What You Should Know About Menopause

Are you approaching mid-life and wondering about menopause? If so, your OBGYN doctors in Ridgewood, NJ, Dr. Jacqueline Saitta andmenopause Dr. Eric Bentolila, want to help. Having counseled numerous women on the symptoms of menopause and how to alleviate them, Drs. Saitta and Bentolila have the expertise necessary to best prepare you for this life-stage—read on to learn more!

 

What is menopause? Menopause occurs when a woman's ovaries stop producing estrogen. As the menstrual cycles cease, there are a number of typical responses such as hair loss, bone thinning, slower metabolic rate, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances. Additionally, mood swings are common throughout the process. In general, if a woman has not menstruated for a full year, she is post-menopausal.

What is peri-menopause? According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), peri-menopause begins in a woman's late thirties to forties. She begins to see changes in her menstrual cycle and fertility, and also has symptoms such as mood swings, decreased libido, hot flashes, insomnia, and more. Peri-menopausal symptoms may go on for a decade or more.

What is the average age of menopause? The ACOG says that it is 51, although this may vary widely. Certain medical conditions and treatments, such as those for cancer, can bring menopause on sooner.

What treatments does my Ridgewood, NJ, OBGYN doctor offer? Dr. Saitta and Dr. Bentolila offer a variety of menopausal treatments, tailoring care plans to each patient's individual needs. Hormone replacement therapy is a common one; however, they use this treatment sparingly because of its potential side effects such as stroke and blood clots. Some women benefit from antidepressant therapy as well.

What is a healthy lifestyle for a post-menopausal woman? Your professional team recommends these strategies for maintaining overall health, bone density, and a sense of well-being:

  1. Moderate aerobic and weight-bearing exercise at least three times a week to maintain bone health, muscular strength, and mood
  2. A low-fat, high fiber diet
  3. Yearly examinations with your primary care physician
  4. Use of vaginal lubricants and/or moisturizers to increase comfort during intercourse
  5. Taking calcium and Vitamin D to increase bone health

 

Find out more

Open communication with your OBGYN about menopause and other women's health concerns can help you enjoy a fuller, healthier life. Dr. Bentolila and Dr. Saitta want to help you feel your best. If you have other questions about menopause, don't hesitate to call for an appointment. We have two offices: one in Ridgewood—(201) 447-1700—and the other in Bayonne—(201) 447-0467.

Contact Us

Dr. Eric Bentolila's Office Hours

Monday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-3:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Dr. Jacqueline Saitta's Office Hours

Monday:

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, BAYONNE

Tuesday:

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, BAYONNE

Wednesday:

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, RIDGEWOOD

Thursday:

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, BAYONNE

Friday:

9:00 AM - 11:45 PM, RIDGEWOOD

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed