Premier choice for Menopause treatment in Davis, Beverly Hills, and Los Angeles
Menopause is the term used to describe the point in a woman’s life when she has not had her period for 12 consecutive months. However, this simple definition does not capture the complexity of the multi-phased experience that marks the end of reproductive years and the beginning of a new life stage. Menopause typically occurs between ages 45 and 55, but it can also be triggered by medical treatments or surgery.
The menopause journey has three phases: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Each phase is unique in duration and symptoms for every woman. And beyond the physical changes, menopause also carries societal and workplace implications for women. Whether it’s navigating changes in mood, energy levels, or simply feeling comfortable in their own skin, women need support and understanding during this important life transition.
3 Phases of Menopause
Perimenopause
Longest phase and the proper term for what people are talking about when they talk about menopause.
Triggered when estrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate erratically. It typically starts in one’s 40s, but some may enter earlier or later.
Perimenopause can last 4-10+ years. This is the phase when a woman experiences the majority of symptoms, especially as she gets closer to menopause.
Menopause
A woman has officially reached menopause when she has not had her period for 12 consecutive months.
If menstruation stops for several months and then restarts, the countdown to menopause begins again.
The average age of menopause is 51. On average, Black and Latina women enter menopause two years earlier than white and Asian women.
Postmenopause
The time after one reaches menopause. For many women, symptoms generally subside.
It’s important to be aware of long term health risks, especially cardiovascular disease, bone loss, and vaginal/sexual/urinary symptoms.
Most women live an average of 30 years after reaching menopause, with many reporting it to be the happiest time in their lives.
What Symptoms can be improved?
MOODINESS, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION
Ups and downs in mental wellbeing—even drastic ones—are a natural part of hormonal change. We’ll help you regain control, and feel like yourself again.
Treatment options can include:
- Hormones: HRT for moodiness
- Prescriptions: SSRIs and SNRIs for anxiety and depression
- Supplements: Ashwagandha, lavender, magnesium glycinate
- Lifestyle: Physical activity, mindfulness, CBT, sleep hygiene
HOT FLASHES + NIGHT SWEATS
- Hormones: HRT
- Prescriptions: Gabapentin, Venlafaxine (Effexor), etc.
- Supplements: Black cohosh, Siberian rhubarb, maca
- Lifestyle: Diet changes, stress management, etc.
TROUBLE SLEEPING
Maybe you struggle to fall asleep, or find yourself wide awake in the middle of the night. Your energy might be low, even after a solid eight hours. Let’s solve your sleep mystery and get you the rest you deserve.
Treatment options can include:
- Hormones: HRT, progesterone in perimenopause
- Prescriptions: Gabapentin, Tricyclics (Elavil)
- Supplements: Melatonin, cortisol manager, L-theanine, etc.
- Lifestyle: Sleep hygiene, mindfulness, caffeine management, etc.
PERIOD PROBLEMS
At midlife, your periods may get more frequent, or less, or wildly unpredictable. Your flow might be heavy or light, clumpy or spotty. Tell us all about it so we can stabilize your cycle (and save your sanity).
Treatment options can include:
- Hormones: Oral contraceptives, progestins, etc.
- Prescriptions: SSRIs for PMS, etc.
- Lifestyle: Period tracking, diet changes for PMS
PAINFUL SEX, VAGINAL DRYNESS + LIBIDO CHANGE
Half of menopausal women experience painful sex and vaginal dryness, which often go hand in hand with low libido. This is one of the most treatable symptoms of hormone change. We’ll work with you to make it better.
Treatment options can include:
- Hormones: Vaginal estrogen, testosterone, etc.
- Prescriptions: Flibanserin (Addyi), bremelanotide (Vyleesi), DHEA
- Procedures: O Shot, FemiLift
- Supplements: Maca, etc.
- Lifestyle: Sex therapy, use of lubricants, vaginal dilators
BRAIN FOG + MEMORY LAPSES
Words and names—not to mention keys and phones—go missing. Focus is a challenge. Women often panic about early Alzheimer’s at midlife, but hormone change is the likely culprit. Research-backed solutions can help to clear your mind.
Treatment options can include:
- Hormones: HRT
- Prescriptions: SSRIs and SNRIs (if associated with mood changes)
- Supplements: Adaptogenic herbs, passionflower, etc.
- Lifestyle: Sleep hygiene, physical activity, brain games, etc.
JOINT PAIN, BONE LOSS + FRACTURE RISK
On average, women lose up to 10% of their bone mass in the first five years after menopause. Testing and preventative treatment can help you reverse that, and protect your long term bone health.
Treatment options can include:
- Hormones: HRT, SERMs (Evista)
- Prescriptions: Bisphosphonates (Fosamax, Actonel)
- Supplements: Calcium and Vitamin D, glucosamine for joint pain
- Lifestyle: Weight-bearing exercise, diet changes
BREAST + GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER EFFECTS
Many therapies that help women beat breast cancer also impact estrogen levels, causing some of the same symptoms natural menopause does, but faster. The good news: every one of them can be improved with treatment.
Treatment options can include:
- Hormones: Tamoxifen for prevention, vaginal estrogen
- Prescriptions: Gabapentin, SSRIs and SSNRIs for hot flashes
- Supplements: L-theanine, lavender, maca, etc.
- Lifestyle: Exercise, diet changes, sleep hygiene, stress management
How to Choose Your Menopause specialist
Dr. Michael A. Reed, a native of California, is a highly experienced physician with a deep commitment to empowering women. With over twenty years of expertise in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Reed has helped countless women overcome a wide range of conditions and concerns.
Dr. Michael Reed is bringing you his expertise in cosmetic and women’s health services. His mission is to present women with awareness, options and solutions. Our office makes vaginal rejuvenation, cosmetic surgery, menopausal symptom management, and gynecological services easy and accessible.
Contact us today!
Dr. Michael Reed is Board Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology with over 24 years of experience in Women’s Health, specializing in cosmetic gynecology. Known for his compassionate nature and skills in aesthetics, Dr. Reed has dedicated his career to mastering cosmetic gynecology. He completed an 18-month surgical fellowship in Labiaplasty, Vaginoplasty, Perineoplasty, and other aesthetic procedures related to female genital cosmetic surgery and vaginal rejuvenation with Dr. Michael Goodman. Dr. Reed is an esteemed OB/GYN who is a world-renowned and highly recognized author, educator, and expert in cosmetic gynecology.
Contact us today to reserve your appointment. We will listen to your concerns and give you the comfort and confidence you deserve. Fill out our secure and confidential form and we will reach out to you as soon as possible. Take the first step towards becoming a happier and healthier you!
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Lichen Sclerosus
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O-Shot
As women age, achieving orgasm may become more difficult or less frequent. The culprit? Tissue aging in the vagina, around the clitoris, and the O-spot.