Navigating Menopause: Symptoms, Hormone Replacement Therapy, and Self-Care Tips

While menopause can be disruptive, causing hot flashes, changes in your mood, headaches, and other issues, there are treatment options, including hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes. We’ll take a closer look at this condition and how you can address it below. If you need further help with menopause and live in or near Hicksville, NY, get in touch with Comprehensive OB/GYN Healthcare. Dr. Anu Kothari can help.

What is Menopause and What Are the Symptoms?

 Menopause technically refers to a woman who has not had a menstrual cycle for at least 12 months. During menopause, the body will undergo many changes as a woman ages out of the reproductive stage of her life. While some women have gotten naturally pregnant after going through menopause, it is exceedingly rare.

The menstrual cycle is closely tied to hormones and a woman’s natural hormone levels can shift greatly during menopause. These changes can cause various symptoms, including:

• Changes, sometimes dramatic, in your periods.
• Insomnia and other sleep issues, which can leave a woman tired day in and day out.
• Hot flashes in which the body quickly and uncomfortably heats up.
• Stiffness in the joints and soreness in muscles, which can reduce mobility.
• Decreased sexual drive and discomfort during sex.
• Anxiety, a loss of self-confidence, and even a decreased sense of personal value.

 The above conditions are far from exclusive and each woman’s personal experience will be different. Some women experience only minor symptoms, while others face such dramatic changes that it can feel impossible to cope with. The good news is that medical care and treatments like hormone replacement therapy can help. If you or a loved one need assistance with menopause in Hicksville, NY, get in touch with Comprehensive OB/GYN Healthcare. Dr. Kothari has helped countless women manage menopause.

Treating and Dealing with Menopause

 Since hormones are at the heart of many of the changes in your body, hormone replacement therapy can smooth your transition through menopause. Hormone replacement therapy may ease many if not most symptoms, although you may still experience some symptoms (often, they will be milder). Hormone medications typically contain estrogen, which is sometimes referred to as the female hormone.

Hormone therapy is especially effective for treating hot flashes and vaginal symptoms like dryness. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol consumption, getting regular exercise, losing weight, and wearing lighter clothing can all help. Simply taking a cool shower may help with hot flashes and other symptoms.

When it comes to menopause treatment, including both self-care and professional medical assistance, there is no single right answer. It’s wise to work with medical professionals to manage your symptoms and other issues. If you’re looking for menopause treatment in Hicksville, NY, contact Comprehensive OB/GYN Healthcare by calling Dr. Kothari at 516-614-3533.