Menopause
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Shelly R Coe, MD
Gynecologist & Certified Menopause Practitioner located in Newport Beach, CA
The Menopausal transition refers to the changes that occur during the natural progression from the reproductive years to the postmenopausal years. However, despite this being a normal physiological event, the stresses of midlife along with aging and menopause can be challenging. Shelly R. Coe, MD, in Newport Beach, California, is a certified menopause practitioner who provides accurate information essential to understanding these midlife changes. Call Dr. Coe’s office today, or schedule a consultation online, so she can help you through this transition, reduce your disease risk, and improve your quality of life. You have a third of your life ahead of you, make the most of it!
Menopause Q & A
What is menopause?
Menopause is the time in your life that marks the end of your fertility. You officially reach menopause when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without your period, which for most women occurs around age 52.
However, you may experience irregularities in your menstrual cycle and various symptoms before you officially reach menopause as your hormone levels begin to fluctuate. This period of 2-8 years before your last menstrual period and one year after is referred to as the perimenopause and may begin sometime in your 40s, although some women go through perimenopause in their 30s.
What are the symptoms of the menopausal transition?
As previously mentioned, your menopausal symptoms actually begin before you officially reach menopause. Common symptoms of menopause include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Vaginal dryness
- Low sex drive
- Pain with sex
- Mood swings
- Forgetfulness
- Weight gain
In addition to the physical symptoms, menopause also increases your risk of chronic health conditions such as osteoporosis, which is a bone disease that makes you more susceptible to fractures. Estrogen supports bone health, and when your levels decrease, you’re at greater risk of bone loss and the development of osteoporosis.
What is genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)?
Your decreasing estrogen levels also affect the health of your genital and urinary systems and lead to a number of symptoms. GSM is a relatively new medical term that encompasses these symptoms due to the loss of estrogen in the vulvar, vaginal, urethral and bladder areas.
Common symptoms of GSM include:
- Vaginal dryness, irritation, or burning
- Lack of vaginal lubrication during intercourse
- Burning during urination
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Urinary urgency
It’s estimated that about half of all women experience GSM as they go through menopause.
What treatments can help me manage my menopause?
Dr. Coe specializes in the management of menopause and offers various forms of treatments to improve your health. Because your menopausal symptoms and health are unique to you, Dr. Coe customizes your options for treatment based on the severity of your symptoms, medical history, and current health.
Your recommendations may include:
- Hormone therapy
- Lifestyle modification
- Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants
- Psychological support
- Laser based therapy
- Pelvic health physical therapy
Dr. Coe has dedicated much of her career and practice to helping women manage menopause with grace. Call her office today, or schedule a menopause consultation using the online booking button.
