Menopause Management

Expert gynecologists at Orlando Health Women's Institute are dedicated to caring for your healthcare needs at all stages of life. Our doctors are trained in providing the most advanced care for women experiencing menopausal symptoms.

Menopause occurs when a woman is no longer fertile, marked by the end of menstruation. At this stage, the ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and making most of their estrogen. It is a natural transition that normally occurs between the ages 42 and 60, with the average menopause age being 52.

Signs of Menopause

Symptoms of menopause range from being barely noticeable to hot flashes, vaginal dryness, insomnia, mood swings, gradual weight gain, changes in breast tissue, and reduced sex drive. Other menopause symptoms can include migraines, heart palpitations, poor concentration, thinning hair and dry skin. Early menopause occurs when a woman experiences these symptoms before the age of 40.

Health Effects of Menopause

The loss of estrogen from menopause is associated with various health conditions that become more common as women age. After menopause, women are more likely to develop:

• Osteoporosis
• Heart disease
• A poorly working bladder and bowel
• Greater risk of Alzheimer's disease
• Poor skin elasticity (increased wrinkling)
• Poor muscle power and tone
• Vaginal dryness

Diagnosis and Treatment

Typically, tests are not needed to diagnose menopause. But under certain circumstances, your doctor may recommend blood tests to check your hormone levels and rule out thyroid problems.

A number of treatments can help lower the risks associated with these conditions. These include:

• Hormone replacement therapy
• Non-hormonal medication options to treat hot flashes
• Vaginal estrogen 
• Medications and/or supplementation to prevent or treat osteoporosis

Your doctor may also recommend healthy lifestyle habits including exercise and nutrition to lower your risk of health problems following menopause. The experienced gynecologists at Orlando Health Women's Institute are here to support you through menopause and beyond.

To make an appointment, call (321) 843-7626

Perimenopause Management

You can count on the medical professionals at Orlando Health Women's Institute for expert healthcare through all stages of your life. Our doctors are trained in providing complete care for women experiencing early menopausal symptoms.

Perimenopause, referred by many as early menopause, is the time when a woman’s body begins to produce estrogen on a less regular basis. This transition normally happens when a woman is in her 40s, but some women may notice symptoms beginning in their mid-30s.

Perimenopause begins with irregular menstrual cycles. Other symptoms include:

• Hot flashes
• Heavy menstrual bleeding or spotting
• Sleep problems
• Mood swings, irritability and increased risk of depression
• Vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse
• Decrease in libido, or sexual desire
• An increase in cholesterol levels
• Loss of bone from declining estrogen levels

Once a woman has gone through 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, she has officially reached menopause, and the perimenopause period is over. On average, perimenopause lasts three to four years, but for some women it can last just a few months or stretch as long as a decade.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Typically, tests are not needed to diagnose perimenopause. But under certain circumstances, your doctor may recommend blood tests to check your hormone levels and rule out thyroid problems.

A number of treatments are available to manage early menopause symptoms, including:

• Hormone replacement therapy
• Bioidentical hormone therapy
• Non-hormonal medication options to treat hot flashes
• Vaginal estrogen
• Antidepressant medication

Your doctor may also recommend healthy lifestyle habits including regular exercise, good nutrition, getting enough sleep, and stress reduction techniques. The experienced gynecologists at Orlando Health Women's Institute are here to support you through perimenopause and menopause. 

To make an appointment, call (321) 843-7626