Menopause Specialist
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Lydia Appiah-Dwamena, MD
OBGYN located in San Antonio, TX
The average age of menopause in the United States is 51, but you may notice changes associated with this shift in your fertility much sooner. Get supportive care for all stages of menopause from board-certified OB/GYN Lydia Appiah-Dwamena, MD, of Palo Alto Women’s Health Center in San Antonio. Whether you’re experiencing disruptive symptoms of perimenopause or are in the process of menopause and have questions about changes in your health, seek the caring, compassionate support offered at the office. Call today or book an appointment online to make your transition through menopause smooth and healthy.
Menopause Q & A
What is menopause?
Menopause is a time of transition in your hormone production and reproductive cycle. Clinically, it’s diagnosed as going 12 months without a period or ovulation.
Most women experience menopause naturally during the ages of 45-55. Some women may have a medical condition or undergo a hysterectomy or cancer treatment that brings about the transition sooner.
Many women sail through menopause with relative ease. Others, however, experience extreme fluctuations in hormones that are disruptive to their daily life and health.
What are common indications that I’m in menopause?
Not all women experience menopause symptoms. If you do, they can range in severity from mild to life-disrupting. You may have just one or two indications or experience a variety of symptoms. Usually, menopause symptoms begin several years before menopause, in a period known as perimenopause.
Symptoms that indicate your menopause transition is occurring include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Loss of libido
- Sleep disruptions
- Mood swings
- Depression or anxiety
- Joint or muscle ache
- Headaches
- Racing heartbeat
- Problems with bladder control
Women going through menopause often experience weight gain, fatigue, and trouble with concentration, too.
If you have any of these symptoms and they interfere with your daily life, contact Palo Alto Women’s Health Center to learn about options for treatment.
What are the options for treating menopause symptoms?
Menopause is a natural process, so treatment focuses on making you comfortable as your body changes. Dr. Appiah-Dwamena may offer HRT, or hormone replacement therapy, to help you restore hormonal balance and ease uncomfortable symptoms.
Hormone treatment can be administered as a cream, oral pills, pellets inserted under the skin, or as injections. The method of delivery and the exact dosage depends on your symptoms and health history.
Not every woman opts for hormone replacement therapy. You may benefit from lifestyle changes, laser treatments to resolve vaginal symptoms, and medications to relieve anxiety or depression. Dr. Appiah-Dwamena works with you to determine the best treatment plan for you.
You’ll also learn about health changes that occur with menopause, such as an increased risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and urinary issues, and how to manage them.
If you’re transitioning into menopause, seek the support of the experts at Palo Alto Women’s Health Center. Call the office or book online.
