At some point in her life, every woman will experience menopause, or the point during which her menstrual periods reach a natural end. Most women experience certain symptoms during this time that can affect their quality of life. It can be difficult to endure if you aren’t prepared for the changes that will come during this time, as the women’s health professionals at South Baldwin Obstetrics & Gynecology PC in Foley, AL, are here to explain. Here’s what you should know.

5 Important Facts About Menopause

1. It Can Happen at Different Ages

When a woman hasn’t had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months, she has reached menopause. Most women experience this between the ages of 45 and 50. However, that’s not set in stone, and some women may experience an earlier decline in ovarian function as their bodies produce less estrogen and progesterone. This is known as perimenopause, and it may cause erratic periods.

2. It Causes a Variety of Symptoms

The symptoms of menopause can range from mild to severe, and they tend to affect all women to some degree. Common women’s health concerns include hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, anxiety, and irritability. Not everyone will experience all symptoms, and gynecologists have a variety of effective treatments available that may help.

3. It Can Affect Your Bone Health

A lack of estrogen can reduce your bone density, causing osteoporosis, which is a common condition among older women . This leads to brittleness, which can result in more easily broken bones. Increasing your calcium and vitamin D intake can help, as can frequent exercise and a healthy diet.

4. It May Result in Weight Gain

Given the effect of menopause on your hormones, it’s not unusual to gain some weight. Sticking to a diet rich in protein can help, as it contributes to a stronger body and increases your energy levels. Your doctor can offer specific guidelines to help you with your weight loss concerns, including tips for exercising regularly and how many calories you should consume.

5. It Could Impact Your Heart

Natural aging can affect the heart, but some of those symptoms could be linked to menopause. This is typically due to estrogen loss, which affects the integrity of your arteries and contributes to weakened blood flow. Ask your women’s health provider about the most effective and safest ways to strengthen your heart.

For all of your women’s health concerns, trust the experienced gynecologists at South Baldwin Obstetrics & Gynecology, PC. The friendly staff will make you feel at ease right away, and they are available to answer all of your questions related to menopause, weight loss, and other issues. Their goal is to improve your quality of life by providing you with targeted solutions that truly work. Visit their website to learn about their health and wellness options, or call (251) 943-2141 to schedule an appointment today.