It’s important for women to be engaged and ask questions while visiting with their board-certified gynecologist. We know sometimes these questions can seem personal or embarrassing, but being proactive can make a world of difference in the way you think about and manage your reproductive health. This is especially true for questions pertaining to menopause. After all, menopause is a complex topic and there is a lot to know. Because menopause can be a source of confusion and uncertainty for many women, our board-certified gynecologists are happy to answer some commonly-asked questions on the subject.
Question #1: How can I tell when I’ve entered menopause if I have already undergone a hysterectomy?
There is a common misconception that women who have had hysterectomies don’t need to be as aware of changes related to menopause. This simply is not true. In addition to affecting the menstrual cycle, there is a strong like between menopause and osteoporosis, diabetes, and other health conditions. This is why it’s important for women who have had hysterectomies to undergo regular hormone tests to monitor their estrogen levels and be cognizant of their reproductive health status. We recommend of making a note of any changes you experience and communicating this to your gynecologist during your next appointment.
Question #2: Will my voice change as a result of menopause?
Menopause affects every woman differently. However, it is possible for your voice to change after menopause. When women enter menopause, they naturally lose estrogen, while still producing the same amount of testosterone. This can lead to a hormone imbalance that can make a woman’s voice slightly deeper and more masculine. If you experience this, these vocal changes can be treated with estrogen supplements or hormone replacement therapy.
Question #3: What can I do if sex has become painful or uncomfortable after menopause?
It’s natural for some women to experience pain or discomfort during sex after they have gone through menopause. In many cases, this can result from vaginal dryness associated with lowered estrogen levels during menopause. Certain medications and topical creams can help women relieve these symptoms. I commonly recommend FemTouch™ Non-Surgical Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation for women who experience pain or discomfort during sex after menopause. FemTouch™ treatments can safely and effectively treat common vaginal health symptoms without the need for surgery.
If you have any additional questions of your own about menopause or other reproductive health concerns, you can always contact Dr. Kristine Gould at Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett to request an appointment. We also recommend following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for even more tips, news, updates, and details on our upcoming health and wellness events.
