Menopause

What is menopause?

Menopause is the stage in a woman’s life when her periods end for good, and she can no longer bear children. The ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone, the hormones needed for reproduction, and then stop releasing eggs.

The average age for a woman to reach menopause is 51, but for some women, it is up to five years on either side of 50.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

The first indication of menopause is a change in the frequency of your periods. They may be every three weeks or every five weeks or become unpredictable. As menopause progresses, periods gradually get more infrequent, finally stopping altogether.

If you start having very frequent periods, heavy bleeding, or spotting between periods, you should see Dr. Itai Ronen or Dr. Pinky Ronen to make sure there’s no other cause for your symptoms.

Some women don’t experience any difficulty going through menopause, but for others, there is a range of symptoms that could affect their quality of life, such as:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Difficulty sleeping
• Vaginal dryness
• Depression
• Problems with concentration
• Difficulty remembering things

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms to a degree that’s affecting your life, then you should see our doctors for advice.

Can I still become pregnant during menopause?

If you still have periods, it’s possible you could become pregnant. Even if they’re infrequent, until you’ve not had a period for an entire year, there’s a chance you could conceive. If you’re sexually active, make sure you use birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

What treatments are available for menopause?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) using estrogen and progesterone is the most effective treatment for the symptoms of menopause, but there are potential side effects and it's not suitable for all women. Dr. Pinky Ronen and Dr. Itai Ronen can go through the benefits and risks of HRT with you at your consultation.

Other treatments, such as antidepressants and anti-seizure medication, can ease the symptoms of menopause. Topical estrogen creams and lubricants can ease vaginal dryness and prevent painful intercourse.

You can make a significant difference to your well-being during menopause by taking action toward leading a healthier lifestyle, eating a well-balanced diet, staying fit, and finding ways to tackle stress.

You should also start taking Vitamin D and calcium supplements, and speak to our doctors about bone density tests. Falling estrogen levels cause a loss of bone density that can lead to osteoporosis and an increased likelihood of fractures.

To find out more about managing your menopause, call our office or book an appointment online.