Menopause

Menopause Clinic

Read Menopause Corner, by Jon S. Nielsen, MD

Menopause is a natural part of a women’s life and commonly affects women in the late 40s and early 50s. Our Oakdale Obstetrics and Gynecology doctors and nurse practitioners see women in all stages of life and specialize in menopause and perimenopause, or the transition years leading up to menopause.  

Oakdale Obstetrics and Gynecology doctors and nurse practitioners help you manage these menopausal changes and reduce the negative effects that may be caused by menopause. Our Menopause Clinic is dedicated to helping women 35 years and older better manage menopause and perimenopausal symptoms, and improve quality of life.

About Menopause

The medical definition of menopause is the absence of a menstrual period for 12 months. In this life transition, many women experience changes in hormone levels, which can affect everything from sleep, mood, bone health and concentration.

Early Signs of Menopause

Menopause rarely occurs before the age of 45; however some women may experience changes in their production of the hormones several years before menopause starts.

Some early signs of menopause include:

  • A change in periods - shorter or longer, lighter or heavier, with more or less time in between
  • Breast tenderness
  • Hot flashes and/or night sweats
  • Trouble sleeping, or insomnia
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Mood swings
  • Trouble focusing
  • Breast tenderness

Menopause Symptoms

Menopause symptoms vary from woman to woman. Almost all women going through menopause experience hot flashes – a warming sensation over the upper half of the body accompanied by blushing and sweating. Severity of hot flashes can vary from mild to severe.

Other symptoms of menopausal may include pain during intercourse, increased anxiety and/or irritability and the need to go to the bathroom more often.

Menopause Treatments

Oakdale Obstetrics and Gynecology doctors and nurse practitioners use hormone and non-hormone therapies to treat perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. We work with you to determine which option or combinations of, work best for your quality of life.

Hormone Therapies

Hormone therapies are a popular approach to relieving some of the symptoms related to menopause. A low dose of estrogen or progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone) hormone therapy may be able to relieve hot flashes and/or night sweats, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness and mood swings.

Hormone therapy may also reduce the woman’s risk osteoporosis and other illnesses linked with the decrease of estrogen, such as colon cancer and possibly Alzheimer’s disease.

Hormone therapy is not for everyone. Pre-existing conditions may make it unsafe for some women. Hormone therapy does not prevent heart disease and it can increase the risk of blood clots. Prolonged use may also increase the risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Non-hormonal Therapies

Our Oakdale Obstetrics and Gynecology doctors and nurse practitioners work with you to determine which non-hormonal therapy option is a good fit for you.

A number of non-hormonal therapies to help relieve hot flashes are available both over-the-counter and by prescription. The goal of non-hormonal therapy is not to eliminate hot flashes, but to decrease their frequency and intensity.

Osteoporosis screening

Changes in hormone levels can impact bone health, leading to osteopenia or osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones have lost minerals, especially calcium. This condition causes the bones to become, weak, brittle and susceptible to fractures.

The US Preventive Task Force recommends that women who weigh less than 154 pounds should be screened for osteoporosis beginning at age 60. Women who do not fit these parameters should begin regular screenings at age 65. Talk with your Oakdale Obstetrics and Gynecology doctor or nurse practitioner about an osteoporosis screening. We will refer you to a helpful resource.

Appointments

For more information about managing your menopausal symptoms and improving your quality of life, or for an appointment, call 763-587-7000.

Our Menopause Clinic offers evening appointments.

  
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