Women are barraged with information regarding menopause and the treatment of symptoms. Women can become empowered by understanding this information. This understanding enables a woman to make the decision that is right for her. Menopause is inevitable in the course of a woman’s life and more women each year are facing this stage of their lives. How this condition is viewed and treated can make this transition and its symptoms a more natural occurrence.
There is no magic age for the occurrence of menopause. Perimenopause can begin as early as the 30s and can last for several years before becoming completely menopausal. The symptoms of menopause can range from minimal to extreme. Symptoms may include such things as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances and vaginal dryness. It may also include urinary incontinence, weight gain and decreased energy level. Menopause may have different manifestations for each woman. Each woman should be evaluated regarding her individual symptoms.
Therapeutic options for menopausal symptoms include: lifestyle modification, non-pharmaceutical as well as prescription medicines and complementary/alternative therapies. Many women are searching for alternatives to the traditional therapies used to treat menopause. One such alternative is bioidentical hormones. Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as those hormones found in the body. A compounding pharmacy will prepare individualized doses for her special needs.
A review of a woman’s health history will assist the practitioner in developing an individual risk profile for hormone therapy. The practitioner will then discuss the different forms of therapy available to treat her individual symptoms. Open communication with the practitioner will enable a woman to make an informed decision regarding the modality of care that is right for her.
For more information or an appointment, please call Dr. David Ahdoot at 818-222-7822.