While you’ve likely seen menopausal women portrayed in the media as irritable and suffering from hot flashes, the truth is there is so much more.

If you’re in perimenopause, the period of time when hormones are declining and you’re having symptoms but haven’t yet stopped menstruating, you need the best menopause doctor near Alexandria to help!

Here’s what you should know about “the change” that every woman lucky enough to get older will ultimately endure.

Perimenopause Can Start up to 10 Years Before You Hit Menopause

We often think of menopause as lasting for a few years with a sudden onset of symptoms that just as suddenly stop when it’s over around the age of 50.

But menopause itself is technically only a very brief period of time that is marked when it’s been one year since your last menstrual cycle.

Perimenopause is the transitional phase before you stop menstruating when most of the signs of menopause start to appear. And it can last a long time.

You may be having symptoms and not even know it. These effects can start in your early 40s and have you thinking you’re losing your mind.

Common signs you might not be associating with the end of your reproductive years include:

• Irregular periods, which can be changes in your cycle length, number of days you menstruate, how heavy or light your flow is, and discomfort
• Hot flashes, especially at night
• Vaginal dryness
• Low libido
• Sleep changes, including insomnia (trouble falling asleep and / or staying asleep)
• Irritability
• Anxiety and / or depression
• Fatigue
• Memory lapses
• Digestive issues
• Thinning hair
• Weight gain
• Headaches
• Joint pain
• Breast tenderness

There are even issues that can result, such as dental problems due to decreased bone density. Menopause can also accelerate the aging process due to its effects on your skin. It can lead to less elasticity, as well skin dryness and thinning.

Seeing the Best Menopause Doctor Near Alexandria Can Really Improve Your Quality of Life

As you can probably tell from all of the symptoms above, menopause is a complex process that can affect every part of your body and affect your physical, mental, and emotional health. The symptoms vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe.

A good menopause specialist can help you navigate this transition and provide you with a personalized treatment plan. They have expertise in menopause-related issues to help you manage your symptoms, monitor your health, and provide you with guidance and support throughout the process.

There Are Treatments Available to Restore Health

There are many treatments and therapies available that can help relieve the symptoms of menopause.

Some of the most effective treatments include:

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy through the use of hormones that are chemically identical to ones that are naturally produced by your body
• Lifestyle changes, such as managing stress, incorporating whole foods into your diet, getting regular exercise, and developing a sleep routine
• Alternative therapies, including Acupuncture, massage, and herbal supplements
• MonaLisa Touch for vaginal rejuvenation, which can address vaginal dryness and the resulting discomfort during sexual intercourse

You Don’t Have to Suffer Alone

As more studies are being done on women’s health, more women are starting to better understand their bodies and get the help they need to manage distressing symptoms. That also means that more help is available from menopause specialists and better treatments are on their way!

Symptom Relief Is Just the Beginning When You Choose The Menopause Center

For the best menopause doctor near Alexandria, turn to The Menopause Center in Vienna, Northern Virginia’s premier women’s health center. Here, Dr. Melinda Hall and team have the expertise you need to help reclaim your life!

Call us at 703-991-6806 today to book your visit and be on the road to better health!