Menopause is a natural part of every woman’s life. However, menopause also causes symptoms that affect a woman’s physical and mental health. Board-certified OB/GYN Maureen Khoo, MD, FACOG, is a perimenopause and menopause expert. At Women’s Health Specialist in Los Gatos and Mountain View, California, she offers expert care and treatment options that can ease your symptoms as you go through the “change of life.” To schedule a menopause evaluation, call the office closest to you or book an appointment online.
request an appointmentWhen a woman hits menopause, it marks the end of her ability to get pregnant. You reach menopause after going 12 months in a row without your period. It occurs because your ovaries no longer produce enough hormones, including estrogen and progesterone.
Estrogen and progesterone work together to control your menstrual cycle. Estrogen also affects how your body uses calcium and helps maintain normal blood cholesterol levels.
The hormonal changes that occur with menopause are a normal part of a woman’s aging process. Most American women reach menopause in their late 40s or early 50s.
However, menopause doesn’t happen all at once.
What is perimenopause?
Before you reach menopause, you go through a transitional period called perimenopause. During perimenopause, your hormone levels fluctuate and you may experience irregularities in your menstrual cycle.
Perimenopause may start up to 10 years before you officially reach menopause. However, during the last year or two, your estrogen levels may fall dramatically, and you may start to experience some of the common symptoms associated with menopause, such as:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Low libido
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood changes
- Difficulty concentrating
The severity of these symptoms can vary from mild to severe.
Dr. Khoo has held many talks and written media articles on menopause. She is an expert in treating the transitions of perimenopause and menopause. No matter the severity of your symptoms, she can help.
What can I expect during a menopause consultation?
When you visit Dr. Khoo for management of your menopause, you can expect a personalized evaluation. She takes the time needed to fully understand your symptoms and health needs so she can help you get the best treatment to ease your transition.
During your consultation, she reviews your symptoms, menstrual cycle, and gynecological history. Then, she performs a physical and pelvic exam. She also runs blood work to assess your hormone levels and screen you for health issues.
How is menopause treated?
Dr. Khoo gives you expert advice on your menopause treatment options. She works with you to develop a personalized plan that fits your needs and preferences.
Your menopause treatment plan may include:
- Lifestyle modifications
- Nutritional supplements
- Hormone therapy
- Nonhormonal medications to ease hot flashes
- A low-dose antidepressant to improve mood
Menopause is a major milestone in every woman’s life. Though your experience is unique to you, Dr. Khoo can help you get through perimenopause and menopause without it affecting your daily life.
To learn more about your menopause treatment options, call the office or book online today.