Here’s our take: Menopause is a milestone in a woman’s life.

It’s a period of time when you no longer have your period.

Simultaneously, it marks the end of your ability to conceive.

Menopause is a natural process that is directly related to the decrease in your female reproductive hormones as you get older.

For some, it’s a period of liberation. No more birth control pills. No more tampons. 

For others, it’s the beginning of a host of different challenges such as hot flashes and health issues.

At South Miami OB-GYN, we treat women of all ages and understand the physical changes associated with menopause. And we are experts at offering solutions to help you navigate this stage in life.

When Does Menopause Start?

Menopause officially begins 12 months after your last period. Most women go through menopause between the ages of 45-55, but menopause can start earlier or later.

According to the North American Menopause Society, the average age in the US is 51.

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What Are the Three Stages of Menopause?

We refer to menopause globally. But there are three distinct stages of menopause.

Perimenopause:

Officially, the first stage of menopause/perimenopause is when ovaries start winding down in preparation for menopause. Your level of estrogen goes up and down which can trigger hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. During perimenopause, your regular cycle may become irregular or you may go for months without a period. Your menstrual flow may change as well. Some months may be lighter and some may be heavier. Interestingly, some women never experience perimenopause and have no warning symptoms.

If your symptoms interfere with your quality of life, you may want to schedule a consultation with your OBGYN.

Menopause:

The second stage, menopause, technically refers to the exact time when you have not had your period for 12 consecutive months. During this stage, your ovaries officially stop making estrogen and progesterone.

Postmenopause:

The years following the official start of menopause are considered postmenopausal years, which last for the rest of your life. Usually, your symptoms will get lighter and many of our patients tell us they feel so much better. If you do experience vaginal bleeding or an increase in the intensity of your symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your OBGYN.

How Is Menopause Diagnosed (or How Do You Know You Are in Menopause?)

Women generally know when they are in menopause. But for an official staging and diagnosis, we highly recommend a visit to your OBGYN.

Your OBGYN can do a blood test to check your hormone levels such as estrogen and FSH.  The official diagnosis of menopause is generally based on test results, physical exams, and the date of your last period.

What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Menopause?

The most common symptom, the one everyone experiences, is a change in your period.  For some, it stops suddenly. For others, it becomes heavier, lighter, or more erratic. But at some point, every woman stops having her period.

Here are the other common symptoms:

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats 
  • Weight gain
  • Thinning hair
  • Dry skin
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Sleep issues
  • Urinary incontinence

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What Are Hot Flashes? 

The most common symptom is the infamous hot flash. Sometimes called the hot flush, it is thought to be triggered by the changes in our hypothalamus that regulate body temperature. When the hypothalamus erroneously senses the woman is too warm, it initiates a series of events to cool her down, including increasing blood flow to the skin’s surface or prompting her to sweat. Some women have a chill after a hot flash. Some just have the chill. Others have night sweats which disrupt their sleep.

There is no way to determine when hot flashes will start and when they will end. Some women never have hot flashes. For some, hot flashes last for six months or up to two years. For others, they never go away. 

Menopause Relief: What Are the NNonmedical Treatments for Hot Flashes?

There is no cure for hot flashes but there are helpful treatments that can provide menopause relief. We often recommend lifestyle changes initially including:

  • Limiting alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine 
  • Refraining from smoking, which can exacerbate hot flashes  
  • Maintaining a healthy weight as excess weight can help reduce hot flashes 
  • Lowering your bedroom temperature, sleep with a fan, and layer your blankets so you can remove them as needed
  • Exploring mind-body practices such as hypnotherapy and meditation 

Many companies advertise herbal supplements for hot flashes. We always suggest that you consult your OBGYN before starting any natural treatment.

Menopause Relief: What Are the Medical Hormonal and Non-hormonal Treatments for Hot Flashes and Other Symptoms of Menopause?

Hormonal Treatment: 

Hormonal treatment has been proven effective for hot flashes, vaginal dryness, insomnia, and maintaining bone density. The hormones can be prescribed as pills, patches, implants, rings, creams, or gels. There are specific risks associated with hormonal treatments which is why it is important to share your medical history with your OBGYN before beginning treatment.

Non-Hormonal Treatment: 

For women who do not respond to lifestyle changes and are unable to take hormonal medications because of the risks, the FDA has approved Paroxetine,  an antidepressant, which, prescribed at lower doses, has been found to be effective for hot flashes.

How Long Does Menopause Last?

The perimenopause stage most often starts between the ages of 45 and 55 and can last for as long as 14 years. The symptoms may never go away but generally become much lighter and more manageable.

The physical and emotional changes associated with the three stages of menopause can be challenging, both for you and the people in your inner circle. The constant fluctuations of hormones can trigger physical symptoms and mood swings that are out of our control.

We can help you take control and find relief. Together, we can explore your symptoms and help you navigate this new natural stage of life.

Call and schedule your appointment online today in either our Downtown Doral or South Miami offices.