Menopause Treatment Specialist Near Me in Chicago, IL
Menopause treatment aims to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, mood changes, and vaginal dryness through hormone therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and alternative therapies. Lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management, can also relieve and support overall well-being during this transition. Consult Dr. Michelle Trandai MD today. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. Visit us at 5449 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640.
Table of Contents:
How do I know if I’m in menopause?
What happens when a woman hits menopause?
How does menopause affect a woman’s health?
What is the best treatment for menopause?
Menopause is noted by the end of the menstrual cycle for women and is normally confirmed once a woman has gone 12 months without having a period, and not because of the use of birth control stopping the menstrual cycle. This occurs between the ages of 40 and 50, with the average age of women being around 51 when they have confirmed that they have menopause. Women will experience something called perimenopause before they have gotten into their menopause point, perimenopause can be used to determine if a woman will be going through menopause soon as certain symptoms begin during this time which include hot flashes and irregular periods, and once the periods have completely stopped a woman is now in menopause.
Since menopause affects the body and the hormones produced by the body, women will notice changes in themselves such as lower energy levels, an increase in body weight, difficulty falling asleep, pain during sex, a decrease in the libido, and other symptoms that had begun during the perimenopause phase which include hot flashes, irritability, thinning hair, and night sweats. There are other symptoms women may experience as well, like depression, if you experience this you should seek help as this can become worse over time.
These symptoms should not be concerning to women, as this is a normal biological process, however, if you are finding that it is affecting your day-to-day life, seeking care from a gynecologist is important as they will be able to options available to you to mitigate the symptoms you experience.
Since menopause is not a disease or a disorder brought on by something else, the effects that happen to women during this type are normal. Some women may not experience any symptoms at all during perimenopause or menopause, some women might feel better after they have reached menopause. Since we are all biologically unique, the effect you experience from menopause may not be the same as it was for your mother or your sister, even though you may share DNA this does not make you biologically the same.
One common thing that can develop after menopause is osteoarthritis as the body is undergoing changes, as the body in some situations may not absorb enough vitamin D through foods or sun exposure. It is also important to stay active and healthy during menopause as there is also an increased chance of developing cardiovascular-related conditions. It is important during this time to make sure you are also seeing your OBGYN and primary care physician for regular preventive care appointments, so that any changes that happen during this time that could indicate the development of a health condition or disorder, can be managed efficiently to ensure you maintain the same quality of life as you did prior to menopause or perimenopause.
For women that decide that they need treatment for their menopause this will be based on what your gynecologist determines will be the best method for you. The most commonly used treatment is hormone therapy, where women are given estrogen to counteract the symptoms caused by the body no longer producing as much as it used to. Other treatment options include supplements like vitamin D to keep the bones strong and prevent the risk of developing osteoarthritis. If you are suffering from depression brought on by menopause you may also find that you could get a prescription for a low-dosage antidepressant to mitigate these symptoms.
If you believe you have started menopause or want a second opinion about your symptoms, Dr. Michelle Trandai is an experienced gynecologist who understands the unique needs of women during menopause and will work with you to manage any symptoms to make sure you have the best quality of life while experiencing menopause. For more information, contact us. We serve patients from Chicago IL, Evanston IL, Ravenswood IL, Uptown IL, Lake View IL, Lincoln Park IL, Buena Park IL, Bowmanville IL, Boystown IL and Roscoe Village, IL.