Our San Antonio OBGYNs offer expertise and advice to manage menopause

Menopause is a natural process in a woman’s reproductive cycle when the ovaries stop releasing an egg each month. They also stop producing both estrogen and progesterone as part of the menopausal process. This leads to the cessation of menstrual periods and marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years.

The average age for menopause for women in the United States is 51. However, the process can occur during a woman’s 40s or 50s, or even earlier due to premature menopause, also known as premature ovarian failure. It can also occur after certain medical procedures such as removal of the uterus during hysterectomy.

What are the signs and symptoms of menopause?

During the years leading up to menopause, or perimenopause, women experience everything from mild to severe symptoms.

Periods that are irregular or with a heavier or lighter flow than usual
Hot flashes or flushes
Night sweats and/or sleeplessness
Mood swings
Vaginal dryness and/or discomfort during sex
Urinary incontinence
Forgetfulness or trouble with attention span
Metabolism changes leading to weight gain

What health risks are associated with this transition?

When the amount of hormone estrogen declines during menopause, it can lead to an increased risk for certain health problems, but our San Antonio OBGYNs have advice to help manage these issues.

Cardiovascular disease—Now is the time to focus on diet, exercise and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Osteoporosis—Discuss your need for a bone density scan and osteoporosis prevention.

Sexual issues—Tell our San Antonio OBGYNs if you are experiencing pain during sex or lack of desire; there are treatments that work well.

Urinary incontinence—Simple measures such as Kegel exercises and topical hormone therapy can help, in addition to other treatments for more serious cases.

Weight issues—A healthy diet and an exercise plan are important when metabolism slows down.

Our San Antonio OBGYNs treat the symptoms of menopause to help you live your best life

While menopause is a natural process, there is no reason for women to suffer from disruptive symptoms. Our San Antonio OBGYNs are here to help you manage your menopause years. They can treat the symptoms with everything from topical and oral hormone therapy to medications that help with mood changes, osteoporosis, sexual pain and more.

Don’t go through menopausal symptoms alone. Contact us to make an appointment.

Breastfeeding and Working: How Moms Make It Work

Breastfeeding and working: How moms make it work

For breastfeeding new moms, returning to work can create logistical questions and challenges. Where to pump? When to pump? Where to store breast milk? How to ensure your baby has enough milk when you’re breastfeeding and working? What about pumping milk while traveling for work?

Planning and preparation are essential to breastfeeding at work.

…

You Shouldn’t Have to Squeeze When You Sneeze

You shouldn’t have to squeeze when you sneeze

It’s not uncommon for a woman to leak when she sneezes – or laughs, or runs, or coughs. Leaking urine, also known as urinary incontinence, affects many women. But you really shouldn’t have to squeeze when you sneeze, because there are steps you can take to stop a leaky bladder and stay dry.

…

Solving Breastfeeding Problems

Solving Common Breastfeeding Problems

It’s widely known that breastfeeding is a healthy choice for both mom and baby. But, many women encounter breastfeeding challenges. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, it just doesn’t work as well as we’d like. The good news is that through education and preparation, most breastfeeding problems can be overcome with simple at-home solutions.

…