Menopause Specialist

What is menopause?

A woman reaches menopause when she has experienced 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. At this point, she's no longer fertile and able to bear children. Most women start the menopausal transition in their mid to late 40s.

Symptoms of menopause can occur months or years before the menstrual cycle entirely ceases. This transition period is often called perimenopause, which can occur as early as the mid-30s.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

It’s not always easy to discern if a woman is technically experiencing menopause. That's best determined by a Femcare Medical Associates OB/GYN. However, many women experience similar symptoms during menopause, including:

• Irregular periods
• Decreased libido
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Hot flashes
• Weight gain
• Vaginal dryness

As estrogen levels drop during menopause, some women might also experience mood swings and bone density loss.

How is menopause treated?

If a woman’s period has stopped completely or if she experiences changes in her menstrual cycle, a Femcare physician can offer numerous treatment methods to help her cope with the symptoms of menopause. Many women benefit from treatment methods such as:

• Hormone therapy: the use of hormones to help balance mood and support the body through the menopausal transition

• Medication: for hot flashes or prevention of bone loss

• Dietary or lifestyle changes: eating more estrogen-rich foods or adjusting daily habits to promote restful sleep, decreased stress, and balanced hormones

Femcare Medical Associates also offers MonaLisa Touch® laser therapy, which helps relieve some of the common physical symptoms of menopause. This vaginal regeneration treatment uses a fractional CO2 laser to:

• Strengthen and repair vaginal tissue
• Relieve symptoms of dryness, irritation, and pain
• Increase sexual satisfaction

Using a combination of different treatment methods, a Femcare Medical Associates physician designs a plan to support each woman’s menopausal journey, making adjustments along the way as necessary.

What results can a woman expect from treatment?

Menopause treatment can be a long-term process, but the right medical care gives each woman the tools and resources she needs to feel energized, healthy, and balanced during this time.

With a trusted physician to guide her through this process, she can find all the support and education she needs at Femcare Medical Associates. To book an appointment, call or use the online scheduling tool today.