Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center - (Page 54)

Q&A Managing Menopause Heather Wildebrandt, WHNP A women’s health nurse practitioner explains this transition Q What is menopause? Q What can i expect during menopause? Menopause is a natural transition in a woman’s life from her reproductive years into middle age. Menopause is reached when a woman’s ovaries fail and menstrual periods stop for 12 consecutive months. Though every woman has different genetics and lifestyles that contribute to her age at menopause, most women go through this transition in their late 40s to early 50s. The average age of menopause in the U.S. is 51. Menopause may be achieved instantly at any age if the ovaries are surgically removed, as with a total hysterectomy. call Menopause normally takes many years. The years leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, may include symptoms of menopause: changes to menstrual flow and timing, hot flashes, night sweats, increased irritability and decreased libido. As a woman becomes menopausal, she may also experience vaginal dryness, increased bladder and vaginal infections, trouble sleeping, body changes (decreased muscle and increased fat), weight gain, bone fractures, thinning of skin and increased body aches. Q hoW do i cope With the changes associated With menopause? Q What if lifestyle changes don’t Work? Simple lifestyle changes can greatly improve the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Consuming a healthy diet and participating in routine exercise can elevate the mood, lessen the occurrence of hot flashes and night sweats, and improve sleep patterns. Those simple lifestyle changes can also minimize weight gain and lessen a woman’s chance of a bone fracture. Other approaches include avoiding temperature extremes, layering clothing, keeping a fan available, sleeping near an open window, sucking on ice chips, stopping smoking, avoiding alcohol, reducing stress and practicing relaxation techniques. There are many nonprescription interventions that may be beneficial. Soy and red clover both contain plantderived estrogens that may help menopause symptoms. Black cohosh, dong quai and wild yam have also been used. Women experiencing significant symptoms should talk to their healthcare providers about prescription interventions. Nonhormone treatments that have been shown to be beneficial include venlafaxine, gabapentin, clonidine, cetirizine, and vitamins C and B complex. Hormonal therapy is available in multiple strengths and delivery modes and can be adjusted to meet each woman’s needs. Women who have previously undergone hysterectomy may consider estrogen treatment options that are available in oral tablets, patches, gels, lotions or mists. There are also vaginal estrogen creams, tablets and rings. In most cases, women who have a uterus will need to consider therapies that include estrogen and progesterone. Those combination therapies are available in pill and patch form. Looking for a Women’s Healthcare Provider? PCRMC has the right one for you! Call 573-364-9000 to set up your appointment today. 54 S PRing 2 013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Getting a Clear Picture
Stay in Rotation
Half-Century of Service
You’re the Star
Heart-to-Heart
Lighten Up!
Have No Fear
Work It!
Diane Keaton
What Are the Chances?
9 Symptoms Never to Ignore
When Allergies Attack
Virtual Health
Everyone Has a Story to Tell
Let Nature Take Its Course
Managing Menopause
Foundation
Auxiliary

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center