Menopause management enables our patients to enjoy rich, full lives

Just as puberty brings on changes to the female body, so does menopause. In their late 40s and early 50s, women often begin to experience symptoms of perimenopause, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and moodiness. While these changes can cause frustration, our San Antonio women’s clinic doctors can assist patients in managing symptoms so that they can feel their very best.

What is menopause?

Defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, menopause is the end of fertility for women. The average age in the United States for menopause is around 51, but women can begin as early as 40 and end it as late as 57 or 58. Surgery, such as removal of the ovaries or a hysterectomy, can cause early menopause, as can cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy. Premature ovarian failure can also result in early menopause for some women.

Common symptoms of perimenopause

Before menopause, you may experience perimenopause, which can lead to irregular cycles and other symptoms of menopause. Our San Antonio women’s clinic doctors understand that these changes can feel disheartening. Though the signs can vary from person to person, we often see the following indicators as patients enter menopause.

Mood swings
Irregular or absent periods
Sleep issues
Night sweats
Weight gain
Vaginal dryness and/or pain during sex

Health risks related to this change of life

During perimenopause and menopause, the changes in your body can present some potential health challenges. The dramatic drop in estrogen levels can make women more vulnerable to certain health issues. Our doctors will review your symptoms and discuss potential health concerns, such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, sexual difficulties, weight gain and urinary incontinence.

How to manage your menopause symptoms

All women go through menopause, and the associated symptoms can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Generally, we don’t offer a specific treatment for menopause. Instead, we focus on helping our patients manage the symptoms of menopause. Treatment options are available to help you feel better.

Hormone replacement therapy to replace the estrogen and progesterone lost during this life change
Vaginal creams to improve dryness and discomfort
Low dose antidepressants to manage mood swings
Dietary changes to promote weight loss
Medications to prevent or slow down bone loss related to menopause

Even though the symptoms of menopause can disrupt your equilibrium, the team at Live Oak Women’s Health can offer support and treatment to help restore balance to your body and your life. You don’t have to suffer in silence. Contact our office for more information about managing menopause or to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Thompson Supports Postpartum Mental Health

San Antonio OBGYN Mallory Thompson MD discusses postpartum mental health

Dr. Mallory Thompson wants to help patients understand how the postpartum period, also known as the fourth trimester, affects both mothers and babies. Women receive a lot of information about preparing for the birth and care of their new baby. However, they don’t always know enough about postpartum mental health.

…

Four reasons to not ignore heavy menstrual bleeding

Four reasons NOT to ignore heavy menstrual bleeding.

Bleeding through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours, requiring extra protection for nighttime bleeding or passing blood clots approximately the size of a quarter or larger. Does any of this sound familiar?

Heavy menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia, shouldn’t be ignored as it can cause other complications or signal another health problem.

…

Meet Dr. Mallory Thompson

Get to know Dr. Mallory Thompson, a San Antonio OBGYN

Dr. Mallory Thompson cares about the whole woman. She is interested in both their mental and physical health. Through compassionate care and conversation, Mallory Thompson MD helps patients feel comfortable enough to ask questions about everything from menstruation and PCOS, to pregnancy and birth issues.

…