Menopause begins with the perimenopausal period, which encompasses the time before, during, and after a woman’s last period.

Menopausal symptoms and their severity vary from patient to patient. However, it is common at this time to discuss issues such as irregular bleeding, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, skin changes, mood changes, and hormone replacement therapy. During visits we also perform routine exams and tests and address common medical problems and any specific gynecological conditions the patient may be experiencing (irregular bleeding, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse). I am open to many types of treatments, and try to use clinically proven data to suggest the right treatment for each patient.

I encourage my patients to have a good relationship with a primary care physician and I try to emphasize to them that their biggest concern should be their overall health. This should focus on diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and appropriate management of problems such as heart disease, hypertension, cholesterol, and diabetes. I also encourage patients to continue performing self-breast exams, having mammograms, and being screened for colon cancer and bone density.  Next