Menopause can be a challenging transition. Count on the compassionate staff at Central Valley Women’s Health Associates to help treat your menopausal symptoms.

 

Menarche – defined as the first menstrual period; the establishment of menstruation.

 

Menopause – defined as the period of permanent cessation of menstruation, usually occurring between the ages of 46 and 55.

 

Menopause is probably the greater challenge of the two. You have only lived 10-12 years prior to the starting of your menstrual periods, but have lived 40-45 years while having menstrual periods. Since we know that the menstrual period is the result of the ovaries producing the female hormones Estrogen and Progesterone, this means your body has been affected by the female hormones for at least 50 years. Now, with (REMOVE THE) Menopause, you are beginning to live without these hormones being produced by your body.

 

What signs and symptoms will you experience, how can you expect to feel, and generally what can you expect during this time?

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Menopause is that time that you have heard about from your mother and grandmother; the time of hot flashes and hot flushes, the inability to sleep; the time when you may feel tired, moody and irritable. You may begin to feel vaginal dryness, irritation, itching, and burning, and you may also begin to have feelings of sexual discomfort.

 

Having said that, this is also a great time of life; there are no more menstrual periods, there are no monthly cramps, but most importantly, most if not all of these undesirable problems, signs, and symptoms can be dealt with to make this time of life much more enjoyable.

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This is the time of life when the definition of Gynecology “deals with the health maintenance and diseases of women in general.” This is the time when your Annual GYN checkups become even more extensive and important than they have in the past. When you come in for these Annual GYN checkups, you need to discuss any of the above problems that you may be experiencing. We will remind you of your need for monthly self breast exams. We make sure that you are getting your mammograms and needed Pap Smears as indicated. We can monitor your cholesterol levels, blood pressure level, as needed. We will discuss your need for osteoporosis screening, colorectal screening; this is the time to discuss with us any and all of your problems.

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It is at this time that you may need other procedures including both medical and surgical procedures. We are here to take care of, or see to it that the correct care is given by the correct individuals for whatever your problems may be. This is the time when you find out that we are the “woman’s advocate;” and most importantly, we are your advocate.

When you are here for your visits, please do not hesitate to ask any of the questions that have been on your mind. If you are seeing another physician, and are confused or want to discuss something they have posed to you, but are confused as to what to do, don’t hesitate to call us, and discuss it with us. We may even have you come into the office to discuss the problem further.

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If you have problem that you think should be dealt with right away, please also do not hesitate to call us on the telephone. We will return your call just as soon as possible.