Menopause Management
-
- Tweet
Ozark OB/GYN
Donald Jones, MD, FACOG
Obstetrics & Gynecology located in Poplar Bluff, MO
At Ozark OB/GYN in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Donald Jones, MD, FACOG, guides women through menopause, the natural, transitional phase of life that can come with an array of bothersome symptoms. Dr. Jones offers hormone replacement therapy, effective lab testing, and a range of treatments. Dr. Jones can assist you in achieving hormonal balance and alleviating hot flashes, night sweats, dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, and more. Call Ozark OB/GYN or schedule online for compassionate medical support as you transition through menopause.
Menopause Management Q & A
What is menopause?
Menopause is a transitional phase of life that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle and fertility. If you haven’t menstruated for more than 12 months, you could be going through menopause. Perimenopause refers to the months or sometimes years leading up to menopause when many women experience irregular menstruation and symptoms.
Menopause typically starts around the age of 50, but it can begin earlier. In some cases, menopause can be induced by a hysterectomy if the surgical procedure involves the removal of the ovaries, where female reproductive hormones are produced.
Menopause can start prematurely due to cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, and certain autoimmune diseases and medical conditions, like primary ovarian insufficiency. Primary ovarian insufficiency occurs when the ovaries don’t create enough reproductive hormones.
Menopause is a completely natural biological process for women, but the symptoms can negatively impact a woman’s quality of life. Menopause symptoms are associated with a decrease in the production of the important female reproductive hormones progesterone and estrogen.
What are menopause symptoms?
Each woman experiences menopause in her own way. Common menopause symptoms include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Painful intercourse
- Vaginal dryness
- Poor sleep quality
- Slow metabolism and weight gain
- Thinning hair
- Dry skin
- Urinary incontinence
- Mood swings
Many women also experience dyspareunia, which is painful or difficult sexual intercourse.
Dr. Jones offers hormone replacement therapy, lab testing, counseling, and a range of treatments to help you feel better throughout your menopause transition. Hormone replacement therapy is a safe and effective way to balance your hormones and reduce your symptoms.
Why should I see a gynecologist during menopause?
Having the guidance and medical support of a gynecologist during menopause gives you valuable education and specialized care before, during, and after menopause. There is a lot of misinformation out there and Dr. Jones will help you make sense of it. You can comfortably discuss your intimate concerns and sexual wellness, and receive treatments to provide you with symptom relief.
Preventive care and gynecology visits are important through all phases of life, particularly through menopause. Lower estrogen production during this physiologic change enhances your risk for weakening bones, osteoporosis, and other health complications.
Hormone therapies are typically available in a variety of forms, including pellets, oral tablets, gels, patches, sprays, injections, as well as vaginal creams and suppositories.
For personalized medical care during menopause, call Ozark OBGYN or schedule an appointment online today.
