Menopause Specialist

What is menopause?

Natural menopause is a time of transition in a woman’s life that marks the end of her reproductive years. In some cases, however, a woman will go into early menopause after certain treatments or procedures, most notably a hysterectomy.

Menopause begins when your ovaries stop releasing an egg each month. During the transition, you’ll also stop producing the same volume of estrogen, and your periods will become irregular and eventually stop completely.

For most women, menopause begins between the ages of 45 and 55. The process usually takes around seven years but can last as long as 14 years for some women. The period of time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause, and the period that follows menopause is called postmenopause.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Some women go through menopause with few if any symptoms. For others, the transition is incredibly challenging and disruptive. Some of the symptoms of menopause include:

• Hot flashes
• Racing heartbeat
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Vaginal dryness
• Sleep disruptions
• Problems with bladder control

You probably won’t suffer from all of these symptoms, and the degree of severity can vary from one woman to another and even from one week to another. Unfortunately, menopause often arrives at a time in life when women are already struggling to balance work obligations, preparing kids to leave the nest, and sometimes even caring for elderly parents. Finding relief can make it easier to navigate these and other demands, and Shelnutt Gynecology is here to help.  

What can be done to treat menopause?

There are various ways to treat menopause symptoms. Dr. Shelnutt creates a customized treatment plan depending on your unique set of needs.

For example, if you experience mood swings, irritability, or depression during menopause, antidepressant medications can help. If your primary complaint is vaginal dryness, there are a number of treatments that can restore proper moisture levels.

For many women, hormone replacement therapy is an excellent treatment option. By supplementing your natural hormone production, you can resolve numerous symptoms. There are several methods of hormone replacement therapy available at Shelnutt Gynecology, and Dr. Shelnutt can guide you toward the option that’s right for you.

If you’re tired of struggling with disruptive and uncomfortable menopause symptoms, schedule an appointment at Shelnutt Gynecology today. Online scheduling is available, or you can always call to speak with a member of the administrative staff to set up your visit.