Menopause Specialist
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Lake Mary Gynecology
Gynecologist located in Lake Mary, FL
Menopause is a natural result of aging, but the transition can cause uncomfortable symptoms and health changes. Safe and effective management of menopause is available from gynecologist Sonia Enriquez, MD, of Lake Mary Gynecology, located in Lake Mary, Florida. She provides compassionate, caring menopause support in a comfortable setting. Call to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online today.
Menopause Q & A
What is menopause?
Menopause marks the time when you’ve stopped ovulating and can no longer get pregnant. Clinically, it’s defined as when you’ve gone 12 months without a menstrual cycle. You may go through menopause due to natural aging, hysterectomy, or chemical treatments, such as during cancer therapy.
The average age of natural menopause in the United States is 51, but the change in life can span several years. The years leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, are often marked by unpleasant symptoms. For most women, perimenopause lasts for about four years before the onset of menopause. Fluctuating hormone levels during this time can make you physically and emotionally uncomfortable.
What are common menopause symptoms?
Not all women experience symptoms during menopause. Some women do find menopause to be incredibly challenging, however. Symptoms often include:
- Mood swings
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Sleep disturbances
- Vaginal itching and dryness
- Headaches
- Depression and anxiety
- Urinary incontinence
- Lack of interest in sex
Irregular periods usually occur during perimenopause. You may skip months or have excess bleeding in certain cycles. Even if you go a few months without a period, you should still use birth control because until menopause is confirmed, you can still get pregnant.
If you’re bothered by any perimenopause symptoms, consult with Dr. Enriquez at Lake Mary Gynecology to discuss ways to reduce their severity.
What health problems become more of a concern after menopause?
After you’ve passed through menopause, your change in hormone levels puts you at a greater risk of certain health conditions. These include:
- Heart disease and heart attack
- Osteoporosis
- Depression
- Urinary incontinence
Dr. Enriquez can help you navigate these health changes and keep you as healthy as possible after menopause.
How is menopause managed?
Dr. Enriquez offers hormone replacement therapy to help ease menopause symptoms. Supplemental hormones restore your hormonal balance.
Dr. Enriquez can help with other treatments, too, such as lifestyle recommendations involving diet and exercise.
For help getting through menopause as smoothly and healthfully as possible, call Lake Mary Gynecology or schedule an appointment online.