Addressing Untreated Menopause: OhioHealth’s New Clinic Offers Solutions

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, signaling the end of menstrual cycles, yet it has long been shrouded in silence. Many women find themselves unprepared and uninformed about the changes their bodies undergo during this time. Dr. Pragna Patel, an OB/GYN physician at OhioHealth’s Menopause and Midlife Clinic in New Albany, notes that for previous generations, menopause was considered taboo. This cultural silence often left women without the knowledge or resources to address their symptoms effectively.

Understanding Menopause and Its Symptoms

Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and is preceded by a transitional phase known as perimenopause. During these stages, women may experience a range of symptoms, including:

• Mood swings
• Night sweats
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite

Despite these symptoms being common, research indicates that an overwhelming 75% of women going through menopause do not receive treatment. This lack of care often exacerbates the challenges they face during this natural transition.

The Urgent Need for Specialized Care

A significant gap in medical education has contributed to the neglect of menopausal health. Studies reveal that only 20% of OB/GYN residency programs include menopause training. This leaves many healthcare providers unequipped to address the complex needs of women during midlife.

Dr. Patel explains that widespread misconceptions about menopause and its treatments discourage many women from seeking help. One major misunderstanding is the belief that there are no treatment options or that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) universally causes cancer. This misinformation has led many women to endure their symptoms without exploring available solutions.

Additionally, there is confusion about when HRT can be initiated. Contrary to common belief, HRT can be started during perimenopause, providing relief for many women experiencing symptoms early in the transition.

OhioHealth’s Menopause and Midlife Clinic: A Beacon of Hope

Recognizing the need for dedicated care, OhioHealth launched its Menopause and Midlife Clinic at the New Albany Medical Campus in September of last year. The clinic specializes in addressing the hormonal, physical, and emotional health challenges faced by women who are premenopausal, perimenopausal, or postmenopausal.

Dr. Patel, who has spent the past five years focusing on menopausal health, leads the clinic with a mission to provide personalized care and education. She emphasizes the importance of tailored treatments to help women regain control of their health and well-being during this life stage.

Transformative Patient Experiences

Nancy Thompson, a patient at the clinic, is a testament to the transformative impact of specialized care. After enduring years of menopause symptoms, she began hormone replacement therapy under Dr. Patel’s guidance.

Thompson recalls feeling hopeless and exhausted from trying to manage her symptoms alone,she shared. Her determination to find relief led her to the clinic, where she found solutions that changed her life.

Within weeks of starting HRT, Thompson noticed significant improvements in her mood and overall health. “It’s night and day,” she said.

Thompson’s experience underscores the importance of seeking specialized care and breaking free from the misconceptions that prevent so many women from getting the help they need.

The Importance of Addressing Menopausal Health

Menopause is more than just a biological transition; it can have profound effects on a woman’s physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Left untreated, symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, and physical discomfort can interfere with daily activities and relationships.

Specialized clinics like OhioHealth’s Menopause and Midlife Clinic are essential for bridging the gap in care. By providing accurate information, debunking myths, and offering tailored treatments, these clinics empower women to navigate menopause with confidence and support.

A Step Toward Empowerment

The opening of OhioHealth’s Menopause and Midlife Clinic is a significant step forward in addressing the often-overlooked health challenges women face during midlife. By creating a space where women can seek specialized care and learn about their options, the clinic is helping to normalize conversations about menopause and reduce the stigma surrounding it.

Through education, personalized treatments, and a commitment to improving quality of life, the clinic is empowering women to take charge of their health during this transformative phase.

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