Menopause Specialist
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Women's Executive Healthcare, P.C.
Drina A. Northam, MD
Medical Aesthetics Provider & Obstetrician/Gynecologist located in City Center, Newport News, VA
If you’re having trouble coping with symptoms of menopause and feeling confused or lonely, don’t worry. This process is a natural part of aging. Perimenopause usually starts in your 40s, but it can start as early as your mid-30s, and in some cases even sooner. At Women’s Executive Healthcare, OBGYN in Newport News, Virginia, Dr. Drina Northam offers sympathetic support for and treatment of perimenopause and menopause symptoms. Schedule a consultation by phone now to learn more about menopause treatments.
Menopause Q & A
What is menopause?
Menopause is the time when you stop getting your periods for at least twelve consecutive months. The average age of menopause for women in the United States is 51, but you can reach menopause before or after your 50s.
Perimenopause is the time before you reach menopause and can last for one to 10 years before your periods stop altogether.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
When you start the transition into menopause, your body’s production of reproductive hormones begins to decrease in an inconsistent, unpredictable way.
Throughout perimenopause and menopause, you may experience a wide range of symptoms that range from mild to severe. These symptoms can be frightening and confusing, and may include:
- Irregular periods
- No periods
- Confusion and memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Changes in sex drive
Menopausal symptoms can affect your physical, mental, and emotional health. They can also mimic other health conditions, so they require a professional evaluation by Dr. Northam to determine the proper course of treatment.
What are the treatments for menopause?
Dr. Northam reviews your medical history and evaluates all of your symptoms before she creates a treatment plan to address individual symptoms that are most affecting your life. Some treatment options include:
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Low-dose antidepressants
- Talk therapy
- Laser treatments
Dr. Northam may recommend a combination of treatments to help relieve discomfort caused by decreasing hormone levels. You may need to try several methods before determining the right treatment.
As your symptoms can change throughout your transition, ongoing monitoring of symptoms is available to ensure your good health. The compassionate staff at Women’s Executive Health offer support and guidance as you navigate your menopause journey, providing you with necessary resources to ensure you feel comfortable physically and emotionally.
What is hormone replacement therapy?
Dr. Northam may suggest hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to level out your hormones that fluctuate in the years leading up to menopause. HRT may also be a viable option for treating symptoms that occur in your post-menopausal years.
Bioidentical and synthetic hormone options can provide your body with a steady stream of estrogen and progesterone. Dr. Northam may also recommend low-dose birth control to ease your symptoms.
Not everyone is a candidate for hormone therapy. Dr. Northam discusses with you the risks and potential side effects associated with hormone medications, so together you can make an informed treatment decision.
How do laser treatments help with menopause?
Dr. Northam uses innovative laser technologies, including the MonaLisa Touch® system, to rejuvenate your body’s natural production of collagen. This treatment helps to relieve burning and irritation due to menopause-related vaginal dryness. Laser treatments may also improve satisfaction and eliminate pain during intercourse.
To learn more about menopausal treatments and get started feeling better today, schedule an appointment by calling the office.
