Menopausal Management
Everyone is unique and complex and the same goes for menopause. Every menopausal experience and hormonal transition are also unique and complex. Menopause can start early or late. While for some women it is relatively trouble-free, others might experience serious lifestyle problems and life-altering symptoms.
Regardless of how it goes for you, we can see you through this important stage of your life and address your concerns. There are several issues of which you will need to be aware during menopause, so as soon as your periods become more sporadic, you should call to schedule an appointment to discuss the process with one of our providers.
Call us at (423) 492-8700 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers!
Symptoms of menopause:
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General Depression
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Hot Flashes
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Night Sweats
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Sleeplessness
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Mood Swings
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Weight Gain
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Low Libido
There are several different treatment options. Your provider will work with you to come up with the right treatment option for your needs.
Some women might want to consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which can involve either synthetic or natural drugs. Eating healthy, getting enough exercise, and changing your lifestyle are also recommended during menopause.
Regardless of whether you opt for HRT, alternatives, or a combination of the two, we believe it is imperative for every woman to be proactive in understanding her choices of different therapies available as she goes through this journey. There is no across the board approach or single strategy for success.
Non-Hormonal Therapies
There are several non-hormonal remedies available, such as plant-derived and herbal options that can be used to treat hot flashes and some other symptoms associated with menopause. Some of these alternative remedies are available over-the-counter, but aren’t FDA approved. Some people believe plant estrogens are natural, which makes them safer than hormonal therapies, but that hasn’t been scientifically proven.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also known as hormone therapy (HT), is a medication combining the hormones – estrogen and progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone) – and sometimes testosterone, another hormone. HRT is usually prescribed to women to treat severe symptoms resulting from reduced hormone levels.
HRT is used as a treatment to help relieve menopause symptoms, but there isn’t a treatment without side effects. Any decision about HRT is a personal choice, so be sure to talk to your provider about the risks and benefits as well as your concerns. Also, ask about the alternative treatments. It is very important that all women who use HRT follow-up annually with their provider.
BioIdentical Hormones
BioIdentical Hormones are natural hormones. This is an additional option available to our patients. Ask your provider for additional information about BioIdentical Hormones. Most health insurance policies will not cover the cost of BioIdentical Hormones as a treatment option, but most insurance policies will cover lab testing.
If standard hormone replacement isn’t properly relieving your symptoms, ask your provider if natural hormone replacement might work for you. Call today to schedule your appointment!
