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Menopause
Menopause can be a challenging and sometimes uncomfortable phase of life for many women. But Mercy is here to support you with compassionate, personalized care.
Menopause doesn’t happen overnight; most women will begin to notice changes in the regularity and length of their menstrual periods beginning in their late 40s or early 50s. This is known as perimenopause, and it may last several years before menstrual periods cease completely.
As a woman approaches menopause, her body reduces production of the female hormone estrogen. This may bring on various symptoms, such as:
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue or sleep problems
- Weight changes
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Vaginal dryness
In addition, decreasing estrogen levels can raise a woman’s risk for several health problems, including heart disease and osteoporosis. Since estrogen may provide protection against these diseases, your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) using synthetic forms of estrogen or bio-identical hormones.
Treating Menopause Side Effects
While the side effects of menopause can be unpleasant and even disruptive, don't despair — help is available. There are several over-the-counter products, as well as herbal and natural supplements, that may ease the symptoms of menopause. Talk with your physician about your options and the pros and cons of each to find out which may be right for you. Lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight and taking time to care for yourself also can help.
Don’t hesitate to talk with your doctor about your symptoms or concerns. We’ll work together to keep you feeling well throughout this transition.
