Menopause

Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and difficulty sleeping are symptoms of menopause you don’t have to live with. At Raul Rojas, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology in The Woodlands, Texas, compassionate OB/GYN specialist Raul Rojas, MD, offers highly effective treatments for menopause symptom relief. Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Rojas by phone or request one online today.

What is menopause?

Menopause is the time when a woman hasn’t had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months due to aging. Menopause marks the end of the reproductive years in women; the average age at which this occurs is 51, though the transitional period to menopause (perimenopause) may begin in the mid-40s. 

Menopause and perimenopause can cause hot flashes and other bothersome symptoms. Dr. Rojas offers an array of treatments that help eliminate such symptoms to restore your quality of life before, during, and after menopause. 

What are the symptoms associated with menopause?

Women transitioning to menopause may experience:

• Mood swings
• Abnormal bleeding/irregular periods
• Hot flashes
• Difficulty sleeping
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Urinary urgency or incontinence
• Dry skin, mouth, or eyes
• Mild depression
• Irritability
• Breast tenderness
• Worsening of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Headaches
• Heart palpitations
• Weight gain
• Changes in sex drive
• Muscle and joint aches and pains
• Difficulty concentrating
• Temporary memory lapses
• Thinning hair

During perimenopause, your periods might be heavier or lighter than normal. Menopause symptoms can last several years (up to 10 years in some cases). Symptoms vary widely from person to person. 

Postmenopausal women may have improvements in symptoms, though they sometimes struggle with symptoms for a decade or longer before they begin to subside. Without treatment, postmenopausal women may be at risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, or other chronic conditions. 

Why do women experience menopause?

Menopause is a natural part of aging in women, though it can also appear because of surgery or medical conditions. For example, radiation therapy, some birth control, or surgically removing the ovaries or uterus can lead to non-natural menopause or the temporary absence of a menstrual period.

How is menopause diagnosed?

Dr. Rojas discusses the details of your symptoms and medical history to determine if what you’re experiencing is due to perimenopause, menopause, or something else. He may complete a physical exam, lab testing, or other diagnostic tests to detect or rule out underlying medical issues. 

How are menopause symptoms treated?

Treating menopause symptoms typically involves making lifestyle changes or undergoing hormone therapy to minimize symptoms throughout the transition to menopause and beyond. You might be a candidate for estrogen therapy or estrogen and progesterone therapy.

Non-hormonal treatments for menopause include eating nutritious foods, avoiding hot flash triggers, exercising regularly, and taking dietary supplements or medications. Limiting caffeine, not smoking, and cutting back on spicy foods could reduce the severity of hot flashes. Dr. Rojas can also help you manage any chronic diseases.

Schedule a menopause evaluation at Raul Rojas, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.