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
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2016spring-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2015winter-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2015fall-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2015summer-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2015spring-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2014winter-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2014fall-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2014summer-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2014spring-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2013winter-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/2012_pcrmc_cbr
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2013fall-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2013summer-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2013spring-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/2011_pcrmc_cbr
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2012winter-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2012fall-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2012summer-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2012spring-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2011winter-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2011fall-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2011summer-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2011spring-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/mcmurry/vimvigor_2010winter-pcrmc
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com