If menopause symptoms like mood swings, night sweats, or urinary incontinence are disrupting your life, Laura Kuperman, MD, can offer solutions. Dr. Kuperman is a skilled gynecologist with experience managing a variety of gynecological conditions like menopause at her practice in Forest Hills, New York. You don’t have to suffer in silence with menopausal symptoms. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
Menopause Q & A
What is menopause?
You reach menopause when menstrual cycles permanently cease due to the natural depletion of ovarian oocytes from aging.
During your reproductive years, your ovaries produce estrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate your fertility and menstrual cycle. Each month, your ovaries take turns releasing an egg.
When you reach your 30s, your ovaries begin producing less estrogen and progesterone and your fertility decreases. Eventually, your egg production stops and your periods cease. This process can take place quickly or over several years.
The diagnosis is typically made retrospectively after the woman has missed menses for 12 consecutive months. It marks the permanent end of fertility and the average age of menopause is 51 years.
Other things can trigger menopause, including cancer treatments and surgical removal of your ovaries.
After menopause, you can’t become pregnant.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Menopause symptoms typically begin in the years leading up to your final period -- a time called perimenopause. As your estrogen decreases, the first thing most women notice is changes to their menstrual cycle. These changes can include irregularity in frequency and differences in flow and period duration.
Additional symptoms include:
Dry skin
Thinning hair
Vaginal dryness
Urinary leakage
Mood changes or irritability
Night sweats or hot flashes
Disrupted sleep or insomnia
Weight gain and metabolism changes
Many women also experience sexual symptoms, including decreased sensitivity, painful intercourse, and reduced libido.
How can you relieve menopause symptoms?
Dr. Kuperman can’t reverse menopause, but she can offer therapies to manage your symptoms and provide relief.
Following a comprehensive well-woman exam that includes a personal and medical history, Dr. Kuperman might suggest additional tests to evaluate menopausal changes in your body. These might include:
Blood tests to check your hormone levels
Bone density tests to look for osteoporosis or bone loss
A pelvic exam
Based on your symptoms and examination, Dr. Kuperman might recommend several options to manage your menopausal symptoms. These could include hormone therapy or vaginal estrogens, medications, or lifestyle modifications, such as eating a balanced diet, practicing relaxation techniques, and exercising daily.
Call Laura Kuperman, MD, or schedule an appointment online to find relief from your menopause symptoms today.