Menopause marks a significant phase in a woman’s life, accompanied by a variety of symptoms ranging from hot flashes and vaginal dryness to changes in mood and bone density.
For women in Alexandria, VA, understanding the spectrum of menopause symptoms and the available treatments is crucial in making informed decisions about their health.
DiscovHER Health, a women’s wellness clinic specializing in menopause, pelvic pain, Urogyn, and other complex gynecologic conditions, is at the forefront of providing compassionate and comprehensive care for women navigating this transitional period.
Some women have easy menopause with small problems that don’t need a doctor’s help, but others have bigger problems that make daily life hard.
Things like feeling very hot can last a long time for some women, making them feel uncomfortable. Trying to live healthier and using simple treatments from the store can help, but if the problems are really bad, there are special medicines doctors can give, like hormone therapy (HT), to make them feel better.
Hormone therapy, involving estrogen and, for women with a uterus, an additional hormone called progestogen, is a highly effective treatment for relieving menopause symptoms.
While estrogen targets symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, progestogen is essential for protecting the uterus. For localized symptoms like vaginal dryness, low doses of estrogen applied directly to the vagina can be beneficial without the need to take progestogen.
Every woman goes through menopause differently because of her health background and what she thinks about different treatments.
At DiscovHER Health in Alexandria, VA, our doctors help you understand what you’re feeling and your choices for treatment, including the good and bad sides of using hormone therapy (HT).
It’s really important to think about how much HT can help with sleep, feeling happy, focusing, and making life better overall, but also to know the risks that might come with it.
Choosing to undergo hormone therapy is a personal decision that should be made with the guidance of your healthcare provider.
Options vary from pills to patches, gels, creams, and vaginal rings, allowing for a tailored approach to managing symptoms. The goal is to find a treatment that effectively addresses your symptoms with minimal side effects.
While hormone therapy is an effective solution for many, it’s not without its risks and side effects, such as breast tenderness, nausea, and irregular bleeding.
However, these side effects are generally manageable and often resolved by adjusting the treatment. Additionally, the risk of conditions such as stroke, blood clots, and certain cancers is slightly increased with HT, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment plans developed in close consultation with your healthcare provider.
At DiscovHER Health in Alexandria, VA, we understand the complexities of menopause and are committed to supporting women through this chapter of their lives.
Whether you’re considering hormone therapy or seeking alternatives, our team is here to provide the information and care you need to navigate menopause with confidence.
For more information on menopause and the treatments available, visit DiscovHER Health, your local Alexandria, VA women’s wellness clinic dedicated to empowering women through every stage of life.
Jenna Perkins is a board certified Women’s Health and Gender Related Nurse Practitioner with extensive knowledge and experience in Urogynecology, Pelvic Pain, Sexual Health, and complex Gynecology. She is founder of DiscovHER Health, Northern Virginia’s premier destination for women’s healthcare and expertly curated products.
We are located in Alexandria, Virginia and serve patients from all over the Mid-Atlantic including Washington DC, Alexandria, Baltimore, and Chevy Chase
Join us at Balian Springs on August 15th for a transformative experience at DiscovHER Health’s “Tame the Taboo” event!
Dive deep into the essential aspects of women’s intimate health and wellness, with expert insights, hands-on workshops, and holistic treatments designed just for you.
When: Saturday, August 24th
Where: at Balian Springs, Alexandria’s Premier Day Spa
Limited spots are available! Reserve your place now and embark on a journey to better health and confidence.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, connect, and rejuvenate. Discover the best version of you with DiscovHER Health.