Menopause

Menopause can be a challenging time in a woman’s life, but partnering with a highly skilled women’s health professional can make the process far easier to navigate. Eve Jacobs, MSN, CRNP, WHNP-BC, of Women Wise Holistic Healthcare and Wellness in the Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offers personalized menopause care that can help. Begin today by calling to check appointment availability or spending a few moments requesting an appointment online.

What is menopause?

The Peri-menopause and menopause transition is a natural biological process that occurs as women age, and the ovaries stop making eggs, estrogen and progesterone as menstruation ceases. Once you’ve gone without a period for a year, you are menopausal.

Peri-Menopause usually begins between the ages of 45-55, although some women experience symptoms years earlier. Peri and menopausal hot flash symptoms usually last around seven years, but some women can experience symptoms for 10 years or longer. 

Medications, other health conditions and ovarian surgery can also trigger menopause, causing sudden symptoms. Your overall health and wellness will impact your menopausal experience.

What are some signs you might be in menopause?

Women live a third of their life post menopause.

Symptoms of menopause typically abate for most women after 4 to 7 years of their last period. Perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Abnormal periods (if you have not gone without menses for a year)
• Mood swings
• Vaginal dryness
• Urinary issues
• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Memory and cognitive issues

Some women only notice one or two of these changes, while others may experience numerous changes that are incredibly disruptive.

Are there treatments that can help with menopause?

If you find that menopause brings uncomfortable changes affecting your quality of life, there are treatments that can help. Your practitioner can work with you to determine the best course of action and will generally start with natural lifestyle changes and strategies.

Hormone replacement therapy is the most common type of medical treatment for menopause. This approach uses supplemental hormones to restore a better balance with your declining hormone production.

It can take up to 6 months to find the right hormone therapy and balance to address your symptoms. You’ll have plenty of support and guidance as you navigate hormone replacement therapy. Another alternative is using low-dose SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors).

Your practitioner can also guide you toward natural modalities. There are herbal remedies that can address numerous issues, but it’s important to understand that some herbal products can interfere with your normal medications.

After menopause, the risks of heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancer increase. Eve will be sure to assess and monitor your overall health and recommend appropriate screening tests.

When you’re ready to learn more about menopause care, call Women Wise Holistic Healthcare and Wellness to find a time that fits your life. Online appointment requests are also an option and can be done from home, any time of day or night.