Menopause

The transition to menopause and reaching menopause frequently causes bothersome symptoms. At Progressive Women's Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia, board-certified obstetrics and gynecology physician Lathan Overstreet, MD, and his highly trained midwifery team provide relief for common menopause issues to improve your quality of life before, during, and after the onset of menopause. Schedule an appointment by phone or online today to learn more. 

What is menopause?

Menopause occurs when you stop getting your period due to aging or other reasons. The average age of menopause in women is 51 in the United States. The stage in your life leading up to menopause is called perimenopause. Many women reach menopause in their 40s or 50s.

What can lead to menopause? 

In addition to aging, other factors that can cause menopause include the removal of your ovaries, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and primary ovarian insufficiency. If you’re younger than 40 and experience symptoms similar to those of menopause, see your women’s healthcare specialist for an evaluation. 

What symptoms can perimenopause and menopause cause?

The following are common symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Chills
• Irregular periods
• No more periods
• Vaginal dryness
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Loss of breast fullness
• Thinning hair
• Dry skin
• Difficulty sleeping
• Mood changes
• Slowed metabolism
• Lack of sexual desire

Before your periods end, it’s common to experience irregular menstruation — including skipped periods or periods that are closer together. 

Am I going through perimenopause?

A Progressive Women's Healthcare provider meets with you to determine if perimenopause or menopause is responsible for your symptoms. They complete a physical exam, check your vital signs, discuss your medical history, and may suggest you take a pregnancy test.

Your specialist might recommend blood tests, hormone tests, or imaging procedures, depending on your symptoms and their severity, before customizing your treatment plan.

What can I do to alleviate menopause symptoms?

Ways to reduce bothersome symptoms of menopause or perimenopause include:

• Healthy lifestyle changes
• Medications
• Dietary changes
• Dietary supplements
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Vaginal estrogen

You might receive prescription hormone pellets, try patches, take pills, or use other forms of hormone therapy to increase the levels of estrogen in your body. 

It’s also important to get enough sleep, minimize stress, and exercise regularly. Avoid smoking and try relaxation techniques or pelvic floor exercises. 

The Progressive Women's Healthcare team follows up to ensure symptom relief and adjusts your treatment plan whenever needed. 

Schedule a menopause consultation at Progressive Women's Healthcare by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.