Menopause

What are the symptoms of menopause?

As you approach the end of your childbearing years, your body goes through numerous changes. At the end of your transition to menopause, your period stops and you can no longer become pregnant. The time leading up to menopause — after 12 consecutive months without a period — can be physically and emotionally challenging, and symptoms may include any of the following:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Interruptions in sleep
• Weight gain
• Mood fluctuations
• Vaginal dryness
• Painful sex
• Irregular periods and spotting
• Dry skin and thinning hair
• Depression and anxiety
• Lower sex drive
• Urinary tract infections
• Loss of breast fullness

The average age for menopause in the United States is 51, but perimenopause — the time leading up to menopause — often begins several years earlier. While some women only experience mild symptoms, others endure more severe symptoms. Fortunately, you can get help to control the unpleasant effects of menopause; you don’t have to suffer indefinitely.

How do I get relief from menopausal symptoms?

If menopausal symptoms create challenges in your daily life or interfere with intimacy, Dr. LeBel, Dr. Hoy, Dr. Holsopple or NP Brenn may recommend hormone replacement therapy. All providers specialize in compounding natural hormones that meet your specific needs and relieve unpleasant symptoms that occur as a result of your body producing lower levels of estrogen and progesterone.  

Hormone replacement therapies containing estrogen are often beneficial at relieving symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Other natural supplements may also help relieve your symptoms, and vaginal creams to alleviate discomfort during intercourse are often beneficial. As with all of her treatment plans, Dr. LeBel, Dr. Hoy, Dr. Holsopple and NP Brenn take an individualized approach to helping you feel better balanced throughout this transition in your life.

How does hormone replacement therapy work?

Depending on the treatment Dr. LeBel, Dr. Hoy and Dr. Holsopple recommends, you may take hormone replacements orally, in a topical solution, or through a medicated patch that releases just the right dose of hormones throughout the day. All female providers customize a blend of natural hormones that reduce symptoms such as insomnia, mood swings, and dry skin. Typically, hormone replacement therapies include estrogen and progestin, to help you feel like yourself again, as you continue to produce fewer hormones as part of the natural aging process.

How do you treat urinary incontinence and vaginal dryness?

Dr. LeBel and her team are proud to be the only practice in Greenville offering Votiva radiofrequency (RF) treatments for urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness, and painful sex. Votiva is a versatile procedure that allows our medical Aesthetician to safely and comfortably treat internal and external vaginal tissue to improve symptoms associated with the menopausal changes of your body.

Depending on your specific concerns, Dr. LeBel, Dr. Hoy or Dr. Holsopple customizes a Votiva treatment plan to meet your needs. Typically, after a series of three sessions, women experience:

• Decreased urinary incontinence symptoms
• Increased sensitivity during sex
• Decreased vaginal dryness

Votiva treatments usually take 30 minutes or less, and most women don’t feel any discomfort during and after the procedure. The RF energy stimulates vaginal tissue to produce more collagen for firmer tissue and noticeable improvement.

You don’t have to suffer in silence with disruptive menopausal symptoms. Dr. LeBel, our medical Aesthetician and her compassionate team are here to help. Call today at 864-419-2577  for an appointment or request one online.