Want to understand more about menopause and the need for continued care throughout this stage of a woman’s life? Every woman will experience menopause, as it is a natural occurrence that marks a new stage in her life. While some women will experience minimal symptoms, others will experience severe symptoms. This fact makes it essential for every woman to make an OBGYN appointment when in the beginning stages of menopause.
Learning what the three stages of menopause are will help women understand when they are entering the first stage. Once they enter this first stage, it is time for them to be under the care of a medical professional. The first stage is perimenopause and is a time when the estrogen levels begin to rapidly change. The second stage is menopause and is a time when a woman’s menstruation cycle stops. The third and last stage is postmenopause, which does not mark the end of menopause and instead means that a woman’s symptoms will continue and/or she may even experience new symptoms.
The list below includes continued care information for women who are going through menopause. Women who experience extreme menopausal symptoms are encouraged to ask their OBGYN for a referral for counseling services. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, estrogen levels gradually declining may bring on depression.
During this first stage and menopause, a woman will need to undergo a general health screening and a gynecological examination. Once the results are in hand, she will be offered a variety of perimenopausal treatments to address any symptoms she is currently experiencing, e.g., hot flashes, fatigue, mood changes or sleeplessness. This beginning stage of menopause is a time when the symptoms are new, making medical care very important during this time.
Once a woman reaches actual menopause, her health needs will often change. Care during this second stage of menopause may include taking hormonal medications, non-hormonal medications, signing up for sexual therapy and/or alternative treatments. This menopausal stage is one that affects women differently, making it essential for them to be under the care of an experienced OBGYN to monitor this stage.
Postmenopause starts one year after a woman has had her last period. Since many women still experience hot flashes, mood changes and other menopause-related symptoms for years after entering postmenopause, they still need to be under the care of an experienced and caring OBGYN. This menopausal stage can also lead to a woman being diagnosed with other conditions, like urinary incontinence, vulva irritation and pelvic organ prolapse.
Women who are entering menopause need professional medical care from the very beginning stages to the very end stages of menopause. This transition in a woman’s life can have quite an impact on her health and overall well-being, making it necessary to be under the care of an OBGYN. No matter what stage of menopause you are in, continued care is essential. Ready to make an appointment?
Request an appointment here: https://eckhardtobgyn.com or call Donald Eckhardt Jr., M.D. , Kari Eckhardt W.H.N.P., C.N.M. at (346) 201-4716 for an appointment in our Tomball office.
Check out what others are saying about our menopause services on Yelp: Menopause in Tomball, TX.
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