Any health change can bring questions and concerns. One of the most common issues patients ask OB/GYN Dr. Lesley Furman about is menopause. A lot of women come into the office with either questions about menopause or symptoms of menopause and want to know whats going on? Is what Im going through normal?

Dr. Furman says while the symptoms are normal, they can be uncomfortable. Hot flashes are the biggest one. Hot flashes, night sweats, sleeplessness, decrease in libido, vaginal dryness, those are the main ones, said Dr. Furman.

The average age of menopause is 51, but doctors say symptoms can start when women are in their 40s and can last a few years. Its important for them to know that it is a natural process. Its not going to last forever but there are treatment options, said Dr. Furman.

Treatment options, like medications, lifestyle changes, even hormone therapy can help. Each treatment option should be tailored for each patient, not just one size fits all. They should be aware that there are certain factors in their lifestyle that they can alter to help. There can be medications that we can offer that will help, said Dr. Furman.

Doctors may recommend different treatments to help with different symptoms. Patients often have a lot of symptoms; in fact most of the symptoms start way before that last menstrual period occurs, said Dr. Furman.

Women may even experience anxiety or depression during menopause. Whatever the symptoms are, doctors say they are normal and its important to explain them to your physician so treatment can be started.

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Health Matters: Answering Questions about Menopause - NBC2 News

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