Medication
It is difficult to diagnose balance problems. If your primary care doctor suspects you have a balance disorder, he or she may refer you to a ENT specialist for further testing. An ENT specialist, also known as an otolaryngologist, is a doctor who specializes in diseases of the ears, nose, neck and throat.
Therapy
Your doctor may:
- Prescribe physical therapy.
- Use a corticosteroid injection to relieve pain and swelling.
- Prescribe a brace, splint, sling, or crutches for a brief period to allow tendons to rest and heal.
- Recommend a cast to rest and heal a badly damaged tendon.
Self-care
“Menopause is as different from obstetrics as surgery is from pediatrics,” says James Woods, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine in New York. Once an obstetrician, he now specializes in menopause.
Nutrition
According to the doctors:
- The most common symptom of uterine cancer is bleeding after menopause. ...
- Unfortunately, ovarian cancer symptoms can be more subtle. ...
- Cervical cancer often doesn’t have symptoms in the early stages, but the good news is, by staying up to date with pap smears and getting vaccinated for HPV, it is ...
What kind of Doctor treats balance problems?
What kind of Doctor treats muscle and tendons?
What doctor to see for menopause concerns?
What medications treat menopause?
Should I see a gynecologist or endocrinologist for menopause?
Alice Chang, a Mayo Clinic endocrinologist, said that women whose quality of life is compromised by menopausal symptoms should start by talking to their gynecologists. “For someone who has been debilitated by symptoms, you need to find a doctor who will really talk to you and listen to your concerns.
Does a gynecologist treat menopause?
Don't Overlook The Specialist Your gynecologist is the very best person to speak to about menopausal symptoms, so why do so many women just grin and bear it? There are ways to reduce or eliminate certain symptoms and return to a more normal life.
When should I go to the doctor for menopause?
If you experience sudden weight loss or gain, or abdominal pain, swelling, and tenderness let your doctor know as these may indicate a more serious condition. If you experience vaginal bleeding after you've reached menopause (12 months after your last period), talk to your doctor.
How does a gynecologist check for menopause?
A pelvic exam is a way for doctors to look for signs of illness in organs in a woman's body before, during, and after menopause. The word "pelvic" refers to the pelvis. The exam is used to look at a woman's: Uterus (the womb)
Can I self refer to a menopause clinic?
You are welcome to self refer to see us. You do not require a letter from your GP. To help formulate the optimum management plan, please ensure you have a list of current medication and details of any significant past medical history.
Can a gynecologist prescribe HRT?
The right gynaecologist may be able to prescribe a combination of treatments to help your unique set of symptoms – for example a testosterone patch if a lowered libido is bothering you.
What does an endocrinologist do for menopause?
What role can endocrinologists play in the medical care women need as they approach and experience menopause? They help patients address conditions associated with glands, which are responsible for producing estrogen (among other hormones).
What are the 34 symptoms of menopause?
The 34 symptoms of menopause is a list of common symptoms that can occur before or during menopause. They include hot flashes, irregular periods, mood changes, and more....SymptomsHot flashes. ... Night sweats. ... Irregular periods. ... Mood changes. ... Breast soreness. ... Decreased libido. ... Vaginal dryness. ... Headaches.More items...•
What does a menopause specialist do?
A menopause specialist is a healthcare professional who has additional knowledge and skills, assessing and treating women with complex needs such as multiple treatment failures, POI, complex medical problems, high risk cancer genes or hormone dependant cancer.
What kind of doctor do you see for perimenopause?
You'll probably start by discussing your symptoms with your primary care provider. If you aren't already seeing a doctor who specializes in the female reproductive system (gynecologist), your primary care provider may refer you to one. Consider taking a family member or friend along.
What are the top 10 signs of menopause?
SymptomsHot flashes.Chills.Night sweats.Sleep problems.Mood changes.Weight gain and slowed metabolism.Thinning hair and dry skin.Loss of breast fullness.More items...•
Is there a test to see if you are in menopause?
Menopause is defined as 12 months without a menstrual bleed, in the absence of other conditions. To date, there is no simple test to predict or confirm menopause or perimenopause, but research continues. So, check your menstrual calendar and seek your healthcare providers' opinions.
What happens if a doctor doesn't get training in menopause?
If a doctor didn’t receive training in the ins and outs of menopause, they “may not be entirely up to date on some of the information that’s available regarding management of menopause,” says Dr. Faubion. “If your doctor is not up to date on the things that they're trying to manage, that's never a good thing for your overall health.”.
When does perimenopause start?
This usually happens around the age of 51, though symptoms such as hot flashes, weight gain, loss of sex drive, and irritability often begin in one's forties, when perimenopause starts. But despite the fact that perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause account for somewhere between one-third to half of one’s life, ...
Is there a board certification for menopause?
“The North American Menopause Society…certifies practitioners in menopause management,” says Dr. Faubion. “ [It’s] not a board certification, but it is a recognition that our society gives practitioners who have passed a test.” You can search for certified doctors in your area using the physician finder on the NAMS website.
Is it easier to find a doctor for menopause?
The good news : It’s getting easier to find doctors who focus on menopause—or at least have extra training to provide better care to menopausal patients. Here are three ways to search for one.
Is menopause a risk factor for cardiovascular disease?
A 2013 study found that menopause is a risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease. And another 2017 study suggests that menopause could trigger metabolic changes in the brain that make a person more vulnerable to brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease.
What medicines treat menopause symptoms?
If your menopause symptoms bother you, talk to your doctor or nurse. Your doctor or nurse can suggest medicines to help with your symptoms. All medicines have risks, and your doctor can help you figure out which medicines are best for you.
What is menopausal hormone therapy?
Menopausal hormone therapy is prescription medicine to help relieve your menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, if they are severe enough to disrupt your daily life. Menopausal hormone therapy is sometimes called hormone therapy or hormone replacement therapy.
What is topical hormone therapy?
Topical (TOP-ih-kuhl) hormone therapy is usually a low-dose estrogen cream applied directly to the vagina. It relieves vaginal dryness but does not help with other symptoms, such as hot flashes. It also is available as a vaginal ring, insert, and gel.
Is menopausal hormone therapy safe?
Menopausal hormone therapy, sometimes called hormone replacement therapy, is safe for some women, but it also has risks. That is why the FDA advises women who want to try menopausal hormone therapy to use the lowest dose that works for the shortest time needed.
Who should not take menopausal hormone therapy?
Menopausal hormone therapy may not be safe for some women. You should discuss your risks with your doctor if you have: 2
How long should I take menopausal hormone therapy?
The FDA recommends that women take estrogen-only or estrogen plus progesterone menopausal hormone therapy at the lowest dose that works for the shortest time needed.
What is bioidentical hormone therapy?
Companies that make bioidentical hormone therapy use the term “bioidentical” to suggest that their products are exactly the same as natural hormones. Many of these companies also claim that their products are safer than menopausal hormone therapy. However, the FDA does not recognize this term or regulate these products.
Who can give you a trusted opinion on menopause?
In fact, a Gennev menopause-certified gynecologist can give you a trusted opinion, determine if medication is right for you, and they can provide prescription support. Book an appointment with a doctor here.
Does a doctor know about menopause?
So, it’s possible your doctor may not know a lot about menopause. According to the CT Mirror, “One recent survey of obstetrics/gynecology residents found that fewer than one in five polled reported receiving any formal training in the topic.”. And those are OB/GYN residents!
Is menopause a gender transition?
Unfortunately, given that menopause affects women and people in gender transition, it’s been largely ignored by mainstream medicine. That's why we recommend you work with a menopause specialist. So doctors receive little to no training specific to the issues of menopause and post-menopause health. This is improving, but the effects ...
Is it too late to get informed about menopause?
So, don’t wait until menopause symptoms make your life difficult. If you’re a woman, it’s never too soon or too late to get informed. If you’re premenopausal, a doctor or menopause-trained health coach can help you understand how to take care of yourself now to feel great and avoid problems in the future.
Can you telemedicate for menopause?
Menopause care via telemedicine. If there isn’t a menopause-focused doctor in your area, you’re not out of luck. The rapid growth of telemedicine during COVID has made it possible for women to access great menopause care, anywhere their internet connection reaches.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Hot flashes, trouble sleeping, mood changes, irregular vaginal bleeding, and vaginal dryness are common symptoms of menopause, a time when women’s bodies no longer produce the hormone estrogen as they once did. While these symptoms don’t necessarily require medical treatment, they shouldn’t be ignored.
How does menopause affect your mood?
Changes in your hormone levels can lead to mood swings, which can add stress to your daily life. The physical changes you experience during menopause can also be emotionally draining. This is normal, said Dr. MargEva M. Cole, MD, a Duke Health certified menopause practitioner at Durham Obstetrics and Gynecology South Durham and North Duke Street. Each person experiences menopause and its effects differently, she added. Often, changes in diet and exercise, and possibly anti-depressants and other medication, can make a difference in how you feel.
Does menopause end?
For some women, menopause symptoms will eventually end . However, talking to your doctor about your concerns is important, Moreno said, because your doctor may recommend treatments that can help you find relief in the meantime. Or, they may suggest testing to confirm you aren’t dealing with a more serious concern.
Can you live with menopause?
You don’t and shouldn’t just live with menopause symptoms because you think they are harmless and an inconvenience with which you have to live. If you want a specialist in menopause, a certified menopause practitioner can give you the care you seek.
Does estrogen help with hot flashes?
Moreno will recommend an FDA-approved hormone therapy if it is right for you. If estrogen isn’t appropriate, your doctor can recommend other medications to reduce hot flash es. “It’s about the right therapy for the right person at the right time,” Moreno said.
Can hormone therapy help with hot flashes?
Low-dose hormone therapy can be effective in alleviating hot flashes but must be tailored for you. This is accomplished through a one-on-one discussion with your doctor, who will also explore your health history to thoroughly assess your health risks.
Can you talk to your doctor about menopause?
Talk to Your Doctor about Menopause: Most Women Don’t. More often than not, women see their primary care doctor for an annual checkup but don’t discuss menopause symptoms like night sweats or vaginal dryness because it could be an awkward conversation, or you might assume the symptoms will just go away. For some women, menopause symptoms will ...
What is the importance of understanding menopause?
Compassion, understanding, expertise and thoroughness are all vital as you come to terms not just with the physical fall out of early menopause, but the emotional side too. Once you find the right individual for your needs, you’ll want to proceed with the confidence of knowing you’re in good hands.
What is the North American Menopause Society?
The North American Menopause Society is a group that offers information on menopause, including answers to frequently asked questions, updates on news and studies, and lists of menopause centers and doctors.
Is a menopause specialist up to date?
More importantly, a menopause specialist is often more up-to-date in terms of HRT, and usually has a hands-on knowledge of menopause. In general, then, you are probably best seeking a menopause specialist, if not a premature menopause specialist.
Is it hard to get a doctor for early menopause?
This helpsheet is part of a series on getting the best possible health care to cope with your early menopause. It’s tough enough for anyone to find a doctor who can work well for and with you — and it’s sometimes even more difficult when you’re going through early menopause or premature ovarian failure (POF).
Is reproductive endocrinology a good choice?
This is a very specific specialty — and one that may fit the bill for your needs. Reproductive endocrinologists (RE) are well-versed in matters of reproduc tive hormones, so often are much more in tune with premature ovarian failure. This is an especially good choice if you are eager to pursue a pregnancy.
Do women want a gynecologist?
Some women only want a female gynecologist, reasoning that only a woman can truly understand what another woman is going through. And when you’re going through premature menopause, you often will have to talk about many extremely personal aspects of your life and body — issues like your sex life.
Should women try out a doctor?
It’s not uncommon for women to try out a few doctors until they find the right one. Remember — it’s up to you to keep looking for that right doctor, one you can feel comfortable with, secure with, and trust. It’s worth the time, effort and thought.
How to help menopause transition?
Practice stress reduction techniques. Practiced regularly, stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can promote relaxation and good health throughout your lifetime, but they may be particularly helpful during the menopausal transition.
How to ease perimenopause symptoms?
Making these healthy lifestyle choices may help ease some symptoms of perimenopause and promote good health as you age: Ease vaginal discomfort. Use over-the-counter, water-based vaginal lubricants (Astroglide, K-Y jelly, others) or moisturizers (Replens, Vagisil, others).
What is the best treatment for hot flashes?
Hormone therapy. Systemic estrogen therapy — which comes in pill, skin patch, gel or cream form — remains the most effective treatment option for relieving perimenopausal and menopausal hot flashes and night sweats.
What to include in a doctor's appointment?
Include prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins and supplements that you're taking. Consider taking a family member or friend along. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided during an appointment. Someone who goes with you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
How to get rid of hot flashes?
Ask your doctor if you should also take a calcium supplement and if so, what type and how much — also ask if you need more vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium. Avoid alcohol and caffeine if they seem to trigger hot flashes. Be active.
Can hormones be tested during perimenopause?
But other than checking thyroid function, which can affect hormone levels, hormone testing is rarely necessary or useful to evaluate perimenopause.
Can antidepressants help with hot flashes?
Certain antidepressants related to the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may reduce menopausal hot flashes. An antidepressant for management of hot flashes may be useful for women who can't take estrogen for health reasons or for women who need an antidepressant for a mood disorder.
Diagnosis
Clinical Trials
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Alternative Medicine
