While menopause is something that happens to all women, we also know that the symptoms that come along with it vary from woman to woman. Some women breeze through menopause with nothing more than a single, minor hot flash; however, for many women, menopause is full of bothersome symptoms that make it challenging to sleep or get through the day. If this is something that you’re dealing with then you may want to consult with your OBGYN for menopause counseling to discuss treatment options.
Why Seek Menopause Counseling?
You may want to consider seeing an OBGYN about menopause symptoms if you are dealing with regular, persistent, or severe:
- Vaginal dryness
- Sleep disturbances
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Weakening bones (a sign of osteoporosis)
- Memory and concentration issues
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
The good news is that there are many ways for an OBGYN to help you alleviate menopause symptoms. These include:
Lifestyle changes: One way that women can improve their symptoms is by changing their lifestyle around to ensure that they are practicing good self-care. This includes everything from getting regular exercise to stress management and deep breathing to healthy eating and meditation.
Counseling or therapy: We understand that for many women, menopause brings a lot of changes, some of which are emotional. If you are feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable you may find therapy to be particularly helpful for talking through your feelings and learning new and more effective strategies to help you cope with these stressors.
Hormone therapy: As women transition into menopause, certain hormones are not being produced by the body. These hormone fluctuations are why women deal with everything from vaginal dryness to hot flashes. Based on the symptoms you are experiencing your OBGYN can determine the best type of hormone therapy for you. This may come in the form of a cream, patch, pill, or injection. You must talk to your doctor about the pros and cons associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Osteoporosis treatment: Many women going through menopause also develop osteoporosis, a weakening of the bones. This can increase a woman’s risk for fractures or serious bone injuries. This is why menopausal women should have a bone density scan done. By catching osteoporosis early, we can provide you with the proper treatment as well as exercises and diet to slow the progression of the disease.
Don’t let hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain dictate your life or your happiness. Talk with your OBGYN today to find ways to help alleviate your menopause symptoms.