Menopause and Perimenopause Specialist
Endocrinologist and Menopause and Perimenopause Specialist
located in Peachtree City, GA
Menopause and Perimenopause
Menopause, a natural aging process for women, signifies the conclusion of menstrual cycles and a heightened susceptibility to health concerns. Medically, it’s characterized by the absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months. Staying well-informed about the bodily changes that accompany this life stage is crucial for making necessary adjustments during its course. At Peach State Endocrinology in Peachtree City, GA, Evgenia Korytnaya, MD (Dr. K), specializes in Menopause and Perimenopause. Schedule online or call to schedule an appointment with Dr. K today.
Learn more about Menopause at The North American Menopause Society.
Menopause and Perimenopause
What is it:
Symptoms:
- Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Women often experience sudden and intense sensations of heat (hot flashes) and excessive sweating, especially during the night.
- Mood Swings: Menopause can lead to mood fluctuations, including irritability, anxiety, and depression, due to hormonal changes.
- Vaginal Dryness: Reduced estrogen levels can cause vaginal tissues to become thinner and drier, leading to discomfort and pain during intercourse.
- Sleep Disturbances: Many women experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, leading to sleep disturbances and fatigue.
- Weight Gain: Hormonal changes can contribute to weight gain, particularly around the abdominal area.
- Memory and Concentration Issues: Some women may experience cognitive changes, including memory lapses and difficulties with concentration and focus.
Diagnosis:
Menopause is typically diagnosed based on a woman’s age, her reported symptoms, and the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months. Healthcare providers may also use blood tests to measure hormone levels, such as FSH and estrogen, to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment can include:
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT, which includes estrogen and sometimes progesterone, can help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. However, its use should be carefully considered due to potential health risks.
- Non-Hormonal Medications: Medications like SSRIs and SNRIs can manage mood swings and hot flashes without hormones.
- Vaginal Estrogen: For vaginal discomfort, localized estrogen treatments are available with fewer systemic side effects.
- Lifestyle Changes: A healthy diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, and avoiding triggers like caffeine and alcohol can help manage symptoms.
- Alternative Therapies: Complementary approaches like acupuncture, yoga, and herbal supplements may offer relief for some women.
- Bone Health: Calcium, vitamin D supplements, and weight-bearing exercises are vital for maintaining bone density.
- Regular Check-ups: Ongoing health check-ups are crucial to monitor overall health, cardiovascular health, and bone density.
Treatment choices are tailored to individual symptoms, health history, and preferences. Open discussions between you and your healthcare provider, like Dr. Evgenia Korytnaya help determine the most suitable approach for managing perimenopause and menopause.
Learn more about risks and benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy here.
Learn more about Menopause at North American Menopause Society.
Learn more about Menopause and Bone Loss here and visit our Osteoporosis services page.
An Endocrine Society patient resource “Hormones and Menopause- What you need to know”.
