Menopause Specialist

What is menopause?

When you’re in your reproductive years, you have menstrual cycles as a result of your ovaries producing an egg each month. They also make the hormones associated with reproduction — progesterone and estrogen. Menopause begins when you haven’t had a menstrual cycle for 12 months in a row.

As you near menopause, you first go through perimenopause. During this time, your ovaries begin producing less progesterone and estrogen. With fewer hormones, egg production in the ovaries stops and your menstrual periods become less frequent until they cease entirely. This process can take several years or occur suddenly.

On average, women reach menopause at age 51, although for most, it typically occurs in their 40s and 50s. Menopause is a regular part of aging, but having both of your ovaries removed can also cause menopause.

After menopause, you cannot become pregnant.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Menopause symptoms can vary, and some women have no signs at all while others experience severe discomfort.

Most women notice a change in their periods’ frequency and flow. Additional symptoms might include:

• Headaches
• Vaginal dryness
• Joint aches and pains
• Insomnia or disrupted sleep
• Irregular, racing, or pounding heartbeat
• Hot flashes, night sweats, or skin flushing
• Urinary incontinence (involuntary leakage)
• Mood swings that include irritability, anxiety, and depression
• Painful sexual intercourse, reduced libido, diminished sexual sensation

Some women experience postmenopausal bleeding which can be a sign of a severe underlying condition.

What causes postmenopausal bleeding?

When you reach menopause, you no longer have menstrual bleeding. Therefore, postmenopausal bleeding might be due to:

• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Benign polyps in the uterus lining
• Thinning and drying of the vaginal tissue
• Excess estrogen due to hormone replacement therapy
• Thinning of the uterine lining due to low levels of estrogen

Postmenopausal bleeding is also an early symptom of uterine cancer. If you experience any bleeding following menopause, contact Dr. Khalil right away.

How do you relieve the symptoms of menopause?

Dr. Khalil works closely with you to relieve your menopausal symptoms.

Following a comprehensive physical examination to evaluate your gynecological and vaginal health, Dr. Khalil might recommend a variety of strategies, including:

• Hormone therapy or medications
• Dietary or nutritional modifications
• Vitamin D and calcium supplements
• Physical activity to improve your overall wellness
• Stress management techniques like yoga or meditation

Call Women’s Medical Connection or schedule an appointment online today.