A healthy vagina uses microorganisms to help defend us against things that can cause infection, including bacteria. Upsetting the balance can lead to problems like bacterial vaginosis. Fortunately, it is easily treated.
Menopause is a natural part of the reproductive cycle for women. The end of a woman’s menstrual cycle usually happens between the ages of 45-55, and it's diagnosed after a woman has gone a full year without a period.
With menopause comes several biological changes in the body that can impact many things, including mood. Thankfully, there are ways to help manage mood swings during this time.
Dr. Staci McHale and New Beginnings OB-GYN have over 25 years of experience helping women deal with menopause and many other issues.
Over time, the reproductive cycle slows down and eventually stops. The closer the body is to menopause the less the ovaries will produce the hormone estrogen.
The initial stage is called perimenopause, but the menstrual cycle doesn't stop until menopause. At that point, the production of hormones is very low and eggs have stopped completely. After this point, women are referred to as postmenopausal.
Among the many hormonal changes the body goes through during menopause (hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, libido changes, weight gain, hair thinning, joint aches and pains, etc.) emotional changes are typical of at least 23% of women.
Common mood swings during this time include:
These changes impact between 40-70% of women. The reduction of hormones over time is believed to impact the production of serotonin and norepinephrine. These are chemicals the body releases during moments of stress. The resulting hormonal imbalance from menopause can reduce these in the body and cause mood swings, among other things.
There are different medications and treatments available to ease the side effects. Counseling and lifestyle changes (changes in diet, sleep, and exercise) and support groups can be beneficial. Antidepressants and hormone therapy can also help, but long term hormone therapy can create other risks.
Reintroducing hormones back into the body has shown some benefits early in menopause. That said, long term use can cause cardiovascular problems or increase breast cancer risks. As a result, it's often recommended in moderation with other treatment options.
Each patient will need to get a specific treatment option from a specialist.
Help is available for managing these and other side effects during menopause. Make an appointment with Dr. McHale and New Beginnings OB-GYN today, so you can find the best way to help cope with these natural changes.
You Might Also Enjoy...
A healthy vagina uses microorganisms to help defend us against things that can cause infection, including bacteria. Upsetting the balance can lead to problems like bacterial vaginosis. Fortunately, it is easily treated.
Menopause is something all women go through, but no two experiences are exactly alike. While many women deal with unpleasant symptoms, you may be wondering if they are guaranteed to happen or if there’s any way to avoid them.
Your hormones are responsible for regulating and maintaining a lot of things that go on in your body, and any imbalance can create problems. How do you know if you have a hormone imbalance, and what can you do if so?
If you’re expecting during the summer, you may get self-conscious about the changes you’re going through, or feel like there’s not so much you can do to enjoy yourself. Read on to find ways to thrive during a summer pregnancy.
Vaginal atrophy is an irritating and painful condition that women often deal with after menopause. It can also create complications that may require treatment.
After months of carrying your child and finally giving birth, you are most likely overjoyed to welcome your newborn into the world. But are you ready for the unique challenges of that first night? Read on to find out.