Dr. Deb

Don’t you hate that response from your doctor. If it sounds like a cop out, that because it is.

I met a very nice lady this weekend who is 45 years old, perimenopausal and having a lot of changes that she went to discuss with her gynecologist. I still cannot believe in this day and age she got essentially a pat on the head and the medical solution..you’re just getting older!

Sure menopause is related to age but that does not mean there is nothing to be done about it. Women want validation, information and when we say, Talk to your doctor and this is the answer they get. Please. Of course, I know doctors don’t get paid to educate. Insurance companies don’t have the reimbursement code. Well they may say that they do but they really don’t.

I’m going to add a Menopause outline right now..as soon as I figure out how to use this blog! So I will now

What is the MENOPAUSE?
When your period stops
-Average age at menopause is 51 (over 90% by age 55).
Transition to Menopause (perimenopause) can last 6 years or more. Many will start in their late 30’s

-Perimenopausal symptoms may include:
-Change in the amount or duration of menstrual flow or length of menstrual cycle,
-Skipping of menstrual periods.
- Irregular fluctuations of hormones

-Symptoms most commonly associated with low or fluctuating estrogen
-Vasomotor symptoms: hot flashes, day sweats, night sweats,
-Vaginal dryness/painful intercourse.

-Other symptoms that may be associated with menopause/perimenopuase

-Stiffness/soreness, Forgetfulness, Insomnia/sleep disturbance
-Palpitations, Urine leakage, Changes in libido
-Fatigue, Mood swings, Irritability, Anxiety, Depression

Day one Bloggers. It’s me, Dr Deb. I am soon to be your favorite girlfriend doctor that you corner at the cocktail party with all the thoughts, questions and concerns that you are too afraid, embarrassed or rushed to talk to your own doctor about. This happens to me in my real life daily so I thought that I would make it apart of my virtual life. While I am a board certified OB-Gyn, you are my bloggers friends and not my patients. I’ll give my best opinion but you know in this litigious society this cannot substitute for your doctors advice. History and exam are an essential part of any diagnosis. I also know that we all have a lot of the same questions and concerns so I want to help in anyway that I can. Knowledge is power. We are not alone. People really do care and I am starting this because I do too.