Menopause Specialist

What is menopause?

You officially reach menopause when you haven’t had a menstrual period for 12 months. However, you begin to experience the warning signs of menopause in the years preceding the end of your menstrual cycle, which is known as perimenopause. 

Most people start their transition to menopause between the ages of 45-55. The change usually takes around seven years but can last as long as 14. The average age of menopause in the United States is 51. 

What are the signs of menopause?

As you approach and reach menopause, your body produces less estrogen, a hormone that regulates your reproductive cycle as well as a wide range of other body functions. You also produce less testosterone which can lead to weight gain, fatigue and loss of libido as well as other symptoms. As a result, menopause can cause a wide range of issues, including:

• Weight gain
• Muscle mass loss
• Mood swings and irritability
• Depression and anxiety
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal atrophy and dryness
• Libido loss
• Low energy and lethargy
• Thinning hair
• Dry skin

Every person experiences menopause differently. Some sail through without troubling symptoms, while others feel like their lives will never be the same. At Modern Gynecology & Reproductive Health, Dr. Lacy and her team help you improve, maintain, and protect your health as you adjust to this new stage of life. 

How can I manage my menopause symptoms and health?

Dr. Lacy has been helping people cope with the change of menopause for over 20 years. She offers customized and compassionate care that could include bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), other medications, and lifestyle adjustments. 

She provides thorough exams and testing to assess your hormones and other health indicators and creates personalized wellness plans to help you stay healthy and satisfied. 

BHRT is often helpful, as it replenishes your body’s hormonal stores with man-made supplements that are identical to the hormone produced by your body. Dr. Lacy works with BioTE® and Regel Pharmalab, a local compounding pharmacy, to prescribe the precise hormones you need. 

In addition to BHRT, Dr. Lacy might recommend dietary adjustments to reduce symptoms like hot flashes and your risk of osteoporosis. She might also recommend adding exercise to your daily routine as this can help you maintain a healthy weight and improve your bone health. 

If you’re beginning to experience signs of menopause, call Modern Gynecology & Reproductive Health or make an appointment online today.