What is menopause?
Menopause is diagnosed once you’ve gone a full year since your last period. It marks the time in a woman’s life when her fertility ends. Menopause can happen as part of the natural aging process or be surgically or chemically induced through hysterectomy or chemotherapy. Menopause marks a point in time; the process leading up to menopause characterized by irregular periods and changes in hormone levels is known as perimenopause.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Menopause and the years leading up to it, known as perimenopause, have a number of well-known symptoms. These include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Sleep problems
- Brain fog
- Vaginal dryness
- Changes in libido
- Mood swings
- Urinary incontinence
- Weight gain
- Painful intercourse
As you progress toward menopause, your estrogen levels dip tremendously. The changes in hormone levels are usually at the root of menopausal symptoms.
What treatments are available to address menopause symptoms?
At Suffolk Pelvic Medicine, Dr. Hill offers laser and radiofrequency vaginal treatments to improve your vaginal wellness when you’re going through perimenopause and after transitioning to menopause. These treatments stimulate collagen production to enhance vaginal tissue, improving lubrication, and resolving dryness. Tighter, stronger, and denser tissue can make you enjoy sexual intercourse more and help relieve mild urinary incontinence. The treatments are noninvasive and require no downtime.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that suggest the transition to menopause, call Suffolk Pelvic Medicine, or book an appointment online to help you find relief and comfort.
