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Menopause

Menopause

Menopause services offered in Edina and Burnsville, MN

Menopause is a very natural process. Management is aimed at reducing the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Many women will not seek treatment for their symptoms if they are not overly bothersome. If treatment is desired to reduce symptoms, there are many options available. You can always discuss options with the team of healthcare providers at Southdale ObGyn, with two locations in Edina and Burnsville, Minnesota. For expert perimenopause and menopause care, contact the office nearest you by phone or online today.

Menopause Q & A

What are the symptoms of menopause?

While there are many possible symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, most women will only experience some of the following symptoms:

  • Irregular or skipped periods
  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Hot flashes
  • Insomnia or sleep issues
  • Depression
  • Forgetfulness
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in libido (sex drive)
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Painful intercourse
  • Headaches
  • Skin changes/acne
  • Thinning hair
  • Joint pain

The menopausal transition most often begins between ages 45 and 55 years. It usually lasts about seven years but can be as long as 14 years. The duration can depend on lifestyle factors such as smoking, the age it begins, ethnicity, and race.

What are some treatments for menopause?

To manage menopause symptoms, your provider may recommend:

Hormone therapies

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), also known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT),

Involves taking estrogen and progesterone. For women without a uterus, just estrogen is taken.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHT), also known as Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), are artificial hormones that are the same as the hormones the body makes. These are alternative treatment methods to conventional menopausal hormone therapy. Low-Dose Oral Contraceptives (birth control pills) are another option.

Non-hormone therapies

The team might recommend prescription medications to help with hot flashes and moodiness such as SSRIs. Over-the-counter medications can also help with vaginal dryness and discomfort experienced during sex. Lifestyle changes are the most cost-effective way to improve most menopause symptoms. 

Some women try herbs, soy, and other phytoestrogens from plants to help relieve hot flashes and other unpleasant symptoms. Unfortunately, being natural doesn’t always mean being safe. Please consult your health care provider before trying any products.

MonaLisa Touch

MonaLisa Touch® is a fast, simple, and safe laser treatment that takes less than 5 minutes.

Bone density testing

Bone deterioration during menopause can happen, and having a bone density scan, such as a DEXA Scan (or DXA scan), will help determine if you are at risk of developing osteoporosis before you have symptoms.

In addition to the listed treatments, Southdale ObGyn hosts a Perimenopause Workshop taught by Krista Bernhoft Margolis, the OBGYN practice’s Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Functional Medicine and Holistic Health Practitioner and Mondays: Let’s Talk Menopause with Krista Margolis.

Southdale ObGyn knows that women want, need, and expect options for their health care. The OBGYN practice’s top doctors, certified nurse midwives, and certified nurse practitioners provide personalized care for women in all stages of life, and they would love to care for you.

Find answers to your top questions and learn more about the services that could be right for you. Call the office to schedule your visit, or request an appointment online.