Menopausal Care

There isn’t anything you can do to avoid menopause, but FemForward Health offers customized solutions when you need help managing the side effects of this natural life transition. Board-certified OB/GYN Mary Afsari-Howard, DO, takes a compassionate, holistic approach to perimenopausal and menopausal care. Dr. Mary provides treatment strategies like hormone replacement therapy, nutritional counseling, and mental wellness services to support your physical, mental, and sexual health. Call the Portland, Oregon, office to schedule a menopausal care appointment or book a consultation online today. 

What is menopausal care?

As women, AFAB, and LGBTQIA+ individuals near the end of their childbearing years, their body slows down its production of estrogen and other reproductive hormones, which regulate many of your biological processes. This decline in hormones can lead to a range of symptoms that affect your physical and mental health.

Menopause occurs when your periods stop for good for 12 consecutive months. Some can experience bothersome symptoms in the years leading up to the end of their periods, a time known as perimenopause. Symptoms can start as early as your late 30s and last for several years before you reach menopause.

FemForward Health provides high-quality menopausal care for those experiencing symptoms that affect their quality of life. Dr. Mary takes an integrative and holistic approach to address your issues and protect your long-term wellness.

When should I consider menopausal care?

You should schedule a menopausal care appointment if you experience persistent symptoms during your perimenopausal or postmenopausal years that may include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Mood swings
• Urinary incontinence
• Brain fog and cognitive dysfunction

Dr. Mary also specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary syndrome, an umbrella term for menopause-related changes in the vaginal structures. This condition results from the loss of estrogen that causes vaginal tissues to shrink and become irritated and dry.

Mental health and wellness services are also available to address anxiety, depression, and other issues that can develop during the transition into menopause. 

What can I expect from menopausal care?

FemForward Health offers several strategies to support your health and wellness as you transition into menopause. Dr. Mary offers onsite blood tests to assess your hormone levels. She typically focuses on restoring hormonal balance and can determine if you’re a candidate for hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

HRT involves taking supplemental hormones that are similar to the hormones your body makes naturally. Rebalancing your hormones can provide lasting relief from uncomfortable symptoms and improve your vaginal tissue health. A variety of delivery methods are available, including patches, creams, pellets, and oral tablets.

If you’re not a candidate for HRT, Dr. Mary can recommend other treatments to relieve hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. This may include nutritional counseling, stress reduction, and diet improvements supporting physical, mental, and emotional health.

Dr. Mary also provides ongoing menopausal support during in-office visits or through online telemedicine appointments.

Call the FemForward Health office to schedule a menopausal care appointment or book a consultation online today.