Menopause

Menopause happens to women at age 52 on average, and it can cause bothersome symptoms when not addressed. At GET WELLness SOON in Benton, Tennessee, compassionate family nurse practitioner Sally Moss, MSN, RN, APN, FNP-C, offers hormone therapy and other menopause treatments that ease symptoms and enhance your quality of life. Schedule an evaluation by phone or request one online today. 

What is menopause?

Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when she stops having menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months because of aging. It often occurs naturally during the 40s or 50s. Menopause can also happen because of a medical treatment, such as surgery. Regardless of why menopause occurs, it may contribute to hot flashes and other symptoms when not treated. 

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Menopause symptoms may include:

• Problems concentrating
• Weight gain
• Muscle loss
• Low libido
• Sexual dysfunction 
• Vaginal dryness
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Difficulty sleeping
• Low bone density
• Brain fog
• Infertility 
• Stopped periods
• Mood swings
• Irritability 
• Depression or anxiety
• Fatigue
• Hair or skin changes
• Slowed metabolism
• Urinary incontinence 

While mild menopause symptoms might not bother you much, symptoms are sometimes severe and can become crippling when not treated. 

Symptoms of menopause happen because of changes in hormone levels (often estrogen and progesterone). Treatment at GET WELLness SOON can restore balance and your quality of life. 

How are menopause symptoms diagnosed?

Sally diagnoses menopause by discussing your medical history and symptoms. She checks your vital signs and completes a physical exam if necessary. Sally also orders hormone testing to determine if your hormones are imbalanced. She may suggest you complete blood or saliva tests, depending on your preferences and individualized needs.

How are menopause symptoms treated?

Treating menopause symptoms at GET WELLness SOON may involve making lifestyle changes, participating in support groups, or trying hormone replacement therapy (HRT). For example, you might make diet or exercise changes, try stress management techniques, lose weight, or use hormone therapy to boost estrogen or progesterone levels and ease symptoms. Sally will help you develop an individualized plan that will work for you.

You may need hormonal creams, patches, pills, sprays, or gels to maintain balance. However, you might not be a candidate for hormone therapy if you have a history of cancer, heart problems, or similar chronic conditions.

Sally follows up to ensure your hormone levels stay within an ideal range and your symptoms subside. She orders periodic lab testing to monitor your hormone levels over time.

Schedule an in-office evaluation with Sally at GET WELLness SOON to determine if hormone treatment for menopause symptoms is right for you. You can also request an appointment online at any time.