Menopause

David M. Barrere, MD, F.A.C.O.G.

Obstetrics & Gynecology & Bioidentical Hormone Specialist located in Clifton & Eastgate, Cincinnati, OH

When women reach menopause, they no longer ovulate or menstruate. Though a normal part of the aging process, menopause occurs because of changes in sex hormone production. Unfortunately, these hormonal changes may cause many of the uncomfortable symptoms that women associate with menopause. David M. Barrere, MD, in Cincinnati, Ohio, takes a holistic approach to women’s health and offers a variety of treatments for menopause, including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Call the office located in the medical building at the Christ Hospital or Eastgate office near the Eastgate Mall, or book an appointment online today.

Menopause Q & A

What is menopause?

Women reach menopause when their ovaries no longer produce the sex hormones Estrogen and Progesterone, resulting in the end of menstrual periods.

Production of estrogen and progesterone starts to decrease around age 30. In your 40s, your hormone levels may fluctuate, and your menstrual cycle becomes irregular.

You may also experience some of the symptoms associated with menopause during this transitional phase known as perimenopause.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Symptoms of menopause vary. Some women have mild symptoms they barely notice, while other women have severe symptoms that disrupt their daily life.

Some of the more common symptoms of menopause include:

Night sweats
Hot flashes
Difficulty sleeping
Anxiety
Mood changes
Vaginal dryness
Vaginal pain
Incontinence
Sexual dysfunction
Weight gain
Dry skin
Thinning hair
Irritability

In addition to the physical symptoms, your declining estrogen levels may also decrease the growth of new bone cells, affecting bone health and strength.

What happens during a menopause evaluation?

When you come in for a menopause evaluation, you can expect a patient-centered exam. Dr. Barrere takes a holistic approach to care, assessing your physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being.

Dr. Barrere asks detailed questions about your menstrual cycle and symptoms. He also reviews your gynecological, medical, and family history and performs a physical and pelvic exam.

To determine the best treatment to manage your menopause symptoms, Dr. Barrere may request diagnostic tests, such as checking your blood hormone levels and other health screenings to assess general health and risk of disease.

How is menopause treated?

Dr. Barrere develops individualized treatment plans for menopause based on the severity of your symptoms and your personal and family medical history. For hormone replacement therapy, he may recommend bioidentical hormones in pellet form with SottoPelle®.

Bioidentical hormones are a more natural hormone replacement option made from plants. These hormones have the same structure and function as the hormones produced by your body.

Dr. Barrere customizes your hormone replacement pellet to match your hormonal needs. He places the pellets under your skin, which supplies a steady dose of hormones to optimize levels and relieve symptoms.

In addition to hormone therapy, Dr. Barrere may recommend vaginal rejuvanation therapy with Votiva FormaV to improve vaginal health.

You can’t stop menopause, but you don’t have to suffer from the symptoms. Call David M. Barrere, MD, or book an appointment online today.