Menopause

You expect to deal with hot flashes and mood swings, but many other menopause challenges take women by surprise, like painful sex. No matter what menopause problem you face, you will find understanding and compassion at Feminine Urgicare in Paramus and Clifton, New Jersey. This urgent care clinic specializes in women’s health care, including helping women navigate menopause and get relief from their symptoms. You can call or book online to schedule an appointment, but you’re welcome to walk in without calling ahead.

When does menopause begin?

On average, women are 51 when they reach menopause, but menopause begins long before your periods end. In the years before menopause (perimenopause), your hormones start to fluctuate.

Many women (but not all) have irregular periods during perimenopause. You can also experience hot flashes and mood swings during this time.

Menopause begins when your estrogen production drops and you stop having menstrual periods. You reach full menopause after going 12 consecutive months without having a period.

What symptoms occur during menopause? 

Estrogen regulates your reproductive system and has a crucial role in many other systems throughout your body. For example, estrogen influences areas in your brain that control your body temperature, thinking, and mood.

You also need estrogen to produce collagen and build bones. In the first few years after menopause, women have an incredibly high risk of losing bone density and developing osteoporosis.

 When you no longer have enough estrogen, many possible symptoms develop, including:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Mood swings
• Vaginal dryness
• Low sex drive
• Pain during sex
• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Memory problems
• Depression
• Dry skin
• Insomnia
• Weight gain

Without estrogen, a woman’s vaginal lining becomes thin, fragile, and dry, a condition called vaginal atrophy. An estimated 40% to 57% of women have vaginal atrophy after menopause, which is why sex becomes uncomfortable or painful.

How are menopause symptoms managed?

At Feminine Urgicare, women’s health specialists recommend lifestyle changes to improve mild menopause symptoms. You may be able to manage hot flashes by carrying a small fan, dressing in layers, or avoiding foods that trigger hot flashes.

Moderate to severe or long-lasting symptoms may need hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT relieves all menopause symptoms and also prevents chronic diseases caused by low estrogen levels.

Most women can safely use HRT, but you can be confident knowing your Feminine Urgicare provider carefully evaluates your medical history and current health to be sure you can safely take hormones.

Women with a history of estrogen-sensitive cancers, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, or blood clots may not be able to take hormones.

Feminine Urgicare welcomes women needing menopause care at its urgent care clinic. You can walk in or book an appointment by calling or booking online.