Menopausal Care in Virginia Beach & Norfolk

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Key Takeaways:

  • Menopause is a natural and inevitable process, and a menopause doctor can help you optimize your well-being during this time.
  • Menopause signals the end of menstruation and comes with some common side effects in the perimenopause stage, such as hot flashes, mood changes, and trouble sleeping.
  • An obstetrician/gynecologist is your best resource for creating a self-care plan in response to menopause.
  • Some common treatments include hormonal changes to treat hormone imbalance, but that may not be necessary in every case.

Menopause can be a difficult journey for many women in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, as the confusion and discomfort can quickly become overwhelming. Even with a proper self-care routine, the effects of menopause can be difficult to deal with. That is why it is so important to seek guidance from medical professionals who can help with all aspects of menopause.

Tidewater Physicians for Women will work with you to make this intense hormone change as easy as possible. Our specialized services in Virginia Beach and Norfolk offer a comprehensive approach that utilizes medical expertise, technology, and compassion to help you manage menopause. Take a closer look at how our team can help you approach this phase of your life with confidence and support.

Why Choose Tidewater Physicians for Women

At Tidewater Physicians for Women, we take a compassionate approach to patient care and strive to find solutions that work for your unique medical needs. We understand that every person is different, and we know how frustrating it can be for women’s health issues to be ignored. We specialize in women’s health, and our providers have proven expertise with FACOG and Top Doctor recognitions. Take a look at what some of our previous patients had to say.

Testimonials

“I had an excellent first appointment with Dr. A Fontanares today. I liked her personally and appreciated the generous amount of time she spent with me, thoroughly exploring my questions and concerns. I will definitely book appointments with her in the future.” — Anne B.
“Dr. Conner is amazing! She provides excellent care and listens to your needs. I have great confidence in her abilities and am grateful that she is my doctor.” — Angela L.
“Amazing! From the receptionist to the techs and doctors, everyone was extremely caring, personable, and professional. The wait time was minuscule. I am very glad to have been able to get an appointment with them, and I will be returning for all of my OBGYN needs. Dr. De Grand made the entire experience very comfortable and warm, exactly what I was looking for.” — Loganne G.

What is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the time before menopause when estrogen levels begin to drop and menstrual cycles become irregular. Many women enter perimenopause in their 40s, but it can begin as early as your 20s. While this phase usually lasts three to five years, its length is different for each woman.

Most women begin to experience the classic, menopause-related symptoms during perimenopause:

  • Fatigue
  • Breast tenderness
  • Worsening of premenstrual syndrome
  • Urinary problems such as urgency or leakage when coughing or sneezing
Menopause

What Menstrual Changes are Signs of a Serious Problem?

When your periods become irregular, it’s hard to know if an unusual period may be a sign of an underlying health problem. Contact your doctor at Tidewater Physicians for Women immediately if you experience any of the following during perimenopause:

  • Periods that are very heavy or accompanied by blood clots
  • Periods that last several days longer than usual
  • Spotting between periods
  • Spotting after sex
  • Periods occurring close together
Menopause

When Do You Reach Menopause?

After a year without a menstrual period, menopause has been reached. While estrogen levels fluctuate during perimenopause, causing irregular periods, hormones stabilize at a low level and periods stop once you’ve reached menopause. You may experience the same symptoms of perimenopause after hormone loss in menopause, yet you need to be aware of your levels as low estrogen increases your risk for heart disease and osteoporosis.

Menopause

How are Menopause Symptoms Treated?

Hormone replacement therapy is the most effective way to treat the symptoms caused by perimenopause and menopause. Hormone replacement may also prevent bone loss and fractures due to osteoporosis. Your doctor at Tidewater Physicians for Women will consider your age and medical history to determine if hormone replacement therapy is right for you.

We have a team of compassionate experts at Tidewater Physicians for Women dedicated to supporting your transition through menopause. Whether you need hormone replacement therapy, preventive care, or treatment for changes in sexual function, our physicians, nurse practitioners, and licensed professional counselor are available to help guide the way.

Understanding Menopause: Symptoms, Changes, and Health Implications

Menopause is a natural biological process in which your menstrual cycles come to an end. While you may miss periods for a variety of reasons, menopause is diagnosed after you have gone 12 months without a period not due to other causes. Most of the time, the cause is simply age. On average, women approach menopause at age 51, but it can happen in your 40s to late 50s as well.

Some of the changes you may experience include altered hormone levels. As you age, your ovaries begin to make less estrogen and progesterone, and the decreased levels of these hormones bring different experiences with periods. As menopause approaches, you will likely experience irregular periods before they stop entirely. One major health implication of this is that you may need hormone therapy, though lifestyle adjustments can work for some women too.

Some of the symptoms of menopause include the following:

  • Irregular periods
  • Hot flashes
  • Chills
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Mood changes
  • Thinning hair
  • Slowed metabolism
  • Night sweats

How are Menopause Symptoms Treated?

Hormone replacement therapy is the most effective way to treat the symptoms caused by perimenopause and menopause. Hormone replacement may also prevent bone loss and fractures due to osteoporosis. Your doctor at Tidewater Physicians for Women will consider your age and medical history to determine if hormone replacement therapy is right for you.

We have a team of compassionate medical experts at Tidewater Physicians for Women dedicated to supporting your transition through menopause. Whether you need hormone replacement therapy, preventive care, or treatment for changes in sexual function, our physicians, nurse practitioners, and licensed professional counselors are available to help guide the way.

Creating a Menopause Self-Care Routine 

One of the best ways to deal with menopause is to create a self-care routine. This can help you address the negative symptoms so menopause doesn’t have to be a time of suffering. Menopause is inevitable, after all, so it’s best to be prepared. Here are just a few things you can do as part of your self-care routine:

  • Exercise about 30 minutes every day
  • Eat a nutritious diet of fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
  • Stay in colder environments and wear loose and light clothing

Menopause Relaxation Techniques

Finding time to relax is an important part of self-care as well, and there are a few techniques you can try:

  • Breathwork
  • Yin Yoga
  • Mindfulness

Frequently Asked Questions About Menopause Care in Virginia Beach 

What Are Some of the Best Vitamins for Menopause?

Some of the best supplements for menopause include the following:

  • Black cohosh
  • Red clover
  • Dong quai
  • Chasteberry
  • Licorice root

Should I Get a Perimenopause Blood Test?

Whether you should get a perimenopause blood test is best determined by your doctor, but they are not always necessary. Most of the time, doctors diagnose menopause based on a variety of factors like your menstrual history, your age, your birth control practices, and the symptoms you’re experiencing.

What Kind of Doctor Should I See for Menopause Symptoms?

You should see an OB/GYN for menopause symptoms. Their obstetrics and gynecology specialization will be best equipped to handle your healthcare journey and help your quality of life.

How Does Our Approach to Menopausal Care Differ From General Healthcare Services?

At Tidewater Physicians for Women, we take a compassionate and specialized approach toward women’s healthcare. General healthcare providers may not have the qualifications necessary to treat women’s issues to the fullest. That is why so many women who go to general healthcare services get referred to specialists.

OB-GYN Women’s Care in the Heart of Hampton Roads 

Tidewater Physicians for Women offers solutions for women looking for a menopause doctor in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and the wider Hampton Roads area. You can schedule your appointment today by calling us at 757-461-3890 to speak with a team member or fill out our online scheduling form.

Tidewater Physicians for Women
a division of Mid-Atlantic Women’s Care
VA Beach

828 Healthy Way Unit 330
Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Fax: 757-467-0301

Norfolk

844 Kempsville Road #208
Norfolk, VA 23502

Fax: 757-461-0836

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