Menopause
Alameda OB/GYN Olivia Butt, MD
Obstetrics & Gynecology located in Alameda, CA
You thought menopause would bring you sweet relief from menstrual pain and bleeding, but you may not have expected all the symptoms that come along with it. If menopause is inhibiting your quality of life — whether through hot flashes, brain fog, or another symptom — Alameda OB/GYN is here to help. Olivia Butt, MD, and her dedicated team can offer a range of treatments to help you feel your best through menopause. To learn more, call their Alameda, California office, or schedule your appointment online.
Menopause Q & A What is menopause?
You likely already know that menopause brings a woman’s menstrual cycle to a permanent stop. What you may not know is that it’s far from a quick — or painless — process. Menopausal symptoms usually start in your 40s or 50s and continue for around 4 years before you officially reach menopause. This timespan before menopause officially starts is known as perimenopause.
Once you’ve gone 12 months without a period, you’ve officially reached menopause. But your symptoms don’t stop with your menstrual cycle. They often continue for another four or so years. This period is called postmenopause.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
There are a number of symptoms associated with perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. The most common include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Weight gain
- Loss of breast volume
- Breast tenderness
- Memory issues
- Insomnia
- Mood changes
- Loss of vaginal lubrication
- Depression
- Thinning hair
- Dry skin
- Anxiety
- Reduced sex drive
- Headaches
- Trouble concentrating
- Loss of bone mass
- Joint stiffness
- Urinary tract infections
These symptoms are caused by the changing hormone levels in your body. While many women expect physical impacts from menopause, few are prepared for the mental and emotional toll it can take. Knowing that your changing hormone levels can affect your ability to remember things, concentrate, and control your moods can help you feel calmer while your body goes through these changes.
Can I do anything to stop my menopausal symptoms?
Dr. Butt is here to explore treatment options with you so that you can feel like yourself again and get back your quality of life. She can offer medication and hormonal replacement therapy. During the latter, you’ll take a low dose of estrogen. This can regulate the changing hormone levels in your body, helping minimize your symptoms so that you can feel comfortable and like yourself again.
Whether you’re looking for hot flash management, antidepressants to support your mood, or an all-encompassing plan to help you get through menopause, Dr. Butt and her dedicated team are available to you.
You don’t have to navigate menopause alone. For support during this challenging time of life, call Alameda OB/GYN, or book your appointment at their office online.
