Menopause Specialist

Christine Wu, MD -  - Gynecologist

Christine Wu, MD

Gynecologist located in Philadelphia, PA

Menopause starts as early as your 40s and is known for causing unbearable side effects. Philadelphia’s leading gynecologist and menopause expert Christine Wu, MD can help you feel like yourself again. If you’re getting hot flashes or are noticing that your menstrual cycles are becoming irregular, book an appointment with Dr. Wu to get started on a custom treatment. Schedule your evaluation by calling the office or by booking online.

Menopause Q & A

What is menopause and how does it differ from perimenopause?

When you reach menopause, which typically occurs between 45 and 55, your monthly cycles stop; menopause occurs when you have gone 12 months without having a period. You are no longer producing eggs and are no longer fertile.

Perimenopause is the phase that occurs before menopause as your estrogen level gradually starts to decline. It can start as early as your late 30s and can go on for years.

Not all women experience symptoms or issues during the perimenopausal stage, although it’s common to start noticing irregular or less-frequent menstrual periods. Unlike menopause, you’re still fertile during perimenopause.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Each woman is different, and not all women experience issues with menopause. As your monthly menstruation cycle becomes irregular and eventually stops, it’s most common to have hot flashes. Many women also experience:

  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Weight gain
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Mood disturbances
  • Pain during intercourse

Some women even experience bladder leakage or incontinence as your vaginal walls and muscles start to weaken. These symptoms don’t usually develop overnight; rather, they gradually occur as your estrogen level starts to decline.

How are menopause symptoms treated?

Dr. Wu spends time evaluating the severity of your symptoms and considers your overall health before selecting a treatment plan; you might need to try a few treatments before finding what works best for you.

Many women benefit from hormone therapy, including natural hormones. These prescription medications can be administered via:

  • Oral pills
  • Topical creams
  • Vaginal rings or inserts

Your symptoms should resolve shortly after starting your hormone replacement therapy plan. Hormone replacement isn’t right for everyone, though. Fortunately, there are plenty of medications, such as low-dose antidepressants, that have been proven to help minimize menopause symptoms.

Non-medication treatment for vaginal or bladder issues can include MonaLisa Touch®, a painless laser treatment that helps rebuild vaginal walls in just a few short sessions. MonaLisa Touch is most beneficial for women who are experiencing bladder leakage or pain during intercourse.

Schedule your appointment to get relief from menopause symptoms by calling Dr. Wu or by booking online.

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