Menopause
Menopause is a natural process, but it often triggers painful or embarrassing symptoms. At Midwest OB/GYN & Midwifery, Mariusz Koziol, MD, FACOG, and the team provide the care you need to feel comfortable during menopause. No matter what your symptoms, Midwest OB/GYN & Midwifery can help you find relief at two convenient locations in Elk Grove Village and Park Ridge, Illinois. Call your nearest office or book an appointment online today.
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Menopause Q & A
Here you will find some answers to the most common questions.
What is menopause?
Menopause occurs when a woman stops having periods. During your 40s, your fertility naturally tapers off. Your body may feel different and your periods may become irregular. This stage is known as perimenopause.
After a while, your periods stop completely. Once this occurs, you can’t get pregnant without medical help. Once you’ve gone more than a year without a period, you’ve officially entered menopause.
Most women in the United States enter menopause around age 50 but some women experience menopause much sooner. Certain health conditions and medical treatments can trigger early menopause.What are the symptoms of menopause?
During perimenopause, you may experience a variety of symptoms. Many women in their 40s and 50s report:● Hot flashes.● Breast tenderness.● Heavy or painful periods.● Irregular periods.● Vaginal dryness.● Discomfort during sex.● Trouble sleeping.● Mood swings.
These symptoms often disappear as your body adjusts, but sometimes, menopause symptoms continue to cause problems. Intense symptoms disrupt your life and affect your self-confidence.
If you struggle with menopause symptoms, Midwest OB/GYN & Midwifery offers treatments to ease your discomfort.How are menopause symptoms treated?
During your visit, your provider may suggest blood tests to measure your hormone levels. Blood tests determine whether you’re entering menopause and provide clues about what kind of treatments may be beneficial.
Hormonal birth control methods can offer relief from hot flashes and mood swings. These medications also help with irregular menstrual cycles.
Keep in mind that many women can still get pregnant during perimenopause. If you want to avoid pregnancy, birth control also helps with that goal.What kind of gynecological care do I need after menopause?
After you reach menopause, you still need to see a gynecologist at least once a year. At Midwest OB/GYN & Midwifery, you can receive all the preventive care you need, including:● Well-woman exams.● Pap smears.● Cancer screenings.● Bone density tests.
Some women continue to experience hot flashes or vaginal dryness after menopause. If you still struggle with these symptoms, hormone replacement therapy may help. During your visit, your provider discusses the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy.
Need help managing your menopause symptoms? Call the office or book an appointment online today.