‘I’m an OB/GYN—This Is the One Menopause Symptom You Should Never, Ever Ignore’
Menopause brings the most bodily changes a woman experiences since puberty, except pregnancy. Hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, trouble sleeping…These are all common symptoms of menopause that many women experience.
Even though these symptoms are normal, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk to your doctor about them. Here, OB/GYNs explain when it’s important to talk to your doctor about your menopause symptoms. Plus, the one menopause symptom they wish more women would talk to their doctor about.
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The Menopause Symptom OB/GYNs Wish More Women Would Pay Attention To
“Menopause brings about a major hormonal shift, primarily due to the loss of estrogen, which has a profound effect on the entire body,” says Dr. Jamie Seeman, MD, an OB/GYN at Mid-City OB/GYN in Omaha, Nebraska. She explains that estrogen plays a critical role in numerous bodily functions, so when its levels drop, women experience a wide range of changes. One change Dr. Seeman says many women don’t pay attention to or talk to their doctor about is vaginal dryness.
Dr. Seeman says that vaginal dryness is commonly associated with declining estrogen levels, but it can also indicate other health issues. For this reason, she says it’s important to tell your doctor about it to rule out other possible causes. Besides menopause, other possible causes of vaginal dryness include diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome (an autoimmune disorder that causes dryness throughout the body), certain forms of hormonal birth control, certain medications (including antidepressants and antihistamines) and cancer treatments.
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Whether menopause is causing vaginal dryness or it’s being caused by something else, Dr. Seeman says it’s worth it to talk to your OB/GYN about it because there are treatments available and no one should have to suffer through this bothersome symptom.
“If a woman reports vaginal dryness, her doctor may first conduct a thorough medical history and physical examination. They may recommend hormone replacement therapy or localized treatments like vaginal estrogen to alleviate symptoms. Additionally, the doctor might suggest incorporating probiotics, to help maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome,” Dr. Seeman says. She adds that the doctor will tailor recommendations based on the woman’s individual health needs and preferences because hormone replacement therapy is not for everyone.
Other Menopause Symptoms To Talk To Your Doctor About
Dr. Andrea Pezzella, M.D., FPMRS, FACOG, a urogynecologist, double board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive surgery, says that other menopause symptoms she recommends women talk to their OB/GYN about are pelvic pressure and difficulty urinating. “These symptoms are usually dismissed as normal aging or menopausal changes, but they could actually be signs of a treatable condition like pelvic organ prolapse (POP),” she says.
Dr. Pezzella explains that the decrease in estrogen levels during menopause can weaken pelvic floor muscles, leading to prolapse. This is because estrogen helps maintain the strength and elasticity of the pelvic floor muscles. “If a woman notices symptoms like a feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvic area, discomfort or a noticeable bulge she should talk to her doctor as soon as possible,” Dr. Pezzella says, adding that early communication is key. “Even if the symptoms are mild or seem to come and go, it’s best to get them checked out to rule out any serious conditions,” she adds.
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Once you tell your doctor about these symptoms, Dr. Pezzella says you can expect to have a thorough pelvic exam to assess the degree of prolapse. “Depending on the findings, the doctor might recommend lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises or refer the patient to a specialist like a gynecologist for further evaluation,” she says.
Here’s what else the OB/GYNs want every woman going through menopause to know: If any of your symptoms are getting in the way of your daily life, you should tell your doctor. “Many symptoms of menopause can overlap with other conditions, so it’s important not to dismiss them as ‘just part of getting older.’ If something feels off, or if a symptom is affecting your quality of life, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. Menopause is a natural phase, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through symptoms that could be managed or treated,” Dr. Pezzella says.
It’s always important to listen to your body and advocate for your health and this is especially true during menopause. “Menopause is a time of change, and it’s easy to attribute everything to that, but being proactive about your health and staying informed can make a big difference in your overall well-being,” Dr. Pezzella says.
With this in mind, if any symptoms are getting in the way of you enjoying your life, speak up. Your OB/GYN should be happy to talk to you about ways to improve your symptoms and make navigating this ever-changing life stage easier.
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