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Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause: 4 Tips to Navigating the Changes with Confidence

Hello, lovely ladies!

As we step into September and celebrate Menopause Awareness Month, it’s important to talk about a phase in every woman’s life that often comes with many questions—menopause. Menopause is a natural transition, but it can bring a host of changes that can feel overwhelming. As an OBGYN dedicated to advancing women's health, I'm here to help you understand what’s happening to your body and offer solutions that can make this journey smoother.

What is Menopause, Really?

Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. It’s diagnosed when a woman hasn’t had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. But before menopause comes perimenopause, a period that can last several years. During perimenopause, your body undergoes hormonal fluctuations that can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, and changes in vaginal health.

Tips for Navigating Menopause with Confidence

1. Stay Active: Regular exercise can help manage weight, improve mood, and maintain overall health. It’s particularly beneficial during menopause and perimenopause when metabolism slows down.

2. Embrace a Balanced Diet: Consuming foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and antioxidants is key to supporting bone density and skin health during menopause and perimenopause.

3. Prioritize Sleep: Hot flashes and night sweats can disrupt your sleep. Establishing a calming bedtime routine and keeping your bedroom cool can help mitigate these common menopause symptoms.

4. Seek Support: Sharing your experiences with friends or a support group can make the emotional journey through menopause and perimenopause feel less isolating.

Non-Hormonal Treatment Options

I also want to emphasize that there are innovative, non-hormonal treatments available to help manage menopause and perimenopause symptoms. In my practice, I offer procedures like the MonaLisa Touch, which uses gentle laser therapy to improve vaginal health, alleviate dryness, and reduce discomfort—common symptoms experienced during menopause. Additionally, the TempSure Envi can help with skin tightening and reducing wrinkles, addressing skin changes often seen during menopause. If you're experiencing body composition changes, SculpSure is a non-invasive body contouring treatment that may help you feel like your best self.

Take Control of Your Health Today!

Menopause can feel like a rollercoaster, but you don't have to go through it alone. If you’re experiencing symptoms that affect your quality of life or want to explore your options for managing vaginal health during menopause or perimenopause, I’m here to help!  

Call us today at (805) 898-4443 to schedule a consultation and find out how treatments like the MonaLisa Touch and TempSure Envi can support you during this transition. 

Remember, menopause is just another chapter in your journey, and together, we can make it one of your best.  

Warmly,  

Dr. Susanne Ramos 

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