Menopause

Menopause is a natural stage of life when your menstrual cycles end. During this time, many women experience uncomfortable symptoms that can diminish their quality of life. John Armstrong Jr., MD, MS, has more than 40 years of experience helping women manage menopause symptoms. With evidence-based treatments and customizable solutions, the team can help you feel like yourself again. Call John T. Armstrong Jr. MD Inc. in Napa, California, or schedule an appointment online to learn more. The office also welcomes telehealth visits.

What is menopause?

Menopause is a hormonal shift that causes menstruation to stop permanently. Once menopause begins, you can no longer get pregnant. This phase begins about 12 months after your final period. 

During menopause, your ovaries produce less of the estrogen hormone. This hormonal shift can lead to many uncomfortable symptoms that interfere with your mood, behavior, physical health, and overall quality of life. 

Does menopause have different stages?

Menopause has three stages:

Perimenopause

Perimenopause typically begins about five years before menopause, usually no earlier than age 40. During this time, your estrogen and progesterone hormones shift. Mood swings, irregular periods, and other menopause symptoms can start to affect your everyday life. 

Menopause

Most women begin menopause in their early 50s, but it can start earlier. At this stage, estrogen and progesterone levels decline.

Postmenopause

You no longer menstruate or ovulate once you reach postmenopause. Many menopause symptoms continue during this time, and your risk of osteoporosis and heart disease increases. 

I think I’m starting menopause. How will I know?

The signs of menopause may be subtle at first but worsen over time. Common menopause symptoms include:

• Hot flashes
• Mood swings
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Low libido
• Irregular periods
• Depression and anxiety
• Memory problems
• Stress urinary incontinence
• Insomnia

With more than 40 years of experience, Dr. Armstrong can help relieve your menopause symptoms so you can feel like yourself again.

Is menopause treatable?

All women experience menopause as a natural phase of their life. However, you can manage its symptoms with the appropriate treatment. Steps you can take at home to reduce menopause symptoms include:

• Exercising
• Following a healthy diet
• Quitting smoking
• Dressing in layers
• Getting better sleep
• Taking supplements or antidepressants

Dr. Armstrong may also recommend bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). This customizable treatment replaces your lost estrogen and progesterone levels to minimize menopause symptoms. BHRT is available in pills, patches, gels, implantable pellets, vaginal rings, and creams for your specific needs and convenience.

Call John T. Armstrong Jr. MD Inc. today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about menopause management.