept uncomfortable menopause symptoms as an unavoidable part of growing older. There are safe and effective treatments to help you during this time of transition. Call or schedule an appointment online today at the Gallatin, Tennessee, office to explore the options.

Menopause Q & A

What is menopause?

Menopause is the process your body goes through as you near the end of your reproductive years. It includes perimenopause, which is the initial phase, and transitions to menopause after you’ve gone a year without menstruating.

Women are born with all of the eggs they’ll have throughout their lifetime. Those eggs are released on a cycle, and the hormones estrogen and progesterone control that cycle. As you age, your hormonal levels begin to shift, and your body stops releasing eggs. When eggs cease to be released, you enter menopause.

Menopause usually begins around age 50, but some women begin the process at a younger age.

What are the stages of menopause?

Menopause is a gradual process and has three distinct stages.

Perimenopause

This stage usually begins in your late 40s, as your ovaries begin to produce less estrogen. The latter portion of perimenopause is usually when women begin to experience menopause symptoms.

Menopause

This stage begins when at least one year has passed since your last period. At this point, your ovaries are no longer producing significant levels of estrogen, and your symptoms are likely to be at their most pronounced.

Postmenopause

During this stage, menopausal symptoms lessen. However, the health risks associated with low levels of estrogen become more pronounced.

What are some common symptoms of menopause?

While all women go through menopause, no two women share the exact same menopause experience. Common symptoms of menopause include:

  • Irregular periods
  • Hot flashes
  • Mood swings
  • Insomnia
  • Racing heartbeat
  • Bladder control issues
  • Irritability
  • Headaches
  • Joint pain
  • Fatigue

 

Again, it’s important to note that these are just some of the possible symptoms of menopause, and that most women only experience a few, rather than the complete list.

What are some menopause treatment options?

You and your Gallatin Women’s Center OB/GYN will work through the various menopause treatment options for your specific set of needs. You may need one type of treatment during perimenopause, and a different approach as you move through menopause and beyond.

Many women find relief through hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. This involves using a hormonal patch, gel, ring, cream, or pills to supplement your natural hormone levels.

 

If you experience painful intercourse and/or vaginal dryness, you might want to consider MonaLisa Touch®, a minimally invasive, painless treatment option. MonaLisa Touch uses laser technology to restore proper vaginal moisture levels and stimulate the natural production of collagen.

Menopause may be a natural part of a woman’s life, but there’s no need to live with uncomfortable symptoms when there are so many safe and effective treatment options. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your unique menopause needs and explore solutions.