As women age, their hormone levels change. This, in turn, leads to many changes in the body. It’s important to understand why hormones change, what those changes may look like, and what treatment options may be available for symptoms of hormonal changes.
Women Hormones Age
Menopause is a normal part of the aging process for women. This is the permanent stopping of the menstrual cycle. As hormone levels change with age, it affects the reproductive system. Often, women may experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55.
Menopause Symptoms
When menopause begins, the ovaries cease the release of eggs and the menstrual cycle ceases. Other changes you may experience include the thinning of vaginal walls, dryness, decreased elasticity, and irritation. It’s important to understand that once menopause begins, it is no longer possible for a woman to become pregnant. There are no treatment options available to increase the likelihood of pregnancy. Your risk for vaginal yeast infections also increases, so it’s important to take proper care to avoid these infections.
Other symptoms of menopause include:
* Hot flashes
* Headaches
* Moodiness
* Lower sex drive
* Loss of tone in pubic muscles or prolapse
* Issues with short-term memory
* Decrease in breast tissue
* Urinary system changes
If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact an urgent care facility or your OBGYN. From there, a doctor can provide examinations and determine whether or not the symptoms are due to menopause.
Menopause Symptoms Treatment
There are a few options for the treatment of menopause symptoms. A couple of these include:
* Hormonal replacement medications. For those experiencing menopause, symptoms can be difficult to deal with. These include symptoms like night sweats, hot flashes, and more. Hormonal replacement medications can help to reduce the severity of symptoms.
* Vaginal estrogen. Those that are experiencing changes in estrogen levels may experience excessive vaginal dryness. When this is the case, an estrogen cream may be recommended. There are also rings and tablets for the issue.
If there is pain during intercourse, a lubricant is recommended. There are also moisturizers that are available over the counter. It’s helpful to get exercise, eat healthy foods, and take care of your overall health, as well.
Other Causes of Hormonal Imbalances
There are a lot of potential causes of hormonal imbalances. It’s important to see a doctor to determine the issue, as it may not be menopause. Some other causes of hormonal imbalances include:
* Hyperthyroidism
* Diabetes
* Stress
* Cancer
* Overweight or obesity
* Pituitary tumors
* Hypothyroidism
* Birth control or hormonal replacement
* Cysts
* Acromegaly
* And many others
Contact Us
If you are experiencing the symptoms of menopause or other hormonal issues, contact us. We will set an appointment for you to see the doctor so they can diagnose the issue. If you are going through menopause, your doctor may recommend certain treatments to help with the symptoms. Keep in mind these treatments are not intended to reverse menopause—only help treat the symptoms.
We look forward to speaking with you.