FAQs
Table of Contents
Peri/Menopause
Menopause refers to the natural biological process in women marked by the cessation of menstruation and the end of reproductive fertility. It typically occurs in midlife, usually between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being around 51 in the US. During menopause, the ovaries gradually decrease production of estrogen and progesterone, leading to the cessation of ovulation and menstruation. This transition is often accompanied by various symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, joint pain, skin changes and sleep disturbances. While menopause is a normal part of aging, its onset and symptoms can vary widely among individuals.
Perimenopause, also known as the menopausal transition, is the stage leading up to menopause. It typically begins several years before menopause, usually in a woman's 40s. During perimenopause, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and fluctuating hormone levels. This phase can last for several years and is characterized by various symptoms similar to those experienced during menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and changes in menstrual flow. Perimenopause ends when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, marking the onset of menopause.
Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, brain fog, vaginal dryness, pain with sex, fatigue, sleep disturbances, joint pain, skin changes, weight gain, and changes in libido. However, experiences can vary greatly among individuals.
There are various ways to manage symptoms, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, stress management techniques, and alternative therapies like acupuncture or herbal remedies.
Adopting a balanced diet, staying active with regular exercise, optimizing sleep, and practicing stress management techniques are powerful natural strategies for managing menopausal symptoms.
Sexual Medicine
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a medical condition marked by a persistent or recurring lack of sexual desire that causes personal distress or interpersonal difficulties. It’s important to note that HSDD goes beyond the occasional fluctuations in libido that many women experience—it’s an ongoing issue that can significantly impact quality of life.
To be diagnosed with HSDD, several criteria must be met:
- The lack of sexual desire must be present for at least six months.
- There is an absence of sexual thoughts or fantasies.
- The individual must experience a lack of desire to engage in sexual activity (this includes both spontaneous and responsive desire).
- The condition causes significant personal distress or negatively affects relationships.
HSDD is not caused by other factors such as medical conditions, psychiatric disorders, relationship issues, or the side effects of medications.
Several medications are available to treat Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), each targeting different aspects of sexual desire and function. These treatments are designed to help women restore sexual desire and reduce the distress caused by HSDD.
The most common FDA-approved medications for HSDD include:
- Vyleesi (Bremelanotide):
Vyleesi is an on-demand treatment that is self-administered via an auto-injector about 45 minutes before sexual activity. It works by activating receptors in the brain involved in sexual desire. Vyleesi is intended for premenopausal women and can be used up to eight times per month.
- Addyi (Flibanserin):
Addyi is a daily oral medication that works by modulating neurotransmitters in the brain associated with sexual desire. It is also approved for premenopausal women and is taken once a day, typically at bedtime. It is important to avoid alcohol while taking Addyi due to potential side effects.
Both medications are designed for women experiencing acquired, generalized HSDD, meaning they previously had a normal level of sexual desire but have lost it over time, and this loss is unrelated to other factors such as medical conditions or relationship problems.
In addition to these medications, there are other approaches, such as hormone therapy or counseling, which may also be effective depending on the individual’s specific situation.
To schedule your appointment for sexual medicine consultation, click here
Weight Loss
Injectable weight loss medications are a relatively new and effective option for individuals who need support in managing their weight. These medications are typically prescribed to people who have struggled with weight loss through diet and exercise alone.
These medications are typically prescribed for adults who:
- Have a BMI of 30 or higher (obesity).
- Have a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if injectable weight loss medications are right for you. They are most effective when combined with lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
At Your Menopause MD, we offer guidance on weight management, including the use of injectable medications as part of a comprehensive approach to health. If you’re struggling with weight loss, we’re here to help you explore all your options for achieving your health goals.
To schedule your weight loss medication consultation, click here
The most common injectable weight loss medications belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications mimic the action of a hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which plays a key role in regulating appetite, insulin secretion, and blood sugar levels.
Here’s how they help with weight loss:
- Appetite Suppression: GLP-1 receptor agonists slow the movement of food through your stomach, which helps you feel full for longer periods. This results in reduced food intake and fewer cravings.
- Blood Sugar Control: By increasing insulin production and reducing the release of glucagon, these medications help stabilize blood sugar levels, which can also prevent overeating driven by blood sugar fluctuations.
- Slowed Digestion: They slow down the emptying of the stomach, leading to more gradual absorption of nutrients and helping to maintain a feeling of fullness.
- Saxenda (Liraglutide): A daily injection that helps with appetite control and is approved for long-term weight management.
- Wegovy (Semaglutide): A once-weekly injection, similar to Saxenda but more potent. Wegovy is specifically approved for chronic weight management and has shown significant results in clinical trials.
- Ozempic (Semaglutide): While primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has also been prescribed off-label for weight loss due to its appetite-suppressing effects.
Services and Pricing
We offer telehealth video visits for:
- New Patient Perimenopause/Menopause Consultation $300
- Established Patient, Follow-up Visit $200
- New Patient Sexual Medicine Consultation $30
- New Patient Weight Loss Consultation $100
Check our Book Appointment page to book your appointment
At this time, Your Menopause MD offers consultations via telehealth only. In-person appointments coming soon—stay tuned!
New Patient Perimenopause/Menopause Consultation $300
Established Patient, Follow-up Visit $200
New Patient Sexual Medicine Consultation $30
New Patient Weight Loss Consultation $100
Your Menopause MD does not accept commercial insurance. We are considered out-of-network with all insurance companies. We can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance carrier for out-of-network reimbursement. For guidance on handling out-of-network expenses, we recommend checking your individual insurance policy for specific instructions. We accept all major credit and debit cards as well as HSA (Health Saving Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) funds for your appointment.