Most of the signs of menopause actually occur during the perimenopause stage. Some women go through menopause without any complications or unpleasant symptoms. Others find menopausal signs debilitating, beginning even during perimenopause and lasting for years.
Signs of menopause
The initial signs of menopause are primarily related to a lowered production of the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. Symptoms vary widely because of the many effects that these hormones have on the female body. Hot flashes are also consider as one of the primary signs. Your period may also be an indicator if it is not as regular as it used to be. You may bleed heavier or lighter than usual, and occasionally spot. Your period may be shorter or longer in duration differing from person to person. If you do miss your period, make sure to rule out pregnancy. If you’re not pregnant, a missed period could indicate the onset of menopause.
Also, if you do begin spotting after not having your period for 12 consecutive months, make sure to talk to your doctor to rule out any serious conditions, such as cancer. Vaginal dryness can also come with menopause. The decreased production of estrogen and progesterone can affect the thin layer of moisture that coats the vaginal walls. Women can experience vaginal dryness at any age, but it can be a particular problem for women going through menopause.
Menopause Rating Scale (Diagnosing your Symptoms)
Here at WellMedica, we use a self-administered questionnaire that will help to gauge where you are when it comes to aging. This is called the Menopause Rating Scale which was initially designed in response to the lack of standardized scales to measure the severity of aging symptoms, and the impact they have on your life. This test helps us gauge if a patient requires treatment for their symptoms, and how best to treat them.
Below you can fill out the questionnaire. The higher the score, the more likely one requires treatment for this condition.
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Menopause Treatment
At WellMedica (Reston) we provide treatment for the signs of menopause. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy has been used since the late 1930s and is often considered one of the most natural ways to deliver hormones to the body. The hormones are identical to the body’s own both structurally and biologically. Because the body does the work on its own once the sterile pellet is inserted, this increases compliance because patients do not have to remember to take a pill, give an injection, or apply a cream each day. This can help treat menopause symptoms which you can learn more about by clicking here. We also provide a treatment called ThermiVA that helps to treat several menopause symptoms such as vaginal dryness, incontinence, and lack of sexual satisfaction which you can learn more about here.
Some of the other resourceful links for learning more about menopause are as follows:
WebMD
Menopause.org
Healthline.com
MayoClinic.org
