Serenity Gynecology & Functional Medicine of Grapevine, TX, provides patients with women's healthcare. Of the many services, Dr. Miriam Torres provides patients with information about menopause to help women better understand their bodies and ne.
Here are some FAQs about menopause:
What is menopause?
This is when a woman can no longer become pregnant, and naturally stop producing periods as a result. This is a natural occurrence that happens to women between the ages of 45 and 55.
What causes menopause?
Menopause is a natural change in the body's sex hormones due to age. During this time, the ovaries stop producing as much estrogen and eggs are no longer released each month.
Sometimes, certain treatments, underlying medical issues, and surgical procedures can bring about menopause, these include:
- Removing the ovaries (oophorectomy)
- Some breast cancer treatments
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Down's syndrome
- Addison's disease
What are the symptoms of menopause?
To properly understand menopausal women's healthcare, you must have a better idea of what to expect. Symptoms may occur several months or even years before the menstrual cycle fully stops, but this varies from one woman to another. Common symptoms include:
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Discomfort during sex
- Difficulty sleeping
- Anxiety
- Reduced sex drive
- Problems with memory
- Problems concentrating
When should you visit your Grapevine gynecologist?
If you experience the symptoms mentioned above before the age of 45 and/or the symptoms disturb your everyday life, then you may need to speak with your doctor about undergoing a blood test to measure your hormone levels.
What are some treatments for menopausal symptoms?
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) through tablets, skin patches, gels, and implants to replace estrogen
- There are medicines to help treat vaginal dryness, such as vaginal oestrogen creams, lubricants, or moisturizers
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help with mood swings and anxiety
- Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly
If you would like to speak with your doctor about menopause and women's healthcare in general, don't hesitate to contact Serenity Gynecology & Functional Medicine in Grapevine, TX, today by dialing (817) 280-9616.