Navigating the trials and tribulations of postmenopause requires a great deal of trust between a patient and physician.
So, when Waverly resident Brenda Owens became concerned over some bleeding she was experiencing, she visited the office of her longtime Adena Health OB/GYN, Richard Villarreal, MD. She leaned on the trust and caring built over 18 years as his patient to know she would be fine.
“I always say doctors can take care of their patients, but it’s those who truly care about their patients who are a patient’s special blessing,” Brenda says. “I think Dr. Villarreal is both capable and caring, and he communicates this in a very professional way. These are wonderful attributes, and when combined with his amicable personality, he is one of the best.”
Brenda’s condition required an outpatient uterine procedure performed by Dr. Villarreal. She says that by taking the time to educate her about the procedure, answering all her questions using language she could understand, and using a compassionate approach, Dr. Villarreal gave her confidence and made her feel comfortable with the diagnosis and treatment.
Brenda says the confidence and support she received from Dr. Villarreal, his office staff, and her care team at Adena Regional Medical Center exemplified Adena’s values of compassion, integrity, excellence, and trust, and she would definitely recommend Adena Women’s Health to others.
Symptoms of postmenopause
Women are considered postmenopausal once they have gone a full year since their last menstrual period. Postmenopausal care is important because women in that stage of life can carry a higher risk for developing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and others.
While some women will not experience any symptoms of postmenopause, others may continue experiencing some lingering, but less intense, menopausal symptoms. These may include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, depression, a lower libido, insomnia, dry skin, weight changes, hair loss, or urinary issues.
When those symptoms begin to affect the ability to lead a normal life, it’s time to consult one of Adena’s skilled OB/GYN providers to explore available treatment options that range from lifestyle changes to medication or hormone therapy.
Dealing with postmenopause
There are plenty of lifestyle-related steps women can take to help manage issues experienced during postmenopause. Among them:
Regular exercise and lifting weights, which can keep bones and muscles strong, help maintain a healthy weight, and improve mood. It also can reduce the risk for developing cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet heavy on fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains.
Staying active with friends, family, and community activities to avoid falling into depression. Taking part in relaxing activities or engaging in meditation can also help.
Standing ready to help
Ready to take control of your postmenopausal health with compassionate, expert care? Connect with a trusted OB/GYN provider at Adena Women’s Health today. Call 740-779-7201 or visit Adena.org/women to schedule your appointment or learn more.