Dealing with the Early Stages of Menopause

Adjusting to the changes menopause brings can be challenging. Fortunately, your Arcadia, CA, OB/GYNs, Dr. Anya Rose and Dr. Megan Gau of Rose Women's Health, can offer strategies and treatments that will help reduce mood swings, hot flashes and other unpleasant symptoms.

How the early stages of menopause can affect you

Long before your period stops, you may experience a variety of symptoms due to declining estrogen levels. Common symptoms of peri-menopause (the eight to 10 years preceding menopause) may include:

• Longer, shorter, heavier, lighter or irregular periods
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Mood swings, irritability, depression or anxiety
• Dry skin
• Acne
• Vaginal dryness
• Painful sex
• Weight gain
• Insomnia
• Headaches and migraines
• Memory and concentration issues
• Incontinence

What you can do to relieve your symptoms

During your visit to your Arcadia, CA, OB/GYN, your doctor may recommend relieving your menopause symptoms by:

• Reducing Stress and Mood Swings Naturally: Exercise, sports, yoga, meditation and other activities can help reduce mood swings, anxiety, depression and stress. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, "feel good" chemicals that reduce stress and improve your mood. Exercise also helps you keep your muscles and body strong and reduces your risk of developing osteoporosis.
• Improving Your Diet: Do you rely on coffee or cola to stay focused at work? Too much caffeine may only aggravate your symptoms and make you feel more stressed. Cut back on caffeine, junk food, and fatty, fried foods. Instead focus on a diet that contains fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, healthy fats, and lean meat, poultry and fish. Foods that offer calcium and vitamin D are essential for good bone health. If you don't get enough calcium in your diet, supplements can be helpful.
• Wearing Layers: It's easier to control the sudden increase of heat caused by a hot flash when you can remove layers of clothing. Cotton clothing and fabrics that wick away moisture may be the most comfortable clothing choices.
• Use Lubricants: Vaginal lubricants and moisturizers relieve dryness and make sex more comfortable.
• Prescribing Medication: Your OB/GYN can prescribe a variety of medications that can be helpful, such as birth control pills, antidepressants, hormone therapy, vaginal creams, or drugs that reduce hot flashes.

Are you struggling with menopause symptoms? Call your OB/GYNs in Arcadia, CA, Dr. Rose and Dr. Gau of Rose Women's Health, at (626) 461-7071 to schedule an appointment.