Menopause Specialist
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Hany H Ahmed, MD
Obstetrics and Gynecology located in Houston, TX
Menopause is a natural biological stage in a woman’s life that marks the end of her fertility. Menopause doesn’t happen all at once but gradually over the course of months or years. The changes that occur in a woman’s body due to menopause can lead to symptoms that affect quality of life. At Hany H Ahmed, MD in Houston, Texas, board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Ahmed specializes in menopause and offers treatments to alleviate your symptoms. To schedule an appointment, contact the office by phone or book online today.
Menopause Q & A
What is menopause?
Menopause occurs when your menstrual cycle permanently stops and you can no longer get pregnant. Medically, menopause occurs after you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without your period.
After menopause, the production of estrogen and progesterone decreases significantly, which increases your risk of developing other health issues such as heart disease and osteoporosis.
However, the hormonal changes that occur once you’re in menopause don’t happen all at once. Months or years before you officially reach menopause, you go through a transitional period referred to as perimenopause as your ovaries start to decrease the production of estrogen and progesterone.
Many of the symptoms associated with menopause start during this transitional phase. You may start perimenopause in your 30s or 40s. On average, most women in the United States reach menopause by age 52.
What are menopause symptoms?
The hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause lead to a number of symptoms.
The severity of menopause symptoms varies from woman to woman. For some women, menopause symptoms are mild and tolerable, while for others the symptoms are severe and disruptive to daily life.
Common menopause symptoms include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Weight gain
- Low libido
- Vaginal dryness
- Urinary incontinence
- Mood changes
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Depression
In addition to the physical symptoms, menopause also increases your risk of serious chronic health conditions. Though you can’t stop the “change of life” Dr. Ahmed provides treatments to alleviate your symptoms and reduce your risk of more serious health complications.
How is menopause treated?
Dr. Ahmed develops individualized treatment plans to manage your menopause based on your symptoms, gynecological and medical history, and family history.
The goal of menopause treatment is to alleviate your symptoms, improve your quality of life, and prevent chronic health issues. Menopause treatment may include:
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Vaginal estrogen
- Antidepressants
- Medication for bone health
Dr. Ahmed may suggest diet changes and provide an exercise program to improve your overall health and management of symptoms.
Is hormone replacement therapy safe?
Many women have concerns about hormone replacement therapy for the treatment of menopause. However, hormone therapy is safe and not only alleviates your symptoms but may also reduce your risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Hormone replacement therapy may not be recommended if you have a history of breast cancer or heart disease. Dr. Ahmed is an experienced OB/GYN and reviews all your treatment options with you so you can make the most informed decision about your health and body.
You can’t stop menopause, but you can get help with the symptoms. For comprehensive OB/GYN care from a compassionate physician, contact Hany H Ahmed, MD by phone or book an appointment online today.
