Effective menopause treatment requires a specialized approach
Each woman’s journey through menopause is uniquely different and should ideally require an approach that is customized to meet their specific needs.
Menopause may most commonly present itself in the form of skipped periods or intervals of irregular bleeding as a woman ages. In the case of skipped periods, a woman may go for a few months in between a normal menstrual cycle, whereas irregular or heavy bleeding may take place outside of a normal cycle. As these changes begin to occur it’s important for a woman to be evaluated by her OB/GYN to better understand the underlying causes and to evaluate next steps.
“A skipped period may not be anything to be too concerned about, but it’s a good idea to notify your doctor, especially if there’s also irregular or heavy bleeding to rule out any other potential underlying causes and chart a course for treatment,” said Dr. J. Scott Bembry, an obstetrician and gynecologist with OB/GYN of Greene County.
Though missed or irregular periods may seem to be menopause’s most common symptom, there are others that can manifest themselves even before this occurs, and some may not even be experienced at all. These may include:
Hot flashes/night sweats: Hot flashes may be the other most common symptom associated with menopause and can even precede skipped and irregular periods.
Weight gain: Though weight gain is often associated with menopause, it may simply be a natural byproduct that’s the result of aging, according to Bembry.
Hair loss: Hair loss can also be associated with menopause as a result of hormonal changes. Though it may sometimes be treated with hormone replacement therapy, other factors due to natural aging may be at play.
Lower libido: A woman going through menopause may experience a lower sex drive due to the reduction in estrogen and testosterone.
Painful intercourse: Dryness and thinning of vaginal walls can occur as estrogen levels decrease during menopause. This can lead to pain during and after intercourse.
Dry eyes: Though not as commonly known, a reduction in the body’s estrogen levels can result in dry eyes.
Symptoms can vary and treatment can run the gamut. Some women may simply elect to walk through this stage of life without seeking any type of therapy, though it is always wise to consult with a physician who can offer advice on potential treatment options depending upon a woman’s symptoms and individual medical history.
Optional treatments may include the use of hormone therapies which utilize prescription medications to treat symptoms such as hot flashes or vaginal dryness. Systemic hormone replacement treatment may provide an additional option that utilizes estrogen and progesterone, though a physician will want to consider a patient’s personal history since there may be an increased future risk of developing breast cancer or blood clots in certain individuals.
“As a physician, I want to figure out what’s going to work best for you, as an individual,” said Bembry who practices with Premier Physician Network. “This requires a very individualized approach. You can start out treating a patient with just one thing, but it really depends upon how they respond. If they do well then nothing else may be needed. But if they’re still having symptoms or other complaints, then it becomes important to look at pursuing another course of treatment that best suits them. Ultimately, the goal for treating menopause is to give the lowest possible dose that will help alleviate the symptoms.”
Bembry also advises women to visit the North American Menopause Society’s website at www.menopause.org, where they can gain access to valuable information about symptoms, treatment options, as well as the risks and benefits of different therapies.
“The onset of menopause can bring on a number of questions as women enter this stage of life,” said Dr. Bembry. “This site can help answer many of these questions and equip them with information to start a conversation with their doctor that can offer the best benefit for their long-term health.”