The first picture that comes to most peoples’ minds when they hear the term “menopause” is of a woman in her mid 50s. The truth is menopause for each woman occurs differently, depending on their estrogen levels. Some may experience it as early as their 30’s. Some experience harsh and unrelenting symptoms, while others may only experience mild symptoms that can easily be treated by lifestyle changes, such as avoiding hot drinks when they have hot flashes. If you are dealing with such symptoms, seeing Dr. Michael Coppa, MD, a gynecologist specializing in menopause in Providence, can be the best bet you have at finding the solution that is right for you.
The signs and symptoms of menopause
While menopause does not need treatment, the symptoms associated with it can be problematic. Changes you may experience include:
Irregular periods
When you are approaching menopause, your periods may become more irregular. Sometimes it may come less often or last longer or shorter than before, making it difficult to predict when it will come. Determining how long it will last or if it will be heavy or light also becomes daunting. This classic symptom of perimenopause can also make it harder for you to conceive.
Hot flashes and night sweats
The temperature change you have always experienced during ovulation is not the same as approaching menopause. The latter is characterized by hot flashes that may redden your skin. Your heart may also start beating fast, and then it gets cold. This is a classic sign of the onset of menopause.
Vaginal dryness and bladder control
At this point, you may experience vaginal dryness, making you uncomfortable during intercourse. In other cases, you may have either vaginal or bladder-related infections that may make it harder for you to hold your urine long enough to reach your bathroom. When you are unable to control your bladder, you suffer from a condition known as incontinence. It gets worse when you are sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
Insufficient sleep
Trouble sleeping is a common symptom of menopause that most women face. It gets worse when it is accompanied by night sweats that keep waking you up. This is one of the frustrating effects of menopause that affect both your nighttime and daytime routines.
When to see a doctor
Menopause is a regular aging process that every woman will undergo at some point in their lives, so experiencing these types of symptoms is inevitable. But when it becomes troublesome and affects your normal daily activities, it would be advisable to seek an expert’s help.
Your gynecologist may perform the PickAMH diagnostic test that was recently approved by the FDA during your examination. Through this new test, it is easy to detect perimenopause symptoms, which can cause adverse side effects. That way, your doctor can devise a perfect plan that can prevent you from the risk of chronic conditions such as cardiac disease, vaginal dryness, osteoporosis, or fracture. To learn more about menopause and its symptoms, consult your gynecologist today.