Menopause

You’ve likely heard of menopause being a difficult or troublesome time because of the symptoms that many women experience as they approach it. If you get unwanted symptoms as your period becomes less regular and reliable, the board-certified obstetrics and gynecology team at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn in Alpharetta, Marietta, and Atlanta, Georgia, offer a variety of solutions, including bioidentical hormone therapy, to regulate your hormones and improve your quality of life during your menopausal transition. To learn more about menopause treatment, call North Atlanta Ob/Gyn, or book an appointment online today.

What is menopause?

Menopause is the period of your life that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. It usually happens sometime in your late 40s or early 50s, but can happen earlier if you have a hysterectomy or a condition called primary ovarian insufficiency.

You stop getting periods and many of the symptoms and complications that come from them, and you can no longer get pregnant. You know you’ve officially entered menopause when you have gone 12 full months without a period.

Leading up to menopause is a stage called perimenopause. When people talk about menopause symptoms, they’re usually talking about the symptoms that come with perimenopause. 

During this time, your hormones are constantly fluctuating while on a general decline. This can cause many unforeseen symptoms and complications that might cause you to seek treatment.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Perimenopause lasts for an average of seven years but can last for as long as 14. During this time, you might experience bothersome symptoms that affect your mood, sleep, and relationships. 

If this is the case, you shouldn’t be afraid to seek treatment. North Atlanta Ob/Gyn offers several effective treatments for the hormone fluctuations that cause symptoms associated with menopause.

Common symptoms that occur leading up to menopause include:

• Hot flashes
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Memory and concentration issues
• Weight fluctuations
• Insomnia
• Mood swings
• Pain during sex
• Vaginal dryness

You may still get periods every once in a while before they stop completely. Even though they’re irregular and you’re well on your way to menopause, you can still get pregnant during this time and should continue using contraceptives if you want to prevent pregnancy.

Is menopause treatable?

The dedicated team at North Atlanta Ob/Gyn can help you regulate your hormones to alleviate symptoms during perimenopause and menopause. Instead of letting these symptoms disrupt your life, you may be able to undergo hormone therapy with BioTE® bioidentical hormones or traditional hormone therapy. 

Bioidentical hormone therapy is a bit different than traditional hormone therapy with synthetic hormones. Bioidentical hormones come from plant sources, and they function in the exact same way as your natural hormones. They typically result in fewer side effects and complications than their synthetic counterparts. 

Hormones come in several different forms, including patches, creams, pellets, and pills. Your provider teaches you to use your hormones effectively and prescribes the lowest dose possible to relieve your menopause symptoms. 

If you experience urinary incontinence or vaginal atrophy as a symptom of menopause, your provider might recommend vaginal revitalization with MonaLisa Touch®, a non-surgical in-office vaginal laser therapy.

If you’re entering menopause and have symptoms that interfere with your work, relationships, or sleep, call North Atlanta Ob/Gyn to schedule a consultation today.