Menopause in Las Vegas, NV

If menopause is causing disruption and unpleasant health conditions to your physical and mental health, we would like to offer you ways to better manage your feminine health at Essential Women's Health Associates. When hormone levels (like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone) wax and wane throughout the stages of menopause, you may be having a difficult time enjoying your life, staying positive, and feeling like yourself day-to-day. This is why our practitioners in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV consult with women who are experiencing any quality of life issues during menopause. We start the process with an assessment of your current (physical, emotional, and sexual) health, your medical history, your family medical history, your medications, and your lifestyle. Then, we will perform a physical exam, a pregnancy test (as needed), and a blood test. If you would like to have a menopause consultation at Essential Women's Health Associates, call today to get started.

In the initial transition into menopause (or perimenopause), you will see a decline in the regularity of your menstrual periods, new hot flashes, mood fluctuations, some dryness or pain during sexual intercourse, changes in appetite, and sleep disturbances. You actually begin menopause in the year between the time you consistently have sporadic periods until the very last one.

The final phase you have to endure is the post-menopause phase, which is one year after your final period. Your OBGYN will discuss with you how and when to discontinue menopausal therapies.

Every woman's journey through menopause is uniquely her own, yet there are indicators of "the change" that all women share. You may experience menopause mildly in one area and then severely in another. Depending on your hormone levels in your 40s, your menopause may include:

Missed periods
If your periods came at the same time each month, menopause will take away your regular, on-time menstrual cycles. 

Fluctuating body temperature
Hot flashes are a well-known hallmark sign of menopause. Even though we are unsure why the body suddenly decides to go into hot flash mode, it still happens. Sometimes, you may be very hot to the point you sweat, and your body cools down so much it produces chills.

Painful sexual intercourse, vaginal dryness, and vaginal itch
Because of your lowering estrogen levels, your female sexual organs may not be getting the same level of natural lubrication as they did in your 20s. Vaginal dryness is very common in menopausal women, which shows up in a woman's life as uncomfortable, dry sexual intercourse, daily feelings of dryness, and an intense itch in and around your vagina.

Breast pain or tenderness
During perimenopause, some women experience mild to severe breast tenderness at different intervals during their menstrual cycle.

Altered mood, lack of focus, loss of concentration
Mood swings can go either way in menopause. You may experience some incredible lows or ultra highs when your out-of-control hormones are unbalanced. You may also have a shifted focus and an impeded level of concentration when estrogen levels tank.

Sleep disturbances and fatigue
Many women have trouble sleeping; however, menopause can provoke the rise of your temperature at night and induce night sweats. The nocturnal hot flashes are uncomfortable and can prevent you from getting a quality night's sleep.

Changes in appetite and weight
Many women report that they find losing weight to be very tricky during menopause due to their slower metabolism, fatigue, and more.

To assist your health during menopause, we can prescribe many different ways for your body to have the hormone you need to feel more balanced. We offer the following methods of hormone delivery:

• Oral medications (pills)
• Hormone patches
• Vaginal suppositories
• Topical hormone creams or gels
• Subcutaneous pellet therapy with bioidentical hormones
• Hormone injections

Your practitioner will discuss the best method of delivery for you based on your health needs, your level of comfort, and your lifestyle. We also care for women who may need advanced medical interventions during menopause, such as pelvic prolapse procedures, incontinence treatment, vaginal atrophy, sexual dysfunction, and cancer screenings.

We will regularly check your hormone levels with blood draws and screenings before giving you a refill to make sure you are on the right dose. One method of hormone delivery may be better tolerated than another. Please do not hesitate to tell your practitioner if something is not right with your dosage or the way you are receiving your medication. Also, keep in mind that any hormone cream or gel that you wear topically can be transferred to others (even pets) if it is not absorbed into your skin when hugging, touching, or holding someone else.

At what age does menopause typically begin?

Menopause typically starts between the ages of 45 and 55. The average age for menopause in the United States is around 51. However, menopause can begin earlier or later for some women due to genetic factors, lifestyle, or underlying health conditions.

Can menopause happen at age 40?

Yes, menopause can occur as early as age 40, and this is known as early or premature menopause. It's less common but can be triggered by various factors, including genetics, medical conditions, surgery, or certain treatments like chemotherapy. Early menopause can have a significant impact on a woman's health and fertility, so if you experience menopausal symptoms at a younger age, be sure to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced healthcare providers for proper evaluation and management.

Can menopause lead to long-term health concerns?

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman's life and is not inherently a cause of long-term health issues. However, it is associated with a higher risk of conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease. To promote long-term health, it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and preventive healthcare measures like hormone replacement therapy, bone density scans, and heart health assessments.

If you would like to have some assistance with your hormone levels during your menopausal years, please give us a call to set up an appointment. Supplemental hormones for your body can help balance out the constant fluctuation (highs or lows) and can help you regain some of your quality of life. Your dosage will be based on your own blood hormone levels. Our experienced OBGYNs at Essential Women's Health Associates can help you face the challenges your body presents during menopause. Schedule an appointment for a menopause assessment at your earliest convenience at our Las Vegas or Henderson, NV offices.