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/sleep issues
• Depression
• Forgetfulness
• Fatigue
• Changes in libido (sex drive)
• Vaginal dryness
• Painful intercourse
• Headaches
• Skin changes/acne
• Thinning hair
• Joint pain

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – also known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Involves taking estrogren and progesterone or, in a women without a uterus, just estrogen.

Low-Dose Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills)

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHT) – also known as Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
These are man-made hormones that are the same as the hormones the body makes. This is an alternative method to conventional menopausal hormone therapy.

Lifestyle changes – the most cost-effective way to improve most symptoms. Read more about perimenopause & menopause lifestyle changes that could help you.

Prescription Medications – to help with hot flashes and moodiness

Over-the-Counter Medications – Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex

* Some women try herbs, soy and other phytoestrogens that come from plants to help relieve hot flashes and other unpleasant symptoms. Unfortunately, being “natural” does not always mean safe. Please consult your healthcare provider before trying any products.

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

Bone density testing, also known as a Dexa Scan, is available at our Edina location.

Bone deterioration during menopause can happen and having a bone density scan will help determine if you are at risk of developing osteoporosis before you have symptoms.

To find out more about the Dexa Scan and how to prepare for it, click here.

Our Perimenopause Workshop is taught by Krista Bernhoft Margolis, our Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners and Functional Medicine/Holistic Health Practitioner.