Menopause signals the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle and childbearing years. You reach menopause when you go 12 consecutive months without a period.

The transition leading up to menopause is known as perimenopause. During this phase, your body slows down its production of reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

As your hormone levels fluctuate, you can experience a wide range of symptoms that affect your quality of life and physical and mental health. These develop because your hormones play an important role in many functions of your body.
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You can also experience early or premature menopause if you have to undergo cancer treatments or a hysterectomy (the removal of your uterus and other reproductive organs) or if you have underlying health issues that affect ovulation.

Some women transition through menopause with only minor symptoms that don’t impact their lives; however, the hormone fluctuations can also cause various symptoms that you can’t manage on your own.

You should schedule a consultation with the team at the office of Katie Ostrom, MD, if you have moderate to severe menopause symptoms, like:

• Hot flashes

• Night sweats

• Vaginal dryness

• Painful sex

• Low sex drive

• Urinary incontinence

• Shrinking vaginal tissues (vaginal atrophy)

• Irregular or heavy periods

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The team can also address mental health issues, like anxiety or depression, that can develop because of unbalanced hormones. In addition, they provide resources to improve your sleep quality and address any conditions that affect your sexual wellness.

While there’s nothing you can do to stop perimenopause and menopause, there are ways to manage your symptoms.

Some women may benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT); taking supplemental hormones helps rebalance your natural hormone levels, so you can find relief from your symptoms.

If you can’t take hormones because of underlying health issues, the team can work with you on lifestyle and dietary modifications to help you feel better. They also offer treatment with the MonaLisa Touch laser system.

MonaLisa Touch is a nonsurgical treatment that uses laser energy to stimulate new collagen, an essential protein in healthy skin. As new collagen develops, your vaginal tissues plump up and support your pelvic floor organs better.
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You don’t have to suffer alone with your menopause symptoms. Call the office of Katie Ostrom, MD, to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online today.