Menopause Specialist
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Christopher Petr, M.D.
Obstetrician & Gynecologist located in Burleson, TX
Menopause is a natural change in a woman’s fertility, but it can bring some unwelcome symptoms. You can’t stop menopause, but at the practice of Christopher Petr, M.D, you can receive the help you need to manage symptoms and sail through this transition as easily as possible. Call his office in Burleson, Texas, or schedule an appointment online if you have questions about menopause and how to make the process as comfortable as possible.
Menopause Q & A
What exactly is menopause?
Menopause is defined as going 12 months without a period or ovulation. Usually, this transition occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but may happen sooner due to hysterectomy or cancer treatment. Your production of the hormones progesterone and estrogen decline significantly as you move through menopause.
Not all women experience notable symptoms during menopause. Others find the fluctuations in their hormones that accompany the transition cause issues that disrupt work, life, and relationships.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Menopause symptoms may be quite mild or be so disruptive that they interfere with your day-to-day activities and quality of life. The symptoms usually appear years before the onset of menopause, in a time known as perimenopause. The following are signs of menopause to look for:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings
- Loss of libido
- Depression or anxiety
- Sleep disruptions
- Headaches
- Racing heartbeat
- Problems with bladder control
You may also have unexplained weight gain, fatigue, and problems with memory and concentration during menopause.
How is menopause managed?
Treatment offered by Dr. Petr doesn’t halt menopause, it simply makes symptoms less bothersome. Many women benefit from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to help restore hormonal balance and ease uncomfortable symptoms.
Dr. Petr may recommend hormone treatment in the form of creams, oral pills, pellets inserted under the skin, or as injections. Your hormone dosage, type, and method of application depend on your symptoms and health history.
Not every woman is a candidate for hormone replacement therapy. Alternative treatments include dietary changes and other prescription medications to help ease problems associated with mood shifts and brain fog.
Dr. Petr also supports you in the new health challenges that arise due to menopause, such as increased risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and urinary issues. He can offer treatments for these issues and strategies to maintain optimal health post-menopause. Regular screenings and pelvic exams continue even after menopause.
If you have questions about your transition through menopause, make an appointment with Christopher Petr, M.D. Call the office or schedule using the online booking agent.