Menopause

Berk's Womens Health Susan Probst, MD Our Services Menopause

Berk's Womens Health

Susan Probst, MD

Gynecology located in Reading, PA

Menopause isn’t a dirty word, and your transition through it doesn’t have to be painful. For guidance through perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause, turn to Berk's Womens Health in Reading, Pennsylvania. The practice is led by Susan Probst, MD, who has over 30 years of experience as a gynecologist treating menopause symptoms. Get started today by calling the practice.

Menopause Q & A

Do all women go through menopause?

Unless they had their ovaries removed before puberty, all women go through menopause. Menopause is a life change that happens after your body stops releasing eggs every month and your menstrual cycles gradually stop. 

Estrogen and progesterone production can begin slowing down years before your periods stop; this time period is known as perimenopause. After you haven’t experienced a period for a full year, you’ve officially reached menopause.

Menopause heralds the end of your reproductive years, but it in no way heralds the end of your health or happiness. With the guidance of Berks Women’s Health, you can transition through menopause with minimal discomfort.

When does menopause happen?

Menopause doesn’t work on a strict schedule, and some women experience it as early as their 30s, while others don’t experience it until their 50s. On average, though, most women experience menopause between the ages of 48 and 55.

After you move through menopause, you reach a stage called postmenopause. During postmenopause, you typically see a marked decrease in uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, but an uptick in your risk for conditions like heart disease and osteoporosis.

How can you manage the symptoms of menopause?

You can manage your perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause symptoms using a variety of strategies, including bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, natural alternatives, and lifestyle changes.

To help you find the right path for you, Dr. Probst begins by evaluating your symptoms. She offers strategies to manage countless menopause symptoms, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Decreased libido
  • Irregular menses
  • Insomnia
  • Trouble focusing
  • Slow recall
  • Anger and mood swings
  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Weight gain
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Frequent UTIs
  • Hair loss

After going over your symptoms, Dr. Probst examines you and performs blood tests to assess your hormone levels and make sure you’re not suffering from any other conditions that could cause menopausal symptoms.

With her help, you can find the combination of therapies that works best for you. Lifestyle modifications, for example, can make a huge impact on your life. Exercising just 30 minutes a day can help you manage your mood, weight, and your risk of osteoporosis.

To empower yourself on your journey through menopause with advice and symptom management with Dr. Probst, call her office.

What we offer

Services