Menopause Symptoms

Stoneleigh Medical Group

Gastroenterology & Internal Medicine located in Brewster, NY & Jefferson Valley, NY

Though the average age for the onset of menopause is 51, this life transition can take many years and result in several debilitating symptoms before you’re officially done with your period. The internal medicine team at Stoneleigh Medical Group takes a holistic approach to helping women through the physical and emotional changes of menopause. The doctors offer medical and aesthetic treatments to alleviate menopause symptoms and help you feel your best. For expert help managing menopause, call the office in Carmel, Brewster, Pawling, Yorktown Heights, or Jefferson Valley, New York, or request an appointment online today.

Menopause symptoms Q&A

What is menopause?

Perimenopause (before) and menopause describe the changes that signify the end of your childbearing years. Your body experiences hormonal fluctuations as your ovaries make less estrogen and eventually stop producing eggs, causing a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms.

Without treatment, a hormone imbalance associated with menopause can reduce your quality of life. See the Stoneleigh Medical Group experts if you struggle with debilitating symptoms of menopause.

What can symptoms can I expect during menopause?

The symptoms are often unpleasant and can last anywhere from a few months to a few years. During perimenopause and menopause, you may experience:

Night sweats
Hot flashes
Chills
Breast tenderness
Dry skin
Thinning hair
Weight gain and slower metabolism
Irregular menstrual periods
Insomnia
Mood swings
Vaginal dryness
Painful sex
Low libido
Loss of breast fullness
Memory problems
Urinary incontinence

Every woman experiences menopause differently, so symptoms may be mild, come and go, or seem intolerable at times.

What contributes to menopause?

Age is the most common risk factor for menopause, especially being in your 40s or 50s. Other risk factors include surgery to remove your ovaries, primary ovarian insufficiency, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy for cancer treatment.

Is menopause treatment right for me?

The Stoneleigh Medical Group experts tailor each treatment plan to your needs. They let you know which is best after discussing your medical history, checking your vital signs, reviewing your symptoms, and completing a physical exam.

Your specialist often recommends blood tests, bone density scans, or other diagnostic tests to screen for hormone imbalances and chronic disease risk factors.

What treatments are available for menopausal symptoms?

Treatments depend on your symptoms. In some cases, you may be able to manage symptoms with lifestyle changes. Eat nutritious foods, get plenty of sleep, minimize stress, and exercise regularly. It’s also important to avoid smoking.

In other cases, your doctor may recommend medications or hormone replacement therapy to put your body back in balance.

You might take oral medicines or supplements, use vaginal applications, or receive hormone pellets to increase estrogen and other hormones in your body. Follow-up visits with your Stoneleigh Medical Group specialist help ensure your treatment keeps your hormones balanced.

Learn more about ways to manage menopause symptoms from the knowledgeable medical team at Stoneleigh Medical Group. Call the office to schedule a consultation, or use the online booking feature today.