Every woman’s menopause experience is unique and benefits from individualized care. The all-female team of board-certified OB/GYNs at Main Street Obstetrics & Gynecology in Ventura, California, collaborates with you when developing a health plan for menopause. They use evidence-based care to ease symptoms and keep you in excellent physical and emotional health. Call the office to arrange your menopause consultation or schedule an appointment online today.

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What is menopause?

Menopause is the point in your life when you stop having your period. You reach menopause when you go 12 months in a row without menstruating.

However, menopause doesn’t happen all at once. Before you reach menopause, you go through a transitional period called perimenopause, which may start in your mid-40s.

During perimenopause, your hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) fluctuate, causing an irregular menstrual cycle. The hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause also cause the symptoms associated with the life transition.

What symptoms might I have during menopause?

Menopause symptoms vary in type and severity. Some women have mild symptoms that go unnoticed, while others have severe symptoms that disrupt daily life.

Common symptoms women experience during perimenopause and menopause include the following:

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Mood changes
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Hair loss
  • Dry skin
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Low libido

The hormonal changes that occur during menopause also affect bone health, increasing rate of bone loss and your risk of developing osteoporosis.

When should I talk to my OB/GYN about menopause?

You should talk to your OB/GYN at Main Street Obstetrics & Gynecology about menopause during your annual preventive care visits years before you start the transition. Your OB/GYN can tell you what to expect, how to recognize symptoms, and when to reach out for extra help.

The team also recommends coming in for an evaluation if you have symptoms that affect your daily life. They can perform a physical and pelvic exam and run lab work to check your hormone levels.

What are the treatments for menopause?

The team at Main Street Obstetrics & Gynecology takes a collaborative approach to care and works closely with you when developing your menopause treatment plan. Treatment depends on your symptoms and health history.

If you have severe symptoms, you may benefit from hormone therapy. The team offers many options, including FDA-approved bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT). Bioidentical hormones are plant-based hormones modified to match the structure and function of your natural hormones.

The team may suggest other therapies if you’re not a candidate for hormone therapy because you have a history of breast cancer or heart disease. This might include gabapentin to relieve hot flashes and vaginal lubricants to reduce vaginal discomfort.

You can’t stop menopause, but you don’t have to suffer through the symptoms. Call Main Street Obstetrics & Gynecology or schedule an appointment online today.