Menopause Specialist

Atlantic OB/GYN Associates, PC

Board Certified OBGYN & Primary Care located in Brick, NJ

As you move towards the end of your fertility and menstrual periods, the medical team at Atlantic OB/GYN Associates, PC in Brick, New Jersey, can help you manage the sometimes-overwhelming symptoms of menopause. Whether you need customized hormone replacement therapy or resources to help you cope with menopause-related changes, you can rely on the support of Vanita Patel, MD, at Atlantic OB/GYN Associates, PC. Schedule a consultation to discuss your menopause concerns by calling the office or by requesting an appointment online today.

732-202-7458

Menopause Q&A

What is menopause?

Menopause begins in a woman's life when she hasn’t had a period for 12 consecutive months. While the average age for the start of the menopause is 51, you may begin experiencing the beginnings of it in your 30s or 40s.

The transitional time before you stop having periods for good is known as perimenopause. It’s during this time that your hormones begin to fluctuate and decline.

The loss of your reproductive hormones, especially estrogen, can result in a variety of symptoms. For some women, the transition to menopause is smooth and free of complications. However, many women also experience a number of symptoms severe enough to affect their quality of life.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Women can experience a wide range of symptoms that relate to the decline of their reproductive hormones. One of the first signs you may be headed towards menopause is a change in your periods. You may have irregular periods or experience heavy periods that last longer than normal.

Other common symptoms of menopause include:

Hot flashes
Mood swings
Memory issues
Vaginal dryness
Painful sex
Depression and anxiety

As you get older and your hormone levels change, you may also be at risk for pelvic organ prolapse, a condition where your pelvic organs fall down and into the vaginal canal.

To determine if symptoms you’re having relate to menopause and not another underlying condition, Dr. Patel at Atlantic OB/GYN Associates, PC can draw a sample of your blood to evaluate your hormone levels.

What treatments are available to treat menopause symptoms?

While there’s no way to avoid or prevent menopause, Dr. Patel can work with you to relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Treatments options include:

Hormone replacement therapy

A common treatment option for menopause-related symptoms is hormone replacement therapy. Your provider may recommend a low-dose birth control or synthetic hormones to rebalance your hormone levels and ease hot flashes, anxiety, and other symptoms.

If you can’t tolerate hormones or are not a good candidate for them, your provider can also customize a treatment plan using lifestyle changes and other therapies.

Sexual dysfunction therapies

Some women benefit from hormone replacement therapies to address sexual dysfunction and pain. Your provider may also recommend lifestyle changes, over-the-counter lubricants, and pelvic floor exercises to reduce pain and increase sexual function and pleasure.

Pelvic prolapse surgery

If you have pelvic organ prolapse, you may be a candidate for surgery to reposition and stabilize your pelvic floor organs if conservative therapies aren’t enough.

Dr. Patel at Atlantic OB/GYN Associates, PC works closely with you to ensure treatments are effective at controlling your symptoms and that your transition to menopause is easier.

Find out more about options for treating mood swings, hot flashes, and other symptoms of menopause by calling Atlantic OB/GYN Associates, PC or by requesting an appointment online today.