4 Unexpected Benefits of Talking to a Menopause Specialist
Plus, which symptoms to share with a menopause specialist to avoid future health complications.
Experiencing hot flashes, trouble sleeping or mood changes? It might be a good time to visit a menopause specialist if these symptoms sound familiar.
If you’re a woman in your early forties, you might be wondering what to expect during menopause.
Or maybe you’re someone who is already going through menopause and are feeling confused and frustrated with the symptoms you’re experiencing. You don’t recall your friends struggling like this…
You probably have a lot of questions and are wondering, “who’s the best person to talk to right now?” Your doctor or a gynecologist? What about a menopause specialist or perimenopause specialist?
If you haven’t heard of a menopause specialist before, that’s okay. This article aims to change that and will guide you through everything you need to know.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What is a menopause specialist and should you visit one?
- Can menopause symptoms lead to more serious health issues?
- What symptoms should you share with a menopause specialist?
Many women do not talk about menopause and may want to avoid an awkward situation or keep things personal. However it’s important that women understand the signs of deteriorating menopausal health so they can seek help.
It’s also vital to know there is support available. Visiting a menopause specialist can clarify any questions you have and alleviate the stress and worry you may be having about unexplained symptoms.
What Is a Menopause Specialist?
Before we go into detail, let’s go through the basics first.
A menopause specialist is a healthcare provider such as a nurse practitioner or a doctor who has extensive training in women’s health and specializes in menopausal care.
Menopause specialists should have experience in all issues relating to menopausal care and should be able to guide you through your symptoms and help you minimize any discomfort you may be experiencing.
Why Should You Seek Menopausal Care?
A lot of women will attend their obligatory annual visit to a doctor or healthcare professional. However they will often avoid sharing menopausal symptoms such as night sweats, difficulty sleeping and weight gain.
All those symptoms are associated with perimenopause and menopause but most women will not bring them up with their healthcare provider.
But visiting a menopause specialist and discussing your symptoms has multiple health benefits. It can often make your journey through menopause easier and more comfortable.
Let’s go through some of the advantages now.
Menopause Can Lead to More Serious Health Issues
Can you recognize the difference between irritable menopause symptoms and signs that something else is going wrong?
Perimenopause and menopause symptoms can be frustrating to deal with on their own. But research shows that the decline in hormone production has also been linked to health issues beyond this.
A small number of menopausal women develop:
- Thyroid issues
- High blood pressure
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- A slower metabolism
In addition to the issues above, post-menopausal women are also twice as likely to experience a stroke or heart disease than prior to transitioning.
Visiting a menopause specialist, even once, to discuss your symptoms and undergo a lab analysis can drastically reduce your risk of health issues going unchecked. A menopause specialist will know the difference between uncomfortable menopause symptoms and something more serious.
Nutritional + Lifestyle Advice
Apart from diagnosing more serious health conditions, a menopause specialist is also an expert in managing and minimizing hormonal symptoms.
If your ailments fall within the range of normal menopause symptoms, your menopause specialist can still provide you with support and advice to help you through this life changing transition.
Like, which foods to eat more of?
Or what to avoid?
And how often should you be exercising and does it actually help?
A menopause specialist or registered dietitian working alongside a menopause specialist will have all the answers. They can also help you create a personalized plan so that your symptoms aren’t disrupting your zest for life and you still feel like yourself.
BHRT Treatment Options
If you are struggling to adjust to life during perimenopause or menopause, there are also treatment options available.
A menopause specialist can assess the severity of your symptoms and prescribe treatment such as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy or BHRT.
BHRT can ease your symptoms quickly and get your life back on track.
BHRT treatment options are completely customizable and include injectables, oral prescriptions, patches, creams and gels. Severity of symptoms, hormone combinations and frequency of application all vary, making it easy for you to choose the best option for yourself!
Putting Your Mind At Ease
This might not seem like a big deal but hear us out.
Stress or constantly feeling concerned about your health and health issues can have a big impact on your physical body and mental health.
Stress raises our body’s levels of cortisol which can also intensify your other symptoms. Stress impacts our sleep quality, our cognitive function and even our blood pressure.
Speaking with a menopause specialist about symptoms can help put your mind at ease. Should more serious issues arise, they will be able to help you manage your symptoms and create a long term plan to optimize your health.
Symptoms to Share With Your Menopause Specialist
Now let’s talk about what kind of symptoms you can share with a menopause specialist.
Women have varying menopause symptoms but some common ones include:
Hot Flashes
These can range in intensity and often last for years. They’re annoying to deal with but can also be a sign that your blood pressure is rising and your risk of a stroke is increasing.
Vaginal Dryness
Thinner vaginal walls can mean greater discomfort and pain during sex. Lower estrogen levels means a reduction in the production of lubrication.
Mood Changes
Have you noticed yourself getting upset more easily or feeling your mood change quickly?
Menopause often clashes with life changing events such as your kids moving out of the family home or having to take care of elderly parents. This can make mood swings more tiring to deal with.
Poor Sleep Quality
Are you waking up frequently during the night? Do you have difficulty reaching REM or deep sleep? Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep can be part of menopausal symptoms.
If you are experiencing the symptoms above or ANY others, we encourage you to share these with a menopause specialist such as Synergy’s nurse practitioner. Not only will our menopause specialist rule out more serious health issues, she’ll also provide you with the support you need to transition through menopause without discomfort.
Menopausal Positivity
There’s no shame in experiencing menopause and talking openly about the symptoms that come along with it.
Although it may feel awkward to share symptoms that are personal, almost every woman shares this experience.
To discuss your symptoms, book in a consultation with Synergy’s menopause specialist today. Our integrative healthcare team is compassionate and highly trained in menopausal care and minimizing uncomfortable symptoms.
If you’re looking for a ‘menopause specialist near me’ or a ‘holistic menopause specialist near me’, our clinic is located in Oak Park and specializes in hormonal healthcare.
You’ll be able to feel more at ease and know exactly how to support your body’s journey after just one conversation with an expert.