Understanding and Finding Relief from Menopause 

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. This natural aging process involves physical and emotional changes that can generate frustration and anxiety for many women. In the United States, roughly two million women reach menopause yearly, yet many women do not understand a variety of treatment options are available. Understanding menopause and receiving personalized care from an expert is the key to navigating this time with ease.

Three Stages of Menopause
People typically use the word, “menopause,” as an umbrella term for the entire process. However, menopause consists of three stages.

Perimenopause is the transition into menopause and usually occurs when women are in their 40s. Production of estrogen in the ovaries reduces as a woman ages. The drop in hormones indicates when a woman is near the end of her reproductive years. The period in which perimenopause lasts varies for every woman but can last a few months or even years before the menopause phase.

Menopause itself occurs a year after your last menstrual period. During menopause, the ovaries stop producing eggs and estrogen levels are significantly reduced.

Postmenopause occurs after the Menopause phase is complete and is the stage a woman will remain in for the rest of her life. At this point, hormone fluctuations will cease and remain at a steady, low level, and symptoms tend to become milder or cease entirely.

Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause symptoms vary widely among women but may include
• Hot flashes
• Mood changes
• Night sweats
• Sleep disturbances
• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Increased urination frequency
• Complications with intercourse

Hot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause with approximately 80% of women experiencing them. On average, hot flashes last for three to five years, and in some cases, up to 10.

Postmenopausal women are also more susceptible to certain chronic conditions due to low estrogen levels, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and urinary incontinence.

Treatment Options
Menopause symptoms vary widely, and treatments depend on the severity of symptoms and a woman’s health risks. Options may include hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal therapies, lifestyle modifications and alternative therapies.

Certified Menopause Care
Finding the right provider is crucial to managing menopause. Dr. Justin Parks, D.O., is a Menopause Society Certified Provider (MSCP) and one of nine active menopause providers in Oklahoma. He is the only provider in Tulsa who sees patients in person. Dr. Parks pursued his certification to increase his knowledge of menopause and better serve his patients with expert, individualized treatment options.

You do not have to navigate menopause alone. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Parks, call OSU Obstetrics and Gynecology at 918-586-4500.