Menopause Specialist

What causes menopause?

Menopause occurs when the body decreases its production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The term “menopause” refers to the complete cessation of periods, and strictly speaking, a woman is considered to be in menopause when she has not had a period for 12 consecutive months. The time leading up to menopause, when most symptoms occur, is actually referred to as perimenopause. However, the term “menopause” is commonly used to refer to the entire time, from the moment symptoms begin until after a woman stops having her periods. The average age of menopause is 52 and the symptoms, if left untreated, can last up to 10 plus years.

What symptoms does menopause cause?

Menopause can cause a wide variety of symptoms including:

• irregular or abnormally heavy vaginal bleeding
• hot flashes
• night sweats
• sleeping irregularities and insomnia
• vaginal dryness
• painful intercourse
• symptoms of urinary incontinence
• fluctuations in mood
• depression
• forgetfulness (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”)
• hair thinning or hair loss on the head
• hair growth on the face
• weight gain
• changes and thinning of the skin

Some women have significant symptoms while others may have very few symptoms during the time leading up to menopause.

Can menopause be treated?

Yes, there are many approaches and ways to treat the symptoms of menopause. Sometimes women chose to replace the hormones that they are now deficient in with low dose bioidentical estrogen and progesterone. Other times, patients choose to treat these symptoms with natural and non-hormonal treatments. These non-hormonal treatments are sometimes done due to a patient’s preference and other times they are required due to a patient’s medical history or risk factors. Dr. Karen Taylor will help you determine the best route of treatment for you and work with you until your symptoms are manageable and you have the quality of life you deserve.

Do I still need to see a gynecologist once I’m in menopause?

Absolutely. Just because a woman’s periods end does not mean she no longer has special healthcare needs. Women have unique medical and healthcare needs at every age and every stage of life, and seeing a gynecologist on a regular basis ensures these needs are being addressed. That’s especially critical as other age-related issues become more prevalent. Women in menopause and beyond should continue to have annual well woman visits with their gynecologist for specific symptoms that may arise.