Are hot flashes just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the menopause symptoms that you are dealing with?

Even though menopause is a natural occurrence that every woman will go through, it’s still perfectly normal for women to be nervous when they begin this transition. After all, menopause often means dealing with unpleasant symptoms such as vaginal dryness, mood swings, hot flashes, and night sweats. Luckily, our Dothan, AL, OBGYNs can provide you with helpful tips and treatment options to making transitioning into menopause easier!

More about Menopause

Common menopause symptoms include,

• Hot flashes
• Mood swings
• Urgency to urinate or other urinary issues
• Chills
• Pain during intercourse
• Fatigue
• Low sex drive
• Vaginal dryness
• Sleep disturbances
• Weight gain
• Thinning hair or dry skin

Some women as they approach menopause will also notice irregularities in their periods before they stop altogether. Periods may be shorter and lighter during premenopause, with some months being skipped altogether

I think I’m going through menopause. Should I see my doctor?

It’s important for all adult women, no matter their age, to visit a gynecologist for regular care. This is because routine checkups, like the ones at our Dothan, AL, office, can screen for certain conditions and disorders that require early detection for successful treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of menopause that are affecting your sleep, work, or day-to-day life, then it’s also important to give us a call so we can help you better manage your symptoms.

How can I manage my menopause symptoms?

In the beginning, many women try to make lifestyle changes and look for simple remedies to alleviate their symptoms. If your symptoms are mild and infrequent then you may notice relief without having to turn to a doctor for care. Simple ways to lessen symptoms include,

• Eating a healthy, iron-rich, and balanced diet
• Avoiding spicy foods or caffeinated beverages, which can trigger hot flashes
• Finding effective methods such as meditation or yoga for alleviating stress
• Maintaining a healthy weight (and losing excess weight)
• Getting regular exercise
• Staying hydrated by drinking anywhere from 8-12 glasses of water/day
• Turning to certain natural products and supplements like black cohosh, probiotics, and phytoestrogens

Menopause is normal; however, we don’t think you should have to just put up with uncomfortable symptoms. If you find that simple at-home treatments and care aren’t providing you with the relief you need, then it’s time to talk to us about other options. Sometimes hormonal therapy can be an ideal option for women dealing with hot flashes, while also preventing osteoporosis (a common problem for women as they age).

Give us a call!

If you are having trouble getting your menopause symptoms under control, our gynecological team is here to help! Call Women’s Medical Center in Dothan, AL, today at (334) 793-3900.