Consulting a Medical Professional for Menopause (or Perimenopause) Symptoms: When Is It Necessary?

Severe menopause symptoms don't have to leave you feeling helpless and uncomfortable. Say goodbye to the outdated advice of suffering in silence and welcome the new era of menopause management!

Whether it's hot flashes, sudden heavy periods, or painful intercourse, you deserve a well-rounded menopause strategy that takes your unique needs into account.

Dr. Pelin Batur, a menopause expert, emphasizes the importance of modernizing the conversation around menopause: "Grinning and bearing it" is no longer an acceptable approach. The focus should be on fostering wellness, listening to women, and considering the broader picture for each individual woman.

Here's when you need to drop your concerns with a healthcare provider:

Menstrual Woes

Think of perimenopause as the backstage pass to the main event (which, in this case, is menopause). Perimenopause can start up to a decade before menopause, and you may start experiencing symptoms such as irregular cycles.

"Perimenopause is typically a transitional phase when women experience wonky menstrual cycles," Dr. Batur acknowledges. "Generally, this marks the last few years before your final menstrual cycle."

Skipped Periods

You should talk to your healthcare provider about skipped periods, whether they seem bothersome or not. "I think everyone should see their doctor once a year anyway," says Dr. Batur. "If you're starting to skip for prolonged periods of time, bring it up."

Your healthcare provider will want to ensure there's no underlying reason for your periods stopping, like a thyroid issue. They'll also help you plan health measures as you start losing some of the protective benefits of estrogen, which may increase your cardiovascular risks.

Dramatic Changes

If your periods lengthen, become twice as heavy, or come with new or heavy spotting between cycles, take note and share your observations with your healthcare provider.

Heavier Pockets, Down There

You may still be having regular periods regarding timing, but perimenopause can lead to a change in how it feels down below. If your vagina is feeling dry and irritated, it's time to seek options.

Dryness

Try over-the-counter lubricants or moisturizers to help ease vaginal discomfort. If things get worse, discuss hormonal treatments like creams, vaginal rings, or suppositories with your provider. Vaginal dryness is usually a worsening problem rather than an improving one, so it's worth exploring treatment options.

Painful Sex

Vaginal dryness can lead to painful sex, but it might be confused with low libido. If sex hurts, talk to your provider about other potential causes, like vaginal dryness, and possible treatments.

Urinary Issues

If you're experiencing frequent UTIs, or any burning, pain, or blood in your urine, discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider. This could be due to genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which can impact the urinary system.

Ready to Conquer the Heatwave

Sudden, intense heat spells during menopause are unpredictable and can be jarring. If hot flashes are disrupting your daily life, affecting sleep, or causing embarrassing situations, it's time to discuss treatments with your provider. Non-prescription remedies, such as bioidentical hormone products, can help bring relief.

Throwing a Sleep Sequella

Sleep interruptions can have a range of causes, but symptoms such as night sweats or disrupted sleep during menopause are common. If your sleep is affected, bringing it up with your healthcare provider can help identify potential causes and suggest effective treatments.

Stay informed, speak up, and seek the care you deserve during menopause. At every stage of this transformation, you deserve comfort, wellness, and a fulfilling life.

[1] Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Menopausal Symptoms: Causes, Tips, and Treatments. [Accessed April 17, 2023]. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11849-menopausal-symptoms-causes-tips-and-treatments

[2] Grant-Kels, C., Rottman, R., & Bates, C. (2016). Nutrition and the Menopausal Client. SIGNA publication. [Accessed April 17, 2023]. https://www.signapub.com/article/nutrition-and-the-menopausal-client

[3] National Institute on Aging. (2022). Menopause: Fact Sheet for Women. [Accessed April 17, 2023]. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/menopause-fact-sheet-women

[4] North American Menopause Society. (2021). NAMS Health Care Provider Directory. [Accessed April 17, 2023]. https://nams.org/education-and-resources/for-women/nams-health-care-provider-directory/

[5] Women's Health Concern. (2018). Menopause: Overview. [Accessed April 17, 2023]. https://www.womens-health-concern.org/health-and-wellbeing/menopause/menopause-overview/

Embracing health-and-wellness practices can significantly improve women's experiences during menopause, helping to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
The intersection of science and women's health has led to advancements in menopause management, offering a multitude of treatment options for issues like vaginal dryness or painful sexual intercourse.
Incorporating a lifestyle focused on overall health, informed by professional advice and personal needs, can lead to a more comfortable menopause journey for both women and men.