There is no one- size-fits-all approach to menopause. Creating a plan tailored to your symptoms, risks and preferences is the best way to ensure results.” —Alex Laudenklos, MD, Faith Regional Health Services OB/GYN Connect to care If you need help managing menopause symptoms, call 402-644-4600 to make an appointment in Atkinson, Norfolk or Wayne with one of our OB/GYN providers, or scan the QR code with your cellphone camera to learn more. Managing menopause symptoms with hormone therapy The transition to menopause isn’t always easy. Menopause, which usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, officially begins 12 months after your last period. But even before that, the hormone levels in your body begin to fluctuate up and down. These transitional years are called perimenopause. One of the first things you may notice is a change in your menstrual cycle, such as skipping periods or having periods that are heavier or lighter than usual. Menopause symptoms Some menopause changes can be quite challenging. For example, you might experience: • Hot flashes, which are sudden heat sensations in the upper body and face. They can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes or longer. • Sleep problems. Hot flashes at night, also known as night sweats, can prevent restful slumber. You may also have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. • Vaginal dryness, which can cause pain during intercourse or more frequent urinary tract infections. • Bladder problems, such as needing to urinate frequently or with an urge that’s hard to control. • Mood changes, such as irritability. Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms, and for some people, symptoms are relatively mild. If any symptoms of menopause are disrupting your life, tell your OB/GYN provider. There are many ways to manage symptoms, and for some, hormone therapy may be the right approach. What is hormone therapy? Hormone therapy is medicine that can help relieve menopause symptoms. It works by replacing some of the estrogen and progesterone your body stops making. There are different ways to receive hormone therapy: • Through a pill, skin patch, gel or spray, the medicines can be absorbed into the bloodstream to treat symptoms throughout the body—such as hot flashes. • A ring, tablet or cream can be used to release small doses of estrogen into vaginal tissues. Because they don’t act on the whole body, these products can be a good option if your main symptom is vaginal dryness. Safe and effective for most For most healthy women, hormone therapy is a safe and effective way to treat menopause symptoms. Talk with your OB/GYN provider about the pros and cons of using hormone therapy in your specific situation. PLUS, THE PROS AND CONS OF TAKING HORMONES 10 FAITH REGIONAL Health Services
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