Menopause is the stage of a woman’s life when her menstrual periods end, and she can no longer get pregnant. The average age when women in the United States go through menopause is 52, but some women begin to experience symptoms as early as their mid-to-late 40s. Women who have already been through “the change” often share horrific stories about their experiences with younger relatives and friends, but they all survived, and so will you! There’s no substitute for professional medical advice when you start experiencing symptoms of menopause, and our team at Central Clinic For Women is here to help you make the transition as smooth as possible! It’s a normal part of aging for women, but everyone’s experience is different. Your body’s production of estrogen and progesterone begins to decline during the menopausal transition, and you’re likely to experience one or more of the following symptoms: Changes in your period - One of the first symptoms you’ll encounter are shorter or longer periods, and you’ll know you’ve reached menopause when go more than a full year without a period or spotting. Night Sweats and hot flashes - You’re likely to begin experiencing hot flashes several times a week, which are often accompanied by flushing or red blotches on your upper body. Hot flashes typically last between a few seconds to over 10 minutes, followed by cold shivering and heavy sweating. Incontinence - Women going through menopause are more likely to experience bladder or urinary problems and are at a greater risk for urinary tract infections. You might also feel the need to urinate more frequently or experience leakage as you exercise or when you sneeze or laugh. Insomnia - During midlife, many women struggle to fall asleep at night and find themselves waking up too early in the morning. It’s also common for women to struggle to get back to sleep after being awakened by night sweats. Physical Changes - Your body begins processing energy differently during menopause, and you’re likely to begin losing muscle and gaining fat. You might also begin to have more trouble focusing and find yourself occasionally becoming moodier or more irritable. If you’re encountering any of the above symptoms, don’t feel like your only choice is to “grin and bear it!” Contact us online or at (501) 227-5885 today to schedule a menopause care appointment or to find a trusted gynecologist Little Rock.
At Central Clinic for Women , we understand that your health is your most precious asset, and we’re committed to providing dedicated and compassionate care for women of all ages and helping every patient take control of her wellness journey! Our physicians and clinical staff have provided premier OB-GYN healthcare to women in Little Rock for decades and are expertly trained to handle all types of women's health issues. We proudly offer comprehensive and compassionate annual exams to help you maintain and monitor your health and develop a personalized plan for your long-term well-being! Regular annual exams provide a snapshot of your overall health and wellness, and they’re an essential way for women to ensure early detection and prevention of potential health issues. Our annual exams are performed on an outpatient basis at our clinic, conveniently located on the Baptist Health campus, and include the following procedures: A Pelvic Examination is a physical examination of your pelvic organs, including the vagina, cervix, and uterus, to assess your sexual and reproductive health. The exam might also include an ultrasound examination, urinalysis, and a pap smear to screen for cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV). A Clinical Breast Exam involves a healthcare provider checking for changes in the size or shape of the breasts and using his or her fingertips to feel for hardening, thickening, lumps, or other changes in each layer of breast tissue. The examination will conclude with a Q&A about your concerns. Annual mammograms are a must for women 35 and up or earlier for women who experience certain symptoms. Our team of experts will help you determine when you should start scheduling mammograms and assist you in developing a long-term holistic plan to guide you on the path to a longer, healthier, and happier life. It’s never too early to begin thinking about your long-term health, and we’re committed to helping you take control of your well-being, one annual exam at a time. Your health is your wealth, and we're here to support you every step of the way! Contact us online or at (501) 227-5885 today to schedule your annual exam or to find a trusted gynecologist Little Rock.