Menopause can be challenging, but the transition can be much easier if you know what to expect and are equipped to manage your symptoms. At the Center for Youthful Aging in Sarasota, Florida, Thomas Arne, Jr., DOC, FACC, helps women going through menopause improve their well-being and quality of life, and prepare for any changes. To schedule an appointment for menopause care, call or reach out online today.
Request an AppointmentWhat is menopause?
Menopause is the end of a woman’s reproductive period when she can no longer become pregnant. You’ve reached menopause if you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without having your period. Menopause is a normal part of aging and happens to most women between the ages of 45 and 55. However, it can affect women as early as 31 or women in their 60s.
You may think of menopause as a gradual change or transition; technically, menopause is when menstruation stops, but that doesn’t happen suddenly. Women experience symptoms and have specific health considerations both leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause (“the time around menopause”), and after menopause, known as postmenopause.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Each woman’s experience of menopause is different, but there are common signs and symptoms. Perimenopause can begin up to 10 years before your final period. Common symptoms include:
- Hot flashes, a sudden feeling of feverish warmth in your upper body
- Irregular or skipped periods, including worse premenstrual symptoms and patterns such as spotting, heavier bleeding, blood clots, and periods that last longer than usual
- Sexual symptoms, including vaginal dryness and a loss of interest in sex
- Weight gain, which can’t be explained by changes in your diet
- Sleep problems, including insomnia and night sweats
- Urinary problems, including the increased need to go to the bathroom and leakages when you cough or sneeze
- Mental health problems, including irritability, anxiety, and depression
After menopause, many of these symptoms fade away. However, because your estrogen levels have dropped, you’re at an increased risk of developing conditions like heart disease and osteoporosis, and you may still find sex difficult or less pleasurable. Thankfully, these symptoms are manageable.
How are the symptoms of menopause treated?
Dr. Arne is experienced in helping women with menopause manage their symptoms, so they can continue feeling their best and enjoying intimacy. Treatment options include:
- Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to raise your levels of estrogen, which can relieve hot flashes, prevent bone loss, and lower your risk of developing heart disease
- Vaginal estrogen, delivered directly to your vagina using a cream, tablet, or ring, can make sex more comfortable and pleasurable and help with urinary symptoms
- Antidepressants, which can help with changes in mood accompanying menopause and can also help with hot flashes
Dr. Arne also guides you through habits you can follow to improve your symptoms, including exercising, eating a balanced diet, dressing to minimize the effects of hot flashes, tips for better sleep, and ways to prepare for sexual activity.
To get help managing the symptoms and life changes of menopause, call the Center for Youthful Aging, or use the online booking tool today.