Menopause can be a challenging stage of life.
Physically, dropping estrogen levels bring problems like hot flashes, weight gain, and vaginal discomfort. At the same time, many women are at a point in life where they’re dealing with job stress, aging parents, growing kids, etc. All of that makes self-care more important than ever!
As a Certified Menopause Practitioner, I have specialized training to help women navigate their health as they get older.
Too many women are told they “just have to live with” their menopause concerns. This can lead them down the path of untested quick fixes, like DIY hormone therapy, viral hacks for symptom relief, and unproven supplements.
The safest, most effective path to symptom relief and better overall health is by partnering with a health care professional.
That is especially true with hormone-based products.
Hormone therapy can help with concerns like hot flashes, vaginal discomfort, bone health, and more — but it’s important to use it under the care of a physician.
Creams that are available without a prescription may contain both progesterone and estrogen, but only estrogen is absorbed through the skin, leaving patients without the progesterone they need to protect against uterine cancer.
Hormone therapy pellets are not well regulated, so you don’t know how much medicine you’re getting and whether it’s the proper dose.
When I prescribe hormone therapy, it’s based on a careful discussion of your symptoms, goals, risk factors, age, preexisting conditions, etc.
For example, women with undiagnosed bleeding, breast cancer or a history of breast cancer, active DVT or pulmonary embolism, and liver disease, shouldn’t use hormone therapy. There are also considerations around timing, dose, duration, and mode of delivery.
You should always be monitored by a health care provider when using hormone therapy. You’ll need to be vigilant about screening for breast cancer and heart and liver issues, and your doctor can help address any side effects.
I can also provide other options based on your specific concerns.
For hot flashes, there are two new prescription medications that treat temperature receptors in the brain. We can talk about non-medication options like avoiding triggers, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise, paced breathing and meditation, and more.
For sleep problems, exercise, meditation, and improving sleep hygiene by limiting screens in the evening, sticking to a consistent schedule, and keeping your bedroom cool and dark can help. If that doesn’t work, I can connect you with a sleep specialist.
No topic is too personal. I support patients with vaginal discomfort, sexual dysfunction, anxiety and depression, and more.
I also help patients manage their risk for serious illness.
Rates of heart disease, certain types of cancer, osteoporosis, and other conditions increase during menopause, so I talk to patients about their personal risk, lifestyle changes that support their health, and the screening they need to detect problems early.
Menopause can be challenging, but it’s also a time when many women feel empowered to take charge of their health.
I’m here to help with the information, treatment options, and support you need!
Pallavi Khanna, MD, OB/GYN, FACOG, sees patients in Regional One Health’s Menopause Care Clinic at the East Campus, 6555 Quince Road. For appointments, call 901.515.3100.
By Pallavi Khanna, MD, OB/GYN, FACOG
