FAQs About Menopause

If you are in the Hoffman Estates, IL area with questions about menopause, then look no further than the team at Northwest Associates for Women's Healthcare. We believe that every woman needs to be treated with quality care unique to their personal needs in a respectful environment.

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is when the reproductive hormones in a woman's body decline, causing menstruation to stop. There are three phases:

• Perimenopause – when your period becomes irregular and you first experience symptoms
• Menopause  – the main phase when your period has stopped, and you experience more symptoms
• Postmenopause  – after menopause, when the symptoms level off

You have entered menopause when your menstruation or period has stopped for a full twelve months. It is considered a normal part of a woman's aging process and usually occurs sometime after you turn forty and lasts several years.

Signs and Symptoms of Menopause

The first sign that you may be entering menopause is hot flashes and missed or irregular periods. The severity of the flashes varies from woman to woman but ranges from mild to severe feelings of warmth spreading over the upper body that may result in sweating and blushing.

In the beginning, you can also expect vaginal dryness, emotional changes, and trouble sleeping. Hormones regulate a great deal of our body, so you can expect some discomfort. Once you have entered menopause, you may also experience some of the following:

• Decreased or a changed libido
• Fatigue and crankiness
• Feelings of depression
• Headaches
• Hair loss
• Aches and pains, particularly in the joints
• Weakened or poor bladder control

Not all women will experience all of the symptoms, and the severity varies, and there are treatment options available to help you deal with your symptoms.

What Are the Treatment Options for Menopause?

The team at Northwest Associates for Women's Healthcare serving women with menopause in Hoffman Estates, IL, wants you to know that treatment options are available, including:

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to replace the missing estrogen in your body through tablets, patches, or implants
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to assist with mental health and emotional changes
• Creams and gels for treating vaginal dryness

The treatment plan may vary depending on your unique symptoms and needs. It is widely recommended that you maintain a healthy diet and exercise regime to keep your body in optimal condition.

Reach out!

If your menopausal symptoms affect your daily and overall quality of life, you should take action and speak to your service provider. Reach out to the Northwest Associates for Women's Healthcare team serving women with menopause in the Hoffman Estates, IL area at (847) 884 1800 to book an appointment.