Every day, another 6,000 women will reach menopause in the United States. This period of change can bring on a variety of symptoms and can lead to new symptoms and conversations with your doctor. Amy Simpson is a Midwest mom, who like many women in their 40s, started to notice a few subtle changes and one big change.
Identifying the Period of Change
“I didn't really know what it was. I certainly noticed some changes with my hair and my skin and things I was not remembering as easily. And I thought, you know, this is just the age I am now. I guess this is how it is. And then probably about a year and a half ago, I started having hot flashes. And that was pretty cut and dried that something was different. And that really is what sparked me to head down the road that I’m on,” said Simpson.
Without that telltale sign, Amy says she probably would’ve just suffered the symptoms which sadly has been the norm for many women experiencing menopause. It’s an area of women’s health that Avera is looking to improve upon.
“In your late 30s, early 40s, and to your 50s, it should be such a great time of your life. And so to be poo-pooing the way people feel when they really have very justifiable changes and they just don't feel like themselves is really unfair. So focusing on this as a part of a woman's life that deserves care, attention, listening and understanding is critical,” said Dr. Catherine Schiltz, Avera OB/GYN specialist.
Which was a big reason why Amy sought out Dr. Schiltz to help guide her care through menopause.
“The first time I came in and met with her and her whole team, it was just instantly validating. I felt heard, I felt understood. All of the unknown and questions felt very normal in visiting with someone that understood it and had expertise. And I felt comforted and supported and just validated, just understood that what you're feeling is totally normal. And even if it doesn't look like the next person, also still very normal and just different for everybody,” said Simpson.
Finding the Right Treatment and Therapies
Not only are the symptoms different for every woman, but the treatments can be also.
“First and foremost, talking to patients about lifestyle modification is always huge. So what are you doing to take care of yourself as a whole person? So what's your diet look like? How's your nutrition? How's your sleep hygiene? Do you stay up too late? Do you get up too early? Are you drinking caffeine before bed? Just those little tweaks that we can make. What's your exercise like? Are you getting in steps? Are you doing strength training? What are your relationships like? Are there things that you can cut out of your life that we know are unhealthy? Smoking, drinking in excess, things of that nature,” said Dr. Schiltz.
The principal idea is about treating each woman as a whole person. Lifestyle tweaks are a key component, but there are hormonal therapies that can really be a game-changer for women.
“So we're looking at hormones that naturally decline as a woman ages, like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Those really come down to tailoring them specifically to each patient. It's not a one size fits all, what one person experiences might not be what the next person experiences and so you really have to find the right therapy for that person,” said Dr. Schiltz.
Treating the Whole Patient
Meaning patients like Amy can find continued relief.
“The biggest thing is symptoms are being treated and I feel so much better and I feel understood. It's been easy to adjust my treatment plan as it's been needed over the last year and a half. She explained to me that even though we know what's going on, it’s a bit of a moving target. So then I have responsibility as a patient to assess how I'm feeling, communicate with the team regularly and let them know if it's not working and we can make changes as needed and we have and it's been helpful to do,” said Simpson.
Menopause symptoms can be uncomfortable to discuss, but every patient like Amy who embraces the change helps remove the stigma and ensure women get the care they need.
“I'm lucky to be in the generation where the conversations are happening now and we have people with expertise to get it and there's no reason to suffer through it,” said Simpson.
Learn more about menopause care at Avera.
