Menopause
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A. Michael Coppa, MD
OB/GYNs located in Cranston, RI, Smithfield, RI & Providence, RI
The transition to menopause can be difficult and confusing for many women. Dr. A. Michael Coppa offers comprehensive, compassionate care to address your menopause symptoms at his Cranston, Rhode Island and Providence, Rhode Island OB/GYN practice. Dr. Coppa and his caring staff listen carefully to your needs and provide a number of treatment options to relieve common menopause symptoms, like depression and anxiety, and hot flashes. Find the help you need during your menopausal years by calling the Cranston office or using the online booking feature.
Menopause Q & A
What is menopause?
Menopause is the time in your life when your period stops for good. To be considered menopausal, your period must be absent for at least 12 consecutive months.
In the months and years leading up to the end of menstruation, known as perimenopause, you can experience a wide variety of symptoms as your reproductive hormones begin to decline. Perimenopause can last for up to 10 years before your periods finally stop.
What are the symptoms of menopause?
Not all women experience symptoms in the transition to menopause. However, some may have symptoms so severe that they interfere with their daily life.
Common symptoms of menopause include:
- Dry skin
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Thinning hair
- Vaginal dryness
- Changes in mood
- Unexplained weight gain
To confirm you’re approaching menopause, Dr. Coppa performs a blood test to measure your levels of hormones, like estrogen. He may also use a blood test to rule out a thyroid disorder, which can cause similar symptoms.
If your symptoms make it difficult to do your job or enjoy a good quality of life, Dr. Coppa can provide options to alleviate your symptoms.
What treatment options are available for menopause?
If symptoms are interfering with your life, Dr. Coppa can offer treatments to balance out your hormones and make your transition to menopause smoother.
Typically, hormone therapies can alleviate many menopause-related symptoms by stabilizing your reproductive hormone levels. Dr. Coppa may recommend oral hormones or creams to provide your body with a steady supply of supplemental hormones.
What if I can’t tolerate hormones?
Hormone therapy isn’t the right choice for everyone. Dr. Coppa can determine if hormones will alleviate your symptoms after a review of your medical history. If, after starting therapy, you don’t respond well to the hormones, Dr. Coppa can provide you with other options.
In some cases, antidepressants can reduce menopause-related mood swings, depression, and anxiety, as well as providing relief for hot flashes.
You should also make lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy, fresh diet and exercising regularly to keep your hormones balanced and alleviate excess stress.
To find support for your menopause transition, contact Dr. Coppa’s Cranston and Providence OB/GYN office by phone or use the online booking feature.
