Menopause Treatment
Menopause Treatment in Fort Collins and Loveland, CO
Reaching menopause can take a physical and emotional toll on you. Some women don’t know what to expect, while others experience symptoms they hadn’t heard of. No matter your experience with menopause, the team at The Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado is here for you. We work with patients across Fort Collins and Loveland, CO helping them navigate menopause weight gain, hot flashes, and other side effects. Learn more about your many treatment options from our reliable professionals.
Menopause Explained
Menopause sets in when a woman hasn’t had a period for over a year. By this point, she can no longer conceive a pregnancy naturally. Symptoms begin at different times for different people, but the average age for menopause lies between 45 and 55 years. However, it can start earlier or later, depending on your circumstances. Menopause comes accompanied by numerous symptoms, and some of them can be an inconvenience. Although most women never need treatment for menopause symptoms, others can benefit from speaking with a women’s health professional.
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the term for the years immediately preceding menopause. During this time, the body naturally produces less estrogen until the ovaries stop releasing eggs altogether. For most women, premenopausal symptoms begin in their 40s. However, everyone is different, and some women experience perimenopause in their 30s. If you notice the following signs, you may be entering perimenopause:
- Periods that are heavier than usual
- Spotting between periods or after sex
- Periods occur closer together
- Periods last longer than usual
- Periods contain blood clots
Know the Signs of Menopause
Menopause has numerous symptoms. Some you may have heard of, like hot flashes, while others are less well-known. The most significant sign that this process is starting is less frequent menstruation. Typically, women slowly experience changes in their periods; either they become much lighter or much heavier than normal. Eventually, periods disappear altogether. Once you’ve gone a year without a single period, it’s safe to say that menopause has begun. Other symptoms of menopause to look for include:
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Depression and anxiety
- Dry skin
- Vaginal dryness
- Headaches
- Urinary tract infections
- Stiff joints
- Less full breasts or soreness in the breast area
- Racing heartbeat
- Reduced sex drive
- Hair loss or hair growth
What Are My Treatment Options?
Sometimes, the previously mentioned symptoms can get out of hand. They may begin to impact your daily routine and reduce your quality of life. If this is true for you, don’t hesitate to seek treatment. The team at The Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado is dedicated to providing top-notch treatment for women in menopause or early menopause. These common treatments can help to alleviate some of menopause’s bothersome symptoms:
- Menopause Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy is one of the most common and effective treatment methods. During this treatment, your doctor will administer estrogen to the body, both alleviating hot flashes and preventing bone loss. Estrogen therapy is not for everyone, so be sure to let your healthcare professional know about any preexisting conditions and relevant medical history.
- Antidepressants: Menopause can sometimes bring feelings of anxiety and depression. If you’re dealing with these symptoms, low-dose antidepressants may be the answer. Some of these medications have also been shown to reduce menopausal hot flashes.
- Osteoporosis Medication: Menopause can cause bone loss and increase your risk of fractures. Medication formulated to treat and prevent osteoporosis may be a solution for you.
- Vaginal Estrogen: Vaginal dryness is a bothersome, sometimes painful condition. Many women find relief using vaginal cream containing a small amount of estrogen, applied directly to the vagina. This treatment method can also help with urinary side effects.
Get in Touch with Us Today
Menopause is a complicated process that women will experience at one point or another. Navigating the ups and downs of menopause can be challenging without a reliable medical professional at your side. Fortunately, Fort Collins and Loveland residents can count on the team at The Women’s Clinic of Northern Colorado. We’re dedicated to providing top-notch feminine healthcare to all our patients. Contact us to schedule your appointment.
