Menopause is a stage in a woman’s life where they stop having their monthly period. It marks the end of their fertile, reproductive years. Menopause typically happens between the late 40’s to early 50’s. Although menopause is officially diagnosed after 12 months of consecutive months without a menstrual period. Menopause is a natural part of aging. 

You may begin to experience some or all of the following as you transition into the menopausal stage: 

• Night sweats 
• Hot flashes 
• Chills 
• Vaginal dryness 
• Urinary urgency 
• Difficulty in sleeping 
• Mood swings 
• Breast tenderness 
• Irregular periods 
• Headaches 
• Muscle and joint pains 

These symptoms can vary among women. Also, skipping periods during perimenopause (the month and years leading to menopause) is very common and expected. Menstrual periods tend to skip and return, they also happen on shorter cycles so they are closer together. 

Menopause can also be triggered when you have a hysterectomy or have surgery to remove the ovaries (which produce the hormones).  When you have this procedure to remove your ovaries, you will experience symptoms of menopause almost immediately.  

After menopause, women enter the postmenopause phase. Postmenopausal women are more vulnerable to some illnesses, such as heart disease and osteoporosis. During this period, it is more important to focus on proper diet, regular exercise, and sufficient calcium to ensure optimal bone health. 

Deciding on whether or how to treat these symptoms of menopausal transition is very complicated and personal. However, in some cases, treatment is not needed for menopause. When you discuss treatment with your medical provider, it is more about treating the symptoms.   

Your body is going through a lot of changes during menopause. There will be major shifts in hormone levels. You may experience a bout of anxiety and fear, all of which are factors that can lead to depression. Please keep in mind, that when you experience any symptoms of depression, it is best to talk to a medical provider immediately.  

It is important that you talk with your medical provider while you are going through the menopausal transition, so you can discuss the treatment plan that works best for you. Because every woman has different and unique needs, especially regarding their health.  

At Doral Health and Wellness – Women’s Health Center, we have the best GYN doctor in East New York, and we provide you with quality healthcare services. To schedule an appointment, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212, or call us at +1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website to book an appointment online at https://doralhw.org or contact us at info@doralhw.org if you have any queries.