Menopause
WomanKind OBGYN, PA
Hearther A Daley, MD
Obstetrics & Gynecology, Board Certified OBGYN located in McAllen, TX
Menopause is a normal part of a woman’s aging process, often referred to as the change of life. Unfortunately, many of the hormonal changes that occur with menopause cause symptoms that affect the quality of life. Though you can’t stop menopause, board-certified OB/GYN Hearther Daley, MD, at WomanKind OB/GYN, PA in McAllen, Texas, can design a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms. For compassionate menopause care from a physician who puts your needs first, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Menopause Q & A
What is menopause?
Menopause marks the time in your life when you permanently stop menstruation and can no longer get pregnant. You reach menopause after going 12 consecutive months without your period. The change of life occurs because of a decrease in the production of estrogen by your ovaries.
The average age of menopause for women in the United States is 52. Though menopause has a definitive start date, you may experience the symptoms of menopause before you stop menstruating. This time period is called perimenopause and occurs due to fluctuations in your estrogen levels.
You may start perimenopause in your 30s or 40s, and the transitional period may last months or years.
What are menopause symptoms?
Menopause symptoms vary from woman to woman. For some, menopause symptoms are no worse than what they experience from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, for others, menopause causes symptoms that disrupt daily life.
With menopause, you may experience:
- Night sweats
- Mood changes
- Irritability
- Hot flashes
- Weight gain
- Low libido
- Vaginal dryness
- Insomnia
In addition to the physical symptoms, the changes in estrogen levels with menopause also affect bone health and increase your risk of osteoporosis.
What happens during a menopause evaluation?
Dr. Daley at WomanKind OB/GYN, PA, is a woman’s health expert who takes a personalized approach to care, and what happens during your menopause evaluation depends on your specific needs.
However, you can expect Dr. Daley to ask detailed questions about your symptoms, gynecological and medical history, and personal health concerns and issues. She also conducts a physical and pelvic exam.
To help create your personalized menopause treatment plan, Dr. Daley may run various diagnostic tests, such as a check of hormone levels and a bone densitometry exam, to assess bone health.
How is menopause treated?
Dr. Daley develops individualized menopause treatment plans based on the results of your menopause evaluation. Though she can’t stop the change of life, she provides treatments aimed at alleviating your symptoms so you can continue to enjoy every aspect of your life.
Your menopause treatment plan may include:
- Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to alleviate symptoms
- Low-dose antidepressants to manage mood changes
- Clonidine for hot flashes
- Gabapentin for hot flashes
- Vaginal estrogen to alleviate vaginal dryness and discomfort
In addition to medical management of your symptoms, Dr. Daley provides education to optimize health and wellness, including diet, exercise, and nutritional supplements.
For compassionate management of menopause from an experienced OB/GYN, contact WomanKind OB/GYN, PA, by phone or online today.