Women often look forward to menopause with a mix of anticipation and dread. On
the one hand, not having their period anymore may be a welcome relief. However,
the thought of hot flashes and other symptoms and changes that accompany this
phase of life can seem daunting.
With
many of our patients, we’ve found the hype surrounding menopause often makes
the anticipation worse than the actual experience.
Menopause Takes
Time
Many
of the changes women experience as they enter menopause are gradual. You are
clinically in menopause once you have not had a period for 12 months. But it’s
not like flipping a switch; it can take anywhere from several years to a decade
for that to occur. During that period, which we call perimenopause, your body
is experiencing gradual changes.
For
example, it’s important to know that missing a period or two does not mean you
are in menopause. Even if your periods become irregular or if you don’t have
one for a few months, you may still be fertile and able to conceive until you
are truly in menopause.
Hot Flashes
People
also have misperceptions about hot flashes, perhaps one of the most talked
about symptoms of perimenopause. But not all women experience hot flashes as
they enter menopause and those who do don’t all have the same experience. Hot
flashes can range from mild to moderate or severe. Some women have a few
episodes and others have them more frequently. Others may experience them only
at night.
Hot
flashes are not the only symptom of menopause. There is a wide range of changes
and symptoms women may experience, including sleep disruption, irritability,
mood swings, changes to skin and hair, weight gain, vaginal dryness and
incontinence.
Easing the
Transition
The
majority of related symptoms are the result of decreased estrogen production
during the perimenopausal and menopausal years. The good news is there are ways
we can correct or minimize the severity of many of these symptoms.
Treatment
options vary based on specific symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy may help alleviate
several symptoms, but many women are reluctant to take them.
There
are certainly women for whom hormone replacement is not recommended due to
other health issues, such as high cholesterol or blood pressure, obesity, breast
cancer and other conditions. For generally healthy women, however, hormone
replacement can help ease the transition to menopause.
Talk
to your health care provider about your specific symptoms. It’s often helpful
to jot down notes about what you are experiencing, from trouble sleeping to hot
flashes and other symptoms, to track frequency and severity. This can help us
come up with strategies that will work best for your individual situation.
If
you are beginning to experience signs of menopause, or are struggling with some
of the changes, schedule an appointment and we’ll work with
you to address any concerns.
