AllCare's Dr. Sylvia Akenji appeared on "The Weekly Check-Up" on October 12 to inform listeners about the importance of having a primary care...
Menopause Management in Georgia
Manage Menopause Symptoms Effectively
At AllCare Primary & Immediate Care, we understand how menopause symptoms can affect your daily life. Our experienced health experts are dedicated to helping you navigate the unique symptoms of menopause. From menopause therapy and non-hormonal therapies to comprehensive menopause care and HRT, we prioritize your well-being every step of the way.
The Importance of Menopause Treatment:
Our Approach to Managing Menopause
Every woman experiences menopause differently. For some, their symptoms may affect how they feel both physically and emotionally. In addition to menopause, we also treat other hormonal conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This hormonal imbalance causes women to produce less estrogen and more androgens, otherwise known as male hormones. PCOS can be diagnosed at any time after puberty, and it’s a lifelong condition that needs to be managed even after menopause.
There are many ways to manage menopause symptoms, and sometimes, it may take time to find what works for you. At AllCare Primary & Immediate Care, we offer a comprehensive approach to healthcare for all women, including those experiencing symptoms of peri- or post-menopause. Our all-in-one model of care means you can receive your annual wellness check, preventative care, and specialty services, including treatment for menopause symptoms and PCOS treatments, in one convenient location. By streamlining your care through one menopause doctor at AllCare Primary & Immediate Care, we can eliminate your need to see separate specialists.
Our Menopause Treatments & Management in Georgia
Menopause Treatment
Through personalized care, we provide guidance and support for managing menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, mood changes, and hormonal adjustments, promoting women’s overall well-being during this transitional phase.
Menopause Test
Comprehensive menopause testing and diagnostic assessments are conducted to understand and address menstrual disorders, such as irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or menstrual pain, helping women achieve optimal menstrual health.
Blood Tests
Blood tests play a critical role in evaluating overall health. In the case of menopause, blood tests may be performed to rule out other conditions, like hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), that present with the same symptoms. Blood tests can also detect irregular hormone levels, which can indicate perimenopause.
Perimenopause Treatment
Our perimenopause treatment includes bone health screenings, personalized medications or hormone therapies for menopause relief, and lifestyle advice to manage hot flashes and stress. We also provide specialist referrals for any related health concerns.
Osteoporosis
Screening, prevention, and management of osteoporosis focus on bone health, including assessment of bone density and implementing strategies to reduce the risk of fractures and maintain skeletal strength.
Menopause Supplements & Menopause Medication
Medications may be prescribed to help ease your symptoms. They may include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or vaginal estrogen, menopause vitamins like vitamin D prescriptions, and medications that treat depression and osteoporosis.
PCOS Treatment
Evaluation and management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), including hormonal imbalances and associated symptoms, are offered to support women in optimizing their reproductive health and overall well-being.
What Are the Stages of Menopause?
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. For every woman, menopause doesn’t just occur overnight; it happens in three stages:
- Perimenopause— is the transitional phase leading up to menopause and can start in a woman’s 40s, though it may begin earlier for some. During this stage, we can identify early signs of menopause as the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, causing hormonal fluctuations that lead to symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. During this time, menstrual cycles may become longer or shorter, and ovulation may become unpredictable, signaling the body’s changing reproductive system.
- Menopause— occurs when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. This typically happens between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average onset around age 51. During menopause, the ovaries stop releasing eggs and significantly reduce their production of estrogen and progesterone. Common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and an increased risk of bone loss.
- Postmenopause—this is the stage following menopause. Hormone levels remain low, and periods no longer occur. Some symptoms, such as hot flashes, may gradually subside, but the decline in estrogen leads to an increased risk of health issues like osteoporosis and heart disease. During postmenopause, women focus on managing these health risks and symptoms that persist, such as vaginal dryness or decreased libido.
Who Can Benefit from Menopause Care?
Women of all ages who are experiencing symptoms of menopause or polycystic ovarian syndrome that affect their quality of life or overall health can benefit by scheduling an appointment to discuss their symptoms. Here are some examples of individuals who can benefit from menopause specialists:
- Anyone who is experiencing heavy bleeding, spotting, or bleeding after sex
- People who have irregular periods, whether they’re close together, last more than a week, or have gone a year without bleeding
- Those with hot flashes that disrupt their daily activities
- Women who have had their ovaries removed or have stopped having periods before age 45
- Those experiencing mood swings or increasing irritability
- Anyone who is noticing changes in sexual desire
- Those who may be leaking urine when coughing or sneezing
- Anyone experiencing short-term memory problems
- People feeling an urgent need to urinate more frequently
- Those who may be experiencing excessive facial hair growth
How Do I Get an Appointment with a Menopause Doctor
conditions, like heart attacks, heart disease, osteoporosis, UTIs, and more. AllCare Primary & Immediate Care offers convenient appointments that fit your schedule with experts who understand the unique needs of women.
- Come in for Your Appointment: You can schedule your menopause management appointment online or by contacting AllCare Primary & Immediate Care. For your convenience, we also offer telehealth appointments to accommodate your busy schedule.
- Share Your Medical History: During your consultation, provide relevant medical information to help our doctors better understand your medical history, current symptoms, and overall health.
- Receive Your Exam: Your exam may include tests to determine hormone levels or additional testing to rule out other conditions. If, for any reason, you require further evaluation or treatment, we can coordinate care with other local specialists, including cardiologists, gynecologists, and dermatologists, to name a few.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does menopause start?
Menopause can begin anytime between the ages of 30 and 60, with 51 or 52 being the average age. In addition to natural menopause, it can also occur due to a medical or surgical procedure, including:
- Premature menopause usually occurs before the age of 40 and is known as primary ovarian insufficiency. Some causes of premature menopause include smoking and exposure to radiation or chemotherapy that damages the ovaries.
- Surgical menopause is the result of the removal of one or both ovaries or after radiation to the pelvis, which can damage the ovaries. Women who have had surgical menopause may experience more severe and sudden symptoms versus those who undergo menopause naturally.
What are some common symptoms of menopause?
While there are many different menopause symptoms, they vary between women. Some have fewer and less severe symptoms, while others have symptoms that disrupt their daily lives. Some of the most common menopause symptoms include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Anxiety
- Vaginal atrophy
- Urinary incontinence
- Heart palpitations
- Excess facial hair growth
- Mood changes, including depression and irritability
- Brain fog
- Sleep disturbances
How can I get relief from hot flashes?
A decrease in estrogen causes your body temperature to fluctuate—sometimes wildly. For some, hormone therapy can provide relief, but it’s important to speak with your doctor to determine if the benefits outweigh the risks. You can also try some practical ways to reduce your hot flashes, like:
- Dressing in layers so you can easily remove clothing when a hot flash begins
- Avoiding spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and other foods and beverages that may raise your body temperature
- Reducing stress levels
- Drinking cold water or fruit juice when a hot flash starts
- Keep an ice pack or a thermos of ice water next to your bed at night
- Wear cotton clothing and use cotton sheets or other materials that allow your skin to breathe
- Keep a journal of your symptoms to help identify triggers
How long does menopause last?
More intense symptoms, especially during perimenopause, can last six months to two years. Even after you have not had a period for 12 months, you may still experience symptoms, although they should be milder.
When should I see a doctor to help manage my menopause symptoms?
It’s important to talk with your doctor if you have any questions about the symptoms you may be having, especially if they are affecting your ability to do everyday activities. You should also contact your doctor if you experience bleeding after menopause, which could have many causes, including vaginal atrophy, fibroids, a thickening of the uterine lining, also known as endometrial hyperplasia, or certain types of cancer.
Prioritize your health today:
schedule your Menopause Management appointment
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