If you are at this stage, we want to help you find the best treatment. Let’s have some definitions and guidelines. For the rest, we will be available for consultation.

What is it?

Menopause is the woman’s last period. Delimits the pre-menopausal phase from the post-menopausal during the climacteric.
Menopause is the transition from the reproductive to non-reproductive season, due to the decrease of sex hormones produced by the ovaries, which happens to all women (from 40 years old) when they stop ovulating.
The reduction or absence of sex hormones (especially estrogen) produces (not always) some symptoms and signs known as climacteric or menopausal syndrome.

What are the most common symptoms?

Hot flushes (sudden and intense) in 75% to 80% of women.
Night sweats and insomnia
Minor (up to a total lack) sexual desire
Vaginal dryness and atrophy (loss of elasticity and decrease of secretions).
Irritability and depression (lack of self-esteem).
Urethral syndrome (burning, frequent urination and urinary urgency).
Increased cardiovascular risk (lower estrogen level, which prevents formation of thrombi)
Osteoporosis (loss of bone mass, at high risk of fractures).
Memory loss.

Why treat it?

If symptoms are severe, treatment is to improve the quality of life of women. Treatment with hormone or hormone replacement reduces the severity of symptoms and bone loss. Treatment should be individualized for prevention of certain risks that may be present in susceptible women.

Advantages of Hormonal Treatment Disadvantages of Hormonal Treatment
Reduces risk of Osteoporosis Treatment Cost
Improves depression Prolonged treatment
Improves sexual activity Back to menstruate in some cases
Improves Memory Risk of Breast Cancer in some patients with genetic tendency
Improves hot flashes
Protects against Colon cancer
Improves woman’s quality of life

Outros tratamentos

When hormones can not be used, there are alternatives to reduce symptoms and the effects of menopause. The advantages and disadvantages of each case can be discussed with your doctor.
Pharmaceutical or alternative treatments should only be used under strict medical supervision. The side effects should be discussed with your doctor in order to find alternatives to not withhold treatment.
If you forego treatment, irreversible changes can happen.
Even natural products require medical control, to assess the exact dose needed and avoid excess or deficiency seek a health professional.
Recommended reading ‘The Brazilian Association of Climacteric Consensus’ in:
There are now alternative medications to hormones after menopause, with its advantages, but without the risk of worsening breast cancer in susceptible women.
Proper nutrition can also be of help to women.
http://www.gineco.com.br/menopausa_leiamais.htm http://www.gineco.com.br/menopausa_alimentacao.htm

Recommendations for Menopause

Look after your body weight (belly) with physical activity and proper nutrition.
Have a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Limit saturated fat by eating lean meats and vegetables. Eat oily fish twice a week, little salt. If you drink, do so in moderation, better still not smoking!
Often, as gynecologists, we end up acting as the woman’s general practitioner. Thus, we can discover disease risks, making early diagnosis and help to establish the best treatment. We await your visit!