Menopause is a natural phase that marks the natural end of your fertility. It is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. However, the months leading up to that milestone — officially known as perimenopause — can last for years.
Although perimenopause and menopause are natural, it doesn’t mean it’s easy. You may experience hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, weight gain, and vaginal dryness.
But you don’t have to suffer through it on your own.
Dr. Christopher Serrano and our Serrano OBGyn team in San Antonio, Texas, are here to help. Here’s how our team can help you during your transition to menopause.
A few lifestyle modifications can go a long way in supporting your hormonal health as you move from perimenopause to menopause.
Regular physical activity can help manage your menopause symptoms. Aerobic exercises like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling help regulate mood swings, reduce stress, and improve mental and physical well-being.
Create a 150-minute goal of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Remember to include strength training exercises to maintain bone density.
Not sure where to start? Dr. Serrano can suggest appropriate exercises to get you started.
Did you know that some foods may trigger hot flashes? Focus on lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and 100% whole grains. Foods with phytoestrogens, such as chickpeas and flaxseed, are especially beneficial.
Prioritize foods with calcium and vitamin D to ensure your bones stay strong and healthy during menopause.
If needed, Dr. Serrano may suggest supplements to ensure you get the calcium your bones need.
Menopause can tank your sleep quality. When your sleep quality suffers, you’re more likely to experience fatigue and irritability. Long-term sleep deprivation can weaken your immune system and worsen menopause symptoms like brain fog.
Practicing good sleep hygiene can help improve your sleep quality. If you’re struggling with night sweats, our team may suggest:
As your sleep improves, you’ll likely notice an improvement in brain fog, energy levels, and mood.
Lifestyle changes are good for physical and mental wellness. Still, if your hormonal imbalance is severe, you may need a little extra help balancing your hormones. That’s where we can help.
If your symptoms are moderate or severe, Dr. Serrano may suggest hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help balance your hormones. HRT refers to a hormone pill (or cream or patch) that delivers estrogen. This is particularly helpful since your estrogen levels dip during menopause. It’s these hormonal imbalances that cause your symptoms.
HRT is available in many forms, including pills and creams.
If you’re not interested in daily pills or topical creams, you might consider BioTE® pellet therapy. BioTE consists of small pellets made from soy or yams. They are custom-compounded and implanted beneath your skin.
Once inserted, they slowly release the type and dose of hormones that you need. You don’t have to worry about applying creams or taking a daily pill.
Whether you’re dealing with mood swings, brain fog, or hot flashes, the Serrano OBGyn team has everything you need under one roof. To get the help you need for menopause, book online or call Serrano OBGyn today.
