Menopause

Hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep problems can make it hard to feel like yourself. For many women, these symptoms are part of menopause.

Menopause is a natural stage of life. It happens when the ovaries stop making enough estrogen and progesterone to support monthly menstrual cycles. While menopause is a normal part of aging, the symptoms can affect your comfort, energy, and quality of life.

At DGD Clinic, we help women throughout San Antonio understand menopause and find treatment options that fit their needs.

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. A woman is considered menopausal after going 12 months without a period.

Before menopause, most women go through a transition called perimenopause. During this time, hormone levels begin to change, and symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood changes may develop.

In the United States, menopause usually happens between ages 45 and 55. The average age is 51.

As hormone levels decline, many women begin to notice physical and emotional changes. Some women have only mild symptoms. Others find that menopause affects their daily lives.

Menopause symptoms happen because the body produces much lower levels of estrogen and progesterone.

Hot flashes (vasomotor symptoms) are one of the most common symptoms. You may suddenly feel warm in your face, neck, or chest. Sweating is common, and some women feel cold afterward.

Night sweats can interrupt sleep and leave you feeling tired during the day. Poor sleep may also make it harder to focus and manage stress.

Other common symptoms include:

• Mood changes
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Brain fog
• Fatigue
• Headaches or migraines
• Breast tenderness
• Vaginal dryness
• Changes in sexual desire
• Weight changes

Not every woman experiences the same symptoms. Symptoms vary from woman to woman.

Some menopause symptoms improve with time. But lower estrogen levels can continue to affect your health after menopause.

Vaginal tissues may become thinner and drier. This can cause irritation, dryness, and discomfort during sex.

Changes in the urinary tract may also lead to:

• Urinary urgency
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Urinary leakage

Estrogen also helps keep bones strong. When estrogen levels drop, bone loss speeds up. Over time, this can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Menopause may also affect cholesterol levels. As a result, the risk of heart disease tends to increase with age.

Doctors usually diagnose menopause based on your symptoms and menstrual history.

A woman is considered menopausal after going 12 months without a period. In many cases, no testing is needed.

Your doctor may recommend hormone testing if menopause happens earlier than expected or if symptoms aren’t clear.

Any vaginal bleeding after menopause should be checked by a healthcare provider.

Many women find relief with lifestyle changes, medication, hormone therapy, or a combination of treatments.

Simple changes that may help include:

• Dressing in layers
• Keeping your bedroom cool
• Avoiding triggers that cause hot flashes
• Improving sleep habits
• Staying physically active

Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can help reduce dryness and discomfort during sex. Pelvic floor exercises may also help improve bladder control.

Hormone therapy is one of the most effective treatments for moderate to severe menopause symptoms. It may help reduce hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms caused by declining hormone levels.

Hormone replacement therapy may be available as:

• Pills
• Skin patches
• Gels or sprays
• Vaginal creams
• Vaginal tablets
• Vaginal rings
• Hormone pellets placed under the skin

Some treatments contain estrogen alone, while others combine estrogen and progesterone. Your provider can help determine which option is right for you.

Nonhormonal medications may also help manage certain menopause symptoms.

You don’t have to live with symptoms that affect your daily life.

If hot flashes, sleep problems, mood changes, vaginal dryness, or other symptoms are making it harder to feel your best, it may be time to schedule an evaluation.

Your provider may look at:

• Hormone levels
• Thyroid health
• Metabolic health
• Bone health
• Sleep concerns

Several health conditions can cause symptoms that look like menopause. An evaluation can help identify the cause of your symptoms and determine the best treatment plan.

Menopause affects every woman differently. Some women have only mild symptoms, while others struggle with symptoms that affect their comfort, sleep, and quality of life.

The good news is that treatment is available. Lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, and other options may help you find relief and feel more like yourself again.

If you’re experiencing menopause symptoms and looking for answers, DGD Clinic provides menopause evaluation and treatment for women throughout San Antonio. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

1. How long do menopause symptoms last?

Every woman is different. Some women have symptoms for a few years, while others have them for longer. Hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep problems often improve over time, but some symptoms can continue after menopause.

2. Can hormone therapy help menopause symptoms?

Yes. Hormone therapy can help relieve hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other menopause symptoms. It isn’t right for everyone, but many women find it helps them feel more comfortable.

3. Should bleeding after menopause be checked?

Yes. You should always tell your doctor about bleeding after menopause. While the cause may be harmless, bleeding can sometimes be a sign of a condition that needs treatment.