The symptoms of menopause can create an uncomfortable and irritating situation. However, your doctor can help you manage these symptoms and help you move through menopause with ease. Find out more about managing menopause symptoms and why women's health is important with women's health specialist, Dr. Deana Al-Khateeb at Ridgeview Internal Medicine in Woodbridge, VA.

What is menopause? 
All women experience menopause at some point in their lives, usually around the age of 40. Menopause occurs when a woman stops menstruating and is no longer able to reproduce. This happens because the ovaries, which house the eggs, stop releasing eggs every month. This, in turn, ceases to trigger a menstrual cycle. Some women go through menopause before 40, a process known as early menopause. This most often occurs due to outside influences like chemotherapy or hysterectomy.

Am I going through menopause? 
The symptoms of menopause can begin well before the ovaries cease to produce eggs completely. The most common early indicators of menopause include hot flashes which result in a flushed appearance and increased perspiration. However, there are other, less obvious symptoms which may indicate that you are approaching menopause, including:

• irregular periods
• headaches
• racing heart
• insomnia
• mood swings
• fatigue
• joint and muscle pain
• depression
• irritability
• changes in libido

Managing the Symptoms of Menopause in Woodbridge, VA
While menopause can cause discomfort and an irritating daily situation, your doctor can help you manage its symptoms. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy can help manage the dip in estrogen experienced during menopause. Managing the symptoms of menopause with diet has also proven to be successful in some studies. Foods high in calcium and plant estrogens can help manage symptoms. Consult with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you and your changing hormones.

For more information on managing the symptoms of menopause or menopause in general, please contact your women's health specialist, Dr. Deana Al-Khateeb at Ridgeview Internal Medicine in Woodbridge, VA. Call (703) 494-4116 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Al-Khateeb today!