Menopause Specialist
Florida Woman Care of Jacksonville
OBGYNs located in Jacksonville, FL
While menopause is a natural process, its symptoms can sometimes be debilitating. If you're struggling with menopause symptoms, Florida Woman Care of Jacksonville can help. Daniel McDyer, MD, and Julian Stephen Suhrer, MD, are experienced OB/GYNs who offer a full range of women's health services, including menopause management. No matter what brings you to one of their Jacksonville, Florida, office locations, Dr. McDyer and Dr. Suhrer strive to make each visit is a positive experience. Call today or schedule a consultation online.
Menopause Q & A
What is menopause?
During menopause, your body undergoes hormonal changes that stop your periods. Most women in the United States reach menopause around age 50. After menopause, your ovaries stop producing eggs. That means you are no longer able to become pregnant naturally.
A woman who is close to menopause is considered perimenopausal. During perimenopause, you experience a gradual loss of fertility. You may also notice changes in the way your body looks and feels.
If these changes are bothersome, Dr. McDyer and Dr. Suhrer at Florida Woman Care of Jacksonville can provide treatments that may reduce your discomfort.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
As menopause approaches, your estrogen levels drop. While these changes in your hormone levels are natural, they can sometimes trigger unpleasant symptoms. Signs that menopause is beginning may include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Breast tenderness
- Irregular periods
- Heavy periods
- Changes in sex drive
- Incontinence
- Mood swings
- Trouble sleeping
- Fatigue
Many women who have these symptoms wonder if their experiences are normal. If you're worried about your perimenopause symptoms, the Florida Woman Care of Jacksonville team can help.
The practice can run tests to determine whether you need additional care.
How are menopause symptoms treated?
If you're struggling with menopause symptoms, your doctor may suggest hormone replacement medication. These drugs can boost your estrogen levels and stabilize your hormones. They often provide relief from hot flashes, irregular periods, and changes in sex drive.
Loss of estrogen can sometimes trigger bone loss and cause osteoporosis. After you reach menopause, your doctor may recommend regular bone density tests.
These tests can help check for bone loss. If you’re at high risk for osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend special medications to strengthen your bones.
Many women feel tired or depressed as they reach menopause. Some also experience mood swings or insomnia. If you're having trouble with psychological symptoms, the practice can help you get in touch with a qualified mental health specialist.
Can I get pregnant during perimenopause?
A woman is considered postmenopausal when she hasn't had a period in over 12 months. For women in the US, this usually happens around 50. But perimenopause often begins in your 40s and can last for several years.
Many women mistakenly believe that they can't get pregnant once they've entered perimenopause. But you may still be fertile during these years. If you don't want to become pregnant, it's important to use birth control.
The Florida Woman Care of Jacksonville team can help you explore your options for birth control. They can also answer any questions you may have about your fertility and how to manage menopause. Call the office today or schedule a consultation online.