Are you nearing the age of menopause? Most women experience perimenopause and menopause in their late 40s or early 50s. Menopause is different for each woman, but there are many common symptoms that may occur. At FEM Women’s Wellness, we have highly experienced gynecologists that can offer support and treatment for menopausal symptoms at our facility in the Lake Tahoe and Reno, NV, area.
Menopause is the stage in your reproductive life where estrogen levels drop, and menstruation stops. Once a woman misses 12 consecutive periods due to low estrogen, this is considered menopause. The average age for menopause is 51, but genetics, health and other factors can impact when this occurs. Some women may have early menopause while others may continue to have periods into their late 50s. Beyond the cessation of menstrual periods, menopause symptoms can include:
- Vaginal dryness
- Fatigue
- Hot flashes/night sweats
- Mood swings, including depression
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Insomnia
Every woman may have different symptoms following menopause. For some women, the symptoms are mild and do not require treatment. For others, menopause symptoms can be moderate to severe and may benefit from medical intervention.
What Is Perimenopause?
In the years before menopause, hormone fluctuations can begin to occur. This stage is called perimenopause, which can last one or more years before menstruation stops altogether. Some of the symptoms of perimenopause include:
- Irregular periods
- Hot flashes
- Weight gain
- Night sweats
- Mood changes
- Breast tenderness
During perimenopause, many women begin experiencing similar symptoms to menopause as their estrogen levels drop. Missed periods are common, along with spotting and other irregularities.
Menopause and Perimenopause Treatment
The symptoms of menopause and perimenopause can be uncomfortable. From hot flashes and night sweats to vaginal dryness and painful intercourse, menopause can be disruptive for many women. At FEM Women’s Wellness, our menopause gynecologists can provide treatment options, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), that can offer relief. We also have mental health support for women struggling with the changes that occur during menopause.
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with perimenopause or menopause, treatment is available at FEM Women’s Wellness. Contact our medical center in the Reno and Lake Tahoe area to schedule a visit with one of our menopause gynecologists.