Menopause Specialist

What is menopause?

Menopause refers to the ceasing of menstruation and the changes that take place when a woman’s body no longer maintains hormone levels for a reproductive cycle. Because of this drop in estrogen and progesterone levels, women may undergo many related, uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, among others.

Menopause is medically defined as occurring 12 months after your last menstrual period, marking the end of your reproductive stage. Although this means infertility, women can continue to feel healthy, vital, and sexual.

What causes menopause?

In general, menopause is a result of a drop in female hormone levels that comes with aging. As you approach your late 30s and early 40s, your body naturally produces less estrogen and progesterone. Other triggers of menopause include:

• A hysterectomy that removes your uterus but not your ovaries
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy (may only be temporary)
• Primary ovarian insufficiency from genetic factors or autoimmune disease

No matter what’s causing your uncomfortable menopausal symptoms, rest assured, you can get the relief you need at Women's Health Specialist of North Atlanta.

Does menopause cause symptoms?

Yes. You often begin experiencing symptoms as soon as you enter the menopausal transition called perimenopause. Your menstrual periods occur less frequently, and you may notice other signs such as:

• Vaginal dryness
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Sleep problems
• Mood changes
• Slowed metabolism
• Weight gain
• Thinning hair
• Dry skin
• Loss of breast fullness
• Decrease libido

The symptoms of menopause can mimick other hormonal changes. As soon as you notice these perimenopausal symptoms, it’s advised to start scheduling regular visits with your doctor for your preventive health care.

What can I do to relieve menopausal symptoms?

The menopause process itself doesn’t require medications. However, you can take several measures to relieve disruptive symptoms and prevent or manage chronic conditions of aging. Some of the most effective menopause treatments Dr. Ann Cha offers include:

• Bio identical hormone replacement therapy, including pellets and creams
  
• Vaginal estrogen creams, tablets, or rings
• Low-dose antidepressants
• Estrogen patches

Or if you have severe hot flashes that are affecting your daily life and sleep patterns, you may benefit from certain medications — pills or patches — for high blood pressure.

How can pellets for menopause help me?

At Women’s Health Specialist of North Atlanta, Dr. Ann Cha offers an effective type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) called BioTeⓇ. It involves inserting bioidentical hormone pellets under your skin. As they metabolize in your body, the pellets release estrogen to balance your hormones.

This kind of pellet HRT therapy provides many benefits, including:

• Increased energy levels
• Restored or increased sexual drive
• Mood stabilization
• Anxiety or depression relief
• Decreased body fat
• Increased mental clarity and focus

Because your hormones stabilize with BioTe pellets, women tend to find that’s it’s easier to maintain their body weight — or even lose weight. Plus, many women even notice that the improvement in their hormone levels helps resolve issues with insomnia.

Continuing to get a better night’s sleep further helps improve your quality of life, moods, and overall lifestyle. Dr. Ann Cha works with you to find the best possible solution to resolve uncomfortable menopause symptoms. No two treatment plans are the same.

If you’re ready to find out which type of menopause treatment is best for you, schedule an evaluation at Women's Health Specialist of North Atlanta. Book your visit through the online scheduler, or call the clinic.