Menopause

There is no way to avoid menopause, but you can access innovative care at Aventura OB-GYN Specialists if you need help managing your symptoms. Experienced OB-GYN providers Alex Birman, MD, and Anna Birman, PA-C, understand the impact menopause changes can have on your life. They take a compassionate, integrative approach to managing hot flashes, mood swings, and heavy periods with supplemental hormones and other personalized strategies so you can enjoy a physically active life. Call the Aventura, Florida, office to schedule a menopause consultation or book an appointment online today. 

What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural life transition all women go through that signals the end of their childbearing years. During this transition, your periods stop for good, and you can no longer achieve or maintain a viable pregnancy.

To be considered in menopause, your periods must stop for a consecutive 12 months. The time leading up to menopause (perimenopause) can last for up to 10 years before your period stops for good. While the average age for menopause is 54, women may experience menopause issues starting in their late 30s.

You can also experience medically induced menopause at an earlier age after undergoing cancer treatments or following a hysterectomy. 

Aventura OB-GYN Specialists offer compassionate care for women experiencing persistent symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. They offer diagnostic testing on-site and personalize a treatment plan to help you feel your best as you move through this phase of life.

When should I seek medical care for menopause?

Many women go through menopause without issue. However, the hormone changes that occur in menopause can also cause debilitating physical, emotional, and mental health symptoms.

You should schedule an evaluation at Aventura OB-GYN Specialists if you experience any disruptive menopause symptoms that you can’t manage on your own. These symptoms include:

• Mood swings
• Heavy bleeding
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Urinary incontinence
• Vaginal dryness and irritation
• Loss of interest in sex
• Pain during intercourse

Menopause can also trigger mental health conditions like anxiety and depression and cognitive issues like forgetfulness.

The providers offer on-site blood tests to evaluate your hormone levels. They also complete a pelvic exam and physical to rule out other conditions as the cause of your symptoms.

How are menopause symptoms managed?

Menopause symptoms are the result of a decline in reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone. As you get older, your body slows down its production of hormones, which are responsible for many functions in your body outside of your reproductive and sexual health.

Aventura OB-GYN Specialists offer hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Taking supplemental hormones helps restore balance in your natural hormone levels to relieve moderate to severe symptoms.

If you’re not a candidate for HRT, the providers can recommend strategies you can use to manage your menopause symptoms. This can include taking antidepressants for depression and anxiety, exercising regularly to improve your mood, and eating a nutritious diet.

Call Aventura OB-GYN Specialists to schedule a menopause consultation or book an appointment online today.