In addition to puberty, your body will go through other hormonal changes. Menopause, sometimes known as the ‘change of life,’ is a crucial and natural component of aging for women in their mid-40s to mid-50s. Whereas you are only ‘technically’ menopausal if you have not had a period in the previous 12 months, menopause is a years-long process that could have a number of effects on your body. Denise Furlong, MD, of the Chicago Center for Women’s Health, provides women from all around Chicago, IL, with various choices for treating menopause symptoms and making them more comfortable. To explore your treatment options for menopause in Oak Lawn, Naperville, and Bedford Park, IL, schedule an initial consultation by calling the office or requesting online.
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What To Expect During Menopause?
The word ‘menopause’ is frequently used to define the adjustments as the body’s progesterone and estrogen production drop. Nonetheless, a woman is regarded as having menopause once she has not had menses for 12 months in a row.
The period preceding menopause is referred to as perimenopause or pre-menopause, and it is at this time when annoying symptoms are most likely to appear. Even though progesterone and estrogen are most directly linked to the potential to have periods and conceiving, they also play a huge part in various other activities, which is why symptoms could be so variable throughout this time.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?
Women nearing menopause could experience a wide range of symptoms, and some women experience very few symptoms before their periods stop completely. Some of the most common symptoms include:
· Night sweats
· Hot flashes
· Irregular periods, including unusually heavy periods
· Reduction in sexual drive
· Pain during intercourse and vaginal dryness
· Insomnia
· Facial hair growth
· Hair loss on the head
· Urinary incontinence
As hormone levels progressively fall, symptoms may also fluctuate.
What Are the Treatment Options for Menopause?
Menopause is a natural process that you cannot reverse. However, some treatments could render menopause symptoms considerably more manageable. These include:
Lifestyle changes
A balanced diet and routine exercise will help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall health. Choosing a healthier lifestyle is a perfect moment to give up any old, bad habits, such as excessive alcohol consumption or smoking. To assist with hot flushes, dress lightly and in layers. Also, avoid triggers such as spicy foods and caffeine.
Prescription medication
Numerous women access relief from their symptoms with Hormone replacement treatment (HRT). Depending on your unique condition and symptoms, your doctor will determine if you are the right candidate for HRT. Other effective medications include antiseizure drugs, antidepressants, and hypertension meds to assist with mood swings and hot flashes.
Patients can access other treatment alternatives to address specific symptoms, such as vaginal dryness or insomnia.
Are your menopause symptoms affecting your general health or interfering with your general life quality? To find out how you could get rid of your symptoms, call Chicago Center for Women’s Health or use the online scheduling feature to book an appointment online with Dr. Furlong.
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