Menopause & Hormone Care in Westlake Village

Are hormonal changes affecting how you feel?

For some women, the transition is straightforward. For others, symptoms affect work, relationships, sleep, exercise, intimacy, and daily life. You may be wondering:

• Are these symptoms related to perimenopause?
• Why are my periods changing?
• Why am I waking up at night?
• Could hormones be affecting my mood?
• Why has sex become uncomfortable?
• Is hormone therapy an option for me?
• What can I do to protect my health as I get older?

These are appropriate questions to discuss with your healthcare provider.

Understanding perimenopause

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause. Hormonal changes can affect menstrual cycles and cause symptoms that vary from person to person. An evaluation can help determine whether symptoms may be associated with this transition or whether another medical issue should also be considered.

Menopause symptoms

Symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause can include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Changes in menstrual cycles
• Sleep difficulties
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort
• Changes in sexual function
• Mood changes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in energy, weight, or body composition

Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean menopause is the cause. Your clinician can evaluate them in the context of your age, medical history, medications, menstrual history, and overall health.

A personalized approach to menopause care

There is no single treatment that is right for everyone. Your visit begins with understanding what you are experiencing and what matters most to you. Depending on your circumstances, your clinician may discuss:

• Lifestyle considerations
• Treatment of specific symptoms
• Non-hormonal treatment options
• Menopausal hormone therapy
• Vaginal or genitourinary treatments
• Sexual health concerns
• Bone and cardiovascular health
• Weight and metabolic health

Recommendations should reflect your symptoms, health history, risk factors, preferences, and goals.

What happens at a menopause consultation?

Your visit looks at the complete picture rather than one symptom. Your clinician may discuss:

• Current symptoms and menstrual history
• Personal and family medical history
• Medications, supplements, and previous hormone use
• Sleep, mood, sexual and vaginal health
• Nutrition, activity, and metabolic health
• Relevant preventive screenings

Additional evaluation or testing may be recommended when it would help clarify what is changing or whether another condition needs consideration.

Women's medical care through midlife

The transition is also a time to consider broader health needs, including bone, cardiovascular and breast health; cervical screening; metabolic health; sleep; sexual health; and emotional well-being. Trillium connects OB/GYN care with primary care so these concerns can be discussed in context. When weight changes are a concern, medical weight management can be part of that conversation.

Menopause and weight changes

Changes in weight or body composition around midlife can have many influences, including aging, activity, sleep, nutrition, medications, medical conditions, and hormonal changes. Your clinician can evaluate the broader picture rather than assuming hormones are the sole cause.

Sexual and vaginal health after menopause

Changes around menopause can affect vaginal and urinary tissues. Dryness, irritation, and discomfort during sex are appropriate concerns to bring to your clinician. Treatment options vary with your symptoms and health history.