Menopause Treatment In Louisiana
Menopause, sometimes called “the change,” describes the time when a woman’s menstrual cycle ends, along with the ability to have children. After 12 months with no menstrual cycle, you’re officially in the postmenopausal territory. Dr. Jill Gibson, MD, and her courteous, professional staff gladly field questions or concerns about this critical transition, which affects women around the age of 51.
Symptoms Prior To Menopause
Menopause can begin at varying ages, but symptoms occur prior to the complete cessation of your menstrual cycle. Knowing what to look for can help you prepare for the changes in your body. Your periods may become irregular, lighter and change in duration. Hot flashes and night sweats are the most common indications you’ve officially reached the change.
If you have concerns regarding erratic moods and increased irritability, ask Dr. Gibson for tips on how to deal with these uncharacteristic feelings. Vaginal dryness and lack of sex drive associated with menopause impact both you and your partner, so it’s important to have someone you can talk to openly about your menopause treatment options.
Other Symptoms
You may also experience the following symptoms:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hair loss
- Incontinence
- Weight gain and bloating
- Heart palpitations
- Dizziness
- Memory lapse
- Restless, changing sleeping pattern
Aches and pains due to fluctuating hormones can include breast pain, gum issues, osteoporosis, joint pain, a tingling feeling and increased headaches.
Menopause Treatment
Ask Dr. Gibson what treatment might work best for your situation. For example, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) helps reduce erratic sleep patterns, night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bladder issues, loss of sex drive and emotional distress. HRT provides the hormones your body can no longer produce. Dr. Gibson may prescribe a topical cream for issues with vaginal dryness to make you more comfortable during intimacy.
Weight Gain
If you’ve gained weight, Dr. Gibson might recommend a healthier diet and more exercise. Essential fatty acids can boost brain power, and proteins, whole grains and lots of water help keep your weight at manageable levels.
Heart Palpitations
To avoid heart problems, control your cholesterol levels and exercise regularly. For female-pattern hair loss, the doctor may recommend an FDA-approved topical solution. Low iron levels may worsen hair loss, so you can also try taking an iron supplement.
Other Remedies
Genital odor and urinary leaks are caused by decreasing estrogen levels that lower mucus production and cause a bacterial imbalance. To combat bacterial infection, you can eat foods rich in probiotics or get a topical cream. Dr. Gibson recommends that you avoid douching and wear quality cotton underwear if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Contact Dr. Gibson’s women’s health clinic with your women’s health and menopausal concerns.