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Hot Flashes at Night: Why They Happen and How to Manage Them

Posted on by Rita Sharma, MD, FACOG in

Some nights, it’s not stress or a bad dream that wakes you up — it’s heat. Sudden, intense and impossible to ignore. For many women, nighttime hot flashes and night sweats interrupt sleep, drain energy, and quietly reshape how the next day feels.

These symptoms are common, especially during hormonal transitions like perimenopause and
menopause. And while they’re often brushed off as just part of the circle of life,
understanding what’s happening in your body — and what can actually help — can make nights
far more manageable.

Why Do Hot Flashes Happen at Night?

Hot flashes and menopause-related night sweats are primarily driven by hormonal changes,
particularly fluctuations in estrogen.

Estrogen plays a key role in regulating the hypothalamus, or the part of the brain that acts
as your internal thermostat. When estrogen levels drop or become unpredictable, that
thermostat becomes more sensitive. Even small changes in body temperature can trigger an
exaggerated response, leading to sudden warmth, flushing, sweating, and sometimes chills
afterward.

At night, these effects often feel more intense because:

  • Core body temperature naturally shifts during sleep
  • Bedding and sleepwear can trap heat
  • Stress, fatigue, and disrupted sleep lower tolerance for temperature changes

Without distractions, the sensation itself becomes harder to ignore. This can make nighttime
hot flashes especially disruptive.

Are Night Sweats a Sign of Menopause?

For many women, yes. Night sweats are one of the most common symptoms of perimenopause and
menopause.

They often occur alongside other signs of hormonal transition, including:

  • Irregular or changing menstrual cycles
  • Mood changes or irritability
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
  • Increased anxiety

That said, while night sweats are common during menopause, they aren’t something you’re
expected to simply tolerate. And in some cases, persistent or severe symptoms may be linked
to other medical conditions. That’s why ongoing or worsening night sweats should always be
discussed with a healthcare provider.

Common Triggers for Night Sweats in Women

While hormonal changes set the stage, everyday factors often influence how intense or
frequent night sweats feel.

Common triggers include:

  • Warm bedroom temperatures
  • Alcohol or caffeine, especially in the evening
  • Spicy foods
  • Stress or anxiety
  • Heavy blankets or synthetic sleepwear
  • Smoking

Identifying personal triggers can be an important step toward reducing nighttime episodes
and improving sleep quality.

How to Manage Hot Flashes at Night

Managing night sweats often involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments and medical
support. What works best varies from person to person, and care should always be
individualized.

Simple At-Home Strategies

Many women find relief by making small changes to their nighttime routine, such as:

  • Keeping the bedroom cool and well-ventilated
  • Choosing breathable, moisture-wicking sheets and pajamas
  • Taking a lukewarm shower before bed
  • Practicing calming bedtime routines like deep breathing or gentle stretching
  • Limiting alcohol and caffeine later in the day

These steps can help reduce the intensity of hot flashes and make sleep interruptions easier
to recover from.

Medical Options for Hot Flashes Treatment

If night sweats are affecting sleep or daily functioning, your provider may talk with you
about medical options, including:

  • Hormone therapy, when appropriate
  • Non-hormonal medications
  • Supplements or targeted therapies, under medical guidance
  • Sleep-focused treatment plans

No approach to hot flashes treatment works for every person. The goal is to find a plan that
supports your individual comfort, sleep quality, and long-term health — while aligning with
your medical history and preferences.

When to Talk to a Doctor

It’s a good idea to seek medical guidance if:

  • Night sweats are severe, persistent, or worsening
  • Sleep disruption is affecting daily life
  • Symptoms appear suddenly or outside expected menopausal timing
  • You experience unexplained weight loss, fever, or pain

Reaching out simply means you can benefit from some help navigating this change. A healthcare
provider can help rule out other causes and work with you to create a plan that fits your
needs.

Final Thoughts on Hot Flashes at Night

Hot flashes at night are a common part of hormonal change, but their impact on sleep and
daily life are worth sharing with a provider. Understanding what’s behind them — and knowing
when to seek support — can make a meaningful difference in how you feel at night and how
rested you are during the day.

If you’d like to talk more about nighttime hot flashes and how to manage them, call board-certified gynecologist Rita Sharma, MD, FACOG, URPS  today for a consultation. We’re here to help you with fewer symptoms, increased comfort, and better sleep.

Perimenopause vs. Menopause: Key Differences Every Woman Should Know

Posted on by Rita Sharma, MD, FACOG in

If you’ve been spending any time online lately, you may feel like you’re seeing references to perimenopause just about everywhere. Social media, podcasts, ads, and wellness influencers are all talking about hormones, symptoms, and “fixes.” While awareness can be empowering, it can also feel overwhelming. And sometimes, it can be misleading.

Understanding the difference between perimenopause and menopause can help you make sense of what’s happening in your body and decide when it’s time to seek professional guidance.

What Is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause. It can begin several years before your final menstrual period, often in your late 30s to mid-40s, though timing varies widely.

During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate unpredictably. Because of this, periods may become irregular, coming closer together, farther apart, heavier, lighter, or occasionally skipped altogether.

Common perimenopause symptoms may include:

  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Hot flashes or night sweats
  • Mood changes or increased anxiety
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Fatigue or brain fog
  • Changes in libido

It’s important to note that not everyone experiences symptoms, and those who do may have very different experiences. There is no single “perimenopause timeline” that applies to everyone.

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is a specific point in time, not a phase. It’s diagnosed after you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, with no other medical cause. The average age of menopause is around 51-52 years old, but this can vary.

Once menopause occurs, hormone levels stabilize at a lower level, and ovulation stops permanently. Some symptoms (such as hot flashes or vaginal dryness) may continue, while others improve over time.

Key Differences Between Perimenopause and Menopause

The main difference comes down to timing and hormone activity:

  • Perimenopause: Hormones fluctuate; periods are irregular; pregnancy is still possible
  • Menopause: Periods have stopped completely; hormone levels are consistently low

Understanding this distinction can help explain why symptoms may feel unpredictable for years before menopause actually occurs.

Navigating Information (and Misinformation) Online

Because perimenopause has become a trending topic, there’s now a massive amount of content online: some helpful, some confusing, and some designed to sell products or programs.

Algorithms often amplify this effect. Engaging with one post about hormones can quickly lead to a flood of content suggesting that every symptom is a sign of perimenopause, and that a specific supplement, cleanse, or course is the solution.

While lifestyle changes and education can be valuable, medical guidance matters. Symptoms can overlap with thyroid conditions, anxiety, sleep disorders, and other common health issues that deserve proper evaluation.

Why Talking to Your Doctor Matters

A healthcare provider can help:

  • Put symptoms in proper context
  • Rule out other causes
  • Discuss evidence-based treatment options
  • Offer reassurance when changes are normal

Remember: Women have been thriving during perimenopause and menopause for millennia, and they’ve done it without the latest trend or fad product. You don’t need to self-diagnose or navigate this transition alone.

Perimenopause and Menopause: The Bottom Line

Perimenopause and menopause are natural life stages, but they don’t look the same for everyone. Some women experience noticeable symptoms; others move through these transitions with minimal disruption. Both experiences are normal.

If changes in your cycle, sleep, mood, or overall well-being feel confusing or disruptive, our care team can help you sort through what’s typical, what’s treatable, and what deserves more attention. Call our office today for an appointment.

Feeling Off Balance? 5 Signs It’s Time to Consider Hormone Therapy

Posted on by Rita Sharma, MD, FACOG in

It’s easy to write off fatigue, mood swings, or restless nights as just part of getting older. Sometimes, though, your body is trying to signal a deeper issue. Hormones play a vital role in regulating everything from energy and metabolism to mood and sleep. When those hormones fall out of balance, it can affect how you feel every single day.

Board-certified gynecologist Rita Sharma, MD, FACOG, URPS specializes in helping women understand these changes and restore balance through hormone therapy, a personalized, bioidentical approach to hormone optimization.

What Is Hormone Therapy?

Hormone therapy uses bioidentical hormones, which are molecularly identical to the hormones your body naturally produces. Delivered through tiny pellets placed just beneath the skin, hormone therapy provides a steady, consistent release of hormones, helping your body find its natural rhythm again.

Hormone therapy is designed to restore balance gradually and naturally, addressing the root cause of symptoms rather than masking them. Many patients report increased energy, better mood, improved focus, and more restful sleep within weeks of starting treatment.

5 Signs You May Benefit From Hormone Optimization

If you’ve been “feeling off” without a clear reason, here are five common signs your hormones may be out of balance:

1. You’re Constantly Tired

If you wake up tired or rely on caffeine just to get through the day, your hormones may be to blame. Declining estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone levels can interfere with your body’s ability to regulate metabolism and sleep quality.

With hormone therapy, steady hormone restoration can help your body produce and sustain energy more efficiently so you can wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day.

2. Your Mood Feels Unpredictable

Emotional ups and downs often trace back to shifting hormone levels. When estrogen or progesterone fluctuates, so do the brain chemicals responsible for regulating mood and focus.

If you’ve noticed more anxiety, irritability, or difficulty concentrating, hormone therapy can help stabilize these changes and promote a more balanced, peaceful state of mind.

3. You’re Gaining Weight or Struggling to Lose It

Hormones have a direct impact on how your body stores and uses energy. When estrogen, thyroid, or insulin levels are out of balance, metabolism can slow down.

This may lead to stubborn weight gain, particularly around the midsection. Hormone therapy helps correct these imbalances, supporting a healthier metabolism and making it easier to reach and maintain your ideal weight.

4. Your Sleep Patterns Are Off

Restful sleep depends on healthy hormone cycles. When estrogen and progesterone decline, many women experience night sweats, insomnia, or frequent waking throughout the night.

Hormone therapy helps restore balance so your body can relax, recover, and achieve deeper, more restorative sleep.

5. Your Libido and Vitality Have Changed

A reduced interest in intimacy or a general lack of motivation can be signs that your hormones are out of sync. Testosterone and estrogen play key roles in maintaining sexual wellness, drive, and overall vitality.

By optimizing these hormones through hormone therapy, many patients experience renewed confidence, energy, and enjoyment in their relationships and daily life.

Regain Balance and Confidence With Biote

Hormonal imbalances can quietly impact every part of your life, but you don’t have to live with disruptive and discouraging symptoms. With Biote hormone therapy, your body gets the customized support it needs to function at its best again.

It’s time to stop guessing and start feeling like yourself again. Contact us today to schedule your hormone consultation. We’ll help you take the first step toward renewed energy, balance, and overall wellness.

Coping with Hot Flashes: Tips That Actually Work

Posted on by Rita Sharma, MD, FACOG in

Hot flashes are one of the most common (and frustrating) symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. They can strike during the day or disrupt your sleep at night, leaving you sweaty, flushed, and uncomfortable. For many women, hot flashes are more than just a minor nuisance; they make a big impact on daily comfort, focus, and quality of life.

The good news? You don’t have to let hot flashes run the show! There are multiple proven ways to manage hot flashes and regain a sense of control, so you can get back to feeling like yourself.

What Are Hot Flashes?

Hot flashes are one of the most recognizable signs of hormonal change during perimenopause and menopause. They happen when your body’s internal thermostat, controlled by the hypothalamus, becomes more sensitive to slight changes in temperature due to fluctuating estrogen levels.

As a result, your body overreacts, triggering sudden heat, sweating, and redness. Understanding what’s happening physiologically can make the symptoms feel less alarming and more manageable.

These sudden, intense feelings of heat are often accompanied by:

  • Red or flushed skin
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Sweating (especially on the face, neck, or chest)
  • Chills or shivering afterward

Hot flashes can last anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes and may occur a few times a week or multiple times a day.

Everyday Tips for Managing Hot Flashes

While hot flashes can feel unpredictable, many women find real relief by making small, strategic changes to their daily routine. These approaches not only help ease the intensity of hot flashes but also help you regain a sense of control.

From smart wardrobe choices to mindfulness practices, the everyday habits listed below can make a big difference in how you feel day and night:

1. Dress in Layers

Wearing breathable clothing that you can easily remove helps you stay comfortable when a hot flash strikes, especially in warm or crowded environments.

2. Keep Cool at Night

Use a fan, open windows, or invest in cooling pillows and moisture-wicking sheets. Sleeping in a cooler room can significantly reduce night sweats and improve sleep.

3. Avoid Common Triggers

Spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, and stress are frequent culprits. Keep a symptom journal to identify your triggers and adjust as needed.

4. Practice Relaxation Techniques

Deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can calm the nervous system and reduce hot flash intensity, especially those brought on by stress or anxiety.

5. Stay Hydrated

Drinking cold water throughout the day helps regulate your body temperature and offset sudden heat surges.

Treatment Options That Can Help

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, talk to your provider about medical treatments. Several options are available:

  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): One of the most effective treatments for hot flashes. HRT replaces estrogen levels that drop during menopause, helping to stabilize body temperature regulation.
  • Non-Hormonal Medications: Some antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and anti-seizure drugs have been shown to reduce hot flash frequency in certain patients.
  • Herbal Remedies & Supplements: While not a substitute for medical care, some people find relief with black cohosh, soy isoflavones, or other plant-based therapies. Always consult your doctor before starting supplements to avoid interactions with current medications.

You Don’t Have to Tough It Out

Hot flashes are a normal part of the menopause transition, but that doesn’t mean you have to just “deal with it.” Whether you prefer natural remedies, medical treatment, or a blend of both, help is available and relief is possible.

To explore a personalized plan that fits your symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences, call board-certified gynecologist Rita Sharma, MD, FACOG, URPS today.

Things That Can Cause an Abnormal Pap Smear

Posted on by Rita Sharma, MD, FACOG in

Women routinely have Pap smears during their well-woman appointments typically every three years until they are age 65 and older. Once results have been reviewed, if there is anything out of the ordinary, Dr. Sharma may call to inform you the test was abnormal and discuss next steps. No need to fret, let’s go through some common causes of an abnormal Pap smear.

Purpose of a Pap Smear

Pap smears are a screening tool used to detect abnormal cells in the cervix which can lead to cervical cancer. Women should begin having a regular Pap smear at age 21. Once age 30 is reached, women should also be tested for the human papillomavirus (HPV), as it can lead to cervical cancer. It is recommended for women ages 21-65 to get a Pap test at least every three years.

Causes of an Abnormal Pap Smear

Let’s begin by assuring you that an abnormal result is nothing for concern. Don’t panic, but definitely follow up.

Abnormal cervical cells are the main cause for a positive or abnormal result.

Some of those include:

  • Unusual cellular changes in the cervixGynecology, doctor and woman with checkup at clinic for pelvic exam
  • Cells containing HPV
  • Signs of a sexually transmitted infection like gonorrhea or sexually transmitted disease like herpes
  • A bacterial or yeast infection
  • Cellular changes due to age
  • Pre-cancerous changes, which usually go away on their own
  • Inflammation in the pelvic area

If an abnormal test occurs, Dr. Sharma can do a follow up test called a colposcopy. During this in-office test the cervix is examined with a lighted lens. If there is concern, some cells may be taken for a biopsy.

Accurate Results Are Critical

Of course tests can be faulty, so it’s important you do what you can to get the best and most accurate results of a Pap smear. False positives can be unnerving.

For the two days prior to a Pap smear avoid using tampons, do not have sexual intercourse, or use vaginal creams, sprays or powders.

Contact Dr. Rita Sharma at (770) 691-1257 to set up a Pap smear at our office in Atlanta, GA if you are due for one, especially if it’s been more than three years.

Sources:

Vaginal Health After Menopause Common Issues and Solutions

Posted on by Rita Sharma, MD, FACOG in

Menopause is a natural part of life, but the hormonal changes that come with it can bring some unexpected challenges—particularly when it comes to vaginal health. As your body adjusts to lower levels of estrogen, you may notice changes in your vaginal health that can affect your comfort, intimacy, and overall quality of life.

The good news? There are solutions to help you manage these changes and feel like yourself again! Let’s take a closer look at some common vaginal health issues after menopause and how to address them.

Hormonal Changes and Vaginal Health

During menopause, your body produces less estrogen, which plays a key role in maintaining vaginal moisture and elasticity. As estrogen levels drop, the tissues in the vaginal area can become thinner, drier, and less flexible. This condition is often referred to as vaginal atrophy or genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). These changes can lead to discomfort, especially during sexual activity, but they can also impact your day-to-day life.

Common Vaginal Health Issues After Menopause

  • Vaginal dryness: One of the most common issues, vaginal dryness, can make everyday activities, like sitting or walking, uncomfortable, as well as cause pain during sex.
  • Vaginal itching or burning: Thinner, more fragile vaginal tissues are prone to irritation, leading to itching or burning sensations.
  • Pain during intercourse: As the vaginal walls become thinner and less lubricated, sex may become painful or less enjoyable.
  • Urinary symptoms: Many women experience more frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or urinary incontinence after menopause due to these changes in the vaginal and urinary tissues.Weak senior woman lie on sofa keep arm on head feel pain dizzy

How Symptoms Impact Quality of Life

The symptoms of vaginal atrophy or GSM can vary in severity, but they all have the potential to impact your quality of life. Discomfort during everyday activities, along with the emotional toll of changes in your intimate life, can lead to anxiety, avoidance of physical intimacy, and even relationship strain.

Additionally, recurring UTIs or urinary issues can make some women feel like they’re constantly battling health problems, which can be frustrating and exhausting.

How Are Vaginal Issues Diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing vaginal health issues after menopause, it’s important to speak with an experienced physician like Dr. Rita Sharma in Atlanta, GA.

Diagnosis typically starts with a discussion of your symptoms and a physical exam. Your doctor may also ask about your medical history and conduct a pelvic exam to assess the health of your vaginal tissues. In some cases, additional tests may be needed to rule out infections or other conditions.

What Are Treatments for Vaginal Issues After Menopause?

Fortunately, there are several effective treatments available to help manage vaginal health issues after menopause. These include:

  • Topical estrogen therapy: Applying estrogen directly to the vaginal area can help restore moisture and improve tissue health without the risks associated with systemic hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
  • Over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers: These can help relieve dryness and make intercourse more comfortable. Look for products that are specifically formulated for vaginal health and are free from irritants.
  • Oral hormone replacement therapy (HRT): If vaginal symptoms are severe and other treatments aren’t effective, your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy to address the underlying hormonal imbalance.

Recent advancements in treatments for vaginal health after menopause include laser therapy, which uses targeted energy to stimulate collagen production and improve tissue elasticity.

Additionally, newer non-hormonal treatments, like vaginal DHEA suppositories, are showing promise for women who can’t or prefer not to use estrogen-based treatments.

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle changes can help improve vaginal health after menopause:

  • Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your entire body, including your vaginal tissues, hydrated.
  • Maintain a healthy diet: Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and flaxseeds, can support overall tissue health.
  • Regular physical activity: Exercise, especially pelvic floor exercises, can improve blood flow to the vaginal area and help maintain tissue health.

Vaginal Health Post-Menopause

Vaginal health after menopause is an important part of your well-being, and hormonal changes don’t have to mean constant discomfort or diminished quality of life! By understanding the common issues and exploring treatment options, you can manage these changes and maintain a healthy, comfortable lifestyle.

If you’re dealing with symptoms, remember that what you’re experiencing is natural, and you’re not alone! There are many successful treatment options available, and they make a big difference for women dealing with post-menopause challenges.

Contact Dr. Rita Sharma in Atlanta, GA at (770) 691-1257 to schedule an appointment for diagnosis and treatment.

Sources:

What Does Vaginal Atrophy Feel Like?

Posted on by Rita Sharma, MD, FACOG in

Vaginal atrophy is one of the side effects of menopause. When a woman has adequate estrogen, all is well, but as soon as estrogen begins to decline, many negative consequences ensue. Vaginal atrophy is one of them. What does vaginal atrophy feel like?

Lack of Estrogen Causes Changes to the Vagina

The inside of a healthy vagina has moisture and a thick lining. Sexual intercourse is easy and pleasurable. During perimenopause and menopause, women begin to have less of the hormone estrogen which can affect many normal functions including those of the vagina. Women can also have the same issues when undergoing cancer treatments or having their ovaries removed.middle aged couple smiling.

As estrogen declines, the lining of the vagina becomes thinner, and there is a lack of moisture and blood flow. This makes sexual intercourse at best, difficult, and at worst, impossible and painful. Talk with Dr. Rita Sharma in Atlanta, GA for some solutions and treatments before it gets worse.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

Recently vaginal atrophy has been replaced by a new name, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, or GSM. This is to account for the urinary side effects that accompany menopause and vaginal atrophy due to the decline in estrogen.

What Are the Common Symptoms of GSM?

The unpleasant symptoms of GSM and less estrogen include the following:

  • Vaginal dryness
  • Vaginal burning
  • Vaginal itching
  • Burning sensation with urination
  • Urinary urgency
  • Frequent urination
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections
  • Light bleeding after sexual intercourse
  • Discomfort or pain with intercourse
  • Decreased lubrication during intercourse
  • Shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal

Of course, all these symptoms are troubling. They all add up to pain, irritation, and a lack of enjoyment during sexual activity. The itching and burning can occur at any time and the urinary issues can cause additional embarrassing situations.

Due to vaginal dryness, it becomes more difficult to initiate sexual intercourse and to reach orgasm. This can become a real problem between couples.

When you have vaginal atrophy (GSM) it feels like you have traded bodies with an old woman.

A thin, dry, and inflamed vagina is no picnic, but you don’t have to live the rest of your life with these limitations and discomforts.

Contact our board-certified urogynecologist, Dr. Rita Sharma at (770) 691-1257 for options to improve the unpleasant symptoms of vaginal atrophy.

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What to Expect After Beginning Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Posted on by Rita Sharma, MD, FACOG in

Maybe you thought aging was causing your fatigue, decreased libido, and inability to lose weight. In fact, it may be all about hormonal imbalances, especially estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Those three hormones do decrease and fluctuate as we get older. The good news is you don’t have to live with all the effects of hormone imbalance. Hormone replacement therapy has been widely prescribed for decades, however, now you can choose bioidentical hormones. Let us help you understand what you can expect after beginning bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?

BHRT is a plant-based hormone therapy that mimics the body’s natural hormones. It’s an option for those seeking a more natural treatment, and in addition, bioidentical hormones are more easily absorbed by the body. The result is a more consistent and rapid relief from unwanted symptoms.middle aged woman smiling.

The conventional hormones used in HRT are synthetic hormones. Many people prefer bioidentical hormones.

Typical Unwanted Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance

Both men and women can suffer from hormone imbalances due to menopause and andropause. Some of the worst complaints include:

  • fatigue
  • depression
  • anxiety
  • lack of energy
  • sexual dysfunction and low libido
  • thinning hair
  • hot flashes
  • trouble sleeping
  • loss of bone density in women
  • vaginal dryness
  • headaches and migraines
  • memory problems
  • weight gain

You can expect to see improvement within one month, but it can take 3 to 4 months for some people. Some people even feel a difference within one week.

Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are the most commonly used bioidentical hormones.

Expect Various Delivery Options for BHRT

The FDA-approved bioidentical hormone therapy come in many forms:

  • Pill
  • Gel
  • Sprays
  • Cream
  • Shots
  • Implanted pellets
  • Patches

You and Dr. Rita Sharma can make a decision about which application is best for you during a consultation at our office in Atlanta, GA. The goal of any hormone treatment is to use the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time.

Compounded bioidentical hormone therapy has not been studied or approved by the FDA although many people use these hormones. Again, you and your physician can make that decision.

Risks and Side Effects of Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

Not everyone should take BHRT. Sometimes the risks outweigh the benefits. It increases the risk of blood clots, stroke, and gallbladder disease. If you are at high risk for cardiovascular disease or breast cancer, hormone therapy may not be safe for you.

Possible side effects include weight gain, acne, and bloating which may occur in the beginning of treatment, but this is typically when your body is adjusting to the hormones.

The Bottom Line

If you are taking BHRT for at least a month expect to feel happier, have increased energy, your sleep will improve both in quality and quantity, experience reduced hot flashes, and an improvement in libido.

Working closely with your physician you can have a safe and effective way to balance out hormones and enjoy life at any age.

Contact our board-certified urogynecologist, Dr. Rita Sharma at (770) 691-1257 if you are interested in learning more about bioidentical hormone therapy and if it’s right for you.

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Am I a Candidate for Myomectomy for Fibroids?

Posted on by Rita Sharma, MD, FACOG in ,

The answer depends on several factors. If you have symptomatic fibroids, meaning painful periods and heavy bleeding, you could be a candidate for myomectomy. If you want to have children in the future, myomectomy may be the procedure to relieve your fibroid symptoms and still keep your uterus. Keep reading to find out about the types of myomectomy and which might be best for you.

It’s All About the Fibroids

Many women have no symptoms of fibroids and need no intervention unless that changes.

For those who do suffer from symptoms, how many symptomatic fibroids you have, their size, and their location all contribute to being a good candidate for a myomectomy. If you want to keep your uterus intact, this is accomplished with a myomectomy.Woman at home suffering from menstrual pain.

Fibroids are benign growths made of tissue and muscle that can grow inside the muscle of the uterus or even elsewhere in the pelvis. A myomectomy removes only the fibroids and leaves the uterus, so a woman can conceive in the future.

Types of Myomectomies

There are several types of procedures available to remove fibroids. Once Dr. Rita Sharma has determined how many fibroids there are and their location, you may get a recommendation for which is best for you.

Minimally Invasive Hysteroscopic Myomectomy

The surgeon inserts a thin lighted scope into the vagina and through the cervix to the uterus. Once the fibroid is visualized, Dr. Sharma can then remove it with minimal downtime.

  • This type is best for mucosal fibroids.
  • You can go home the same day.
  • Recovery can be just a few days.

Minimally Invasive Robotic (Laparoscopic) Myomectomy

This type is performed under general anesthesia. Tiny incisions are made in the abdomen, and a lighted camera called a laparoscope is inserted into one incision. Instruments are placed in the other ports to perform the procedure. Sometimes this is done robotically, which helps the surgeon remove the fibroids. They are cut into smaller pieces to be removed.

  • Most patients remain in the hospital for one night.
  • Recovery takes two to four weeks.
  • If the fibroids are too large, the surgeon will continue with another type.

Abdominal Myomectomy

Also known as an open myomectomy, this procedure requires an incision in the abdomen under general anesthesia. The surgeon removes the fibroids from the uterine wall. This type is chosen when fibroids are larger and more numerous.

  • This procedure requires one to two days in the hospital.
  • Recovery can take up to four to six weeks.

Final Thoughts

There is always a chance fibroids can grow back, especially if the patient is younger. It’s important to discuss with Dr. Sharma the best type of myomectomy for you.

Most women get relief from the symptoms of fibroids after a myomectomy.

Contact Dr. Rita Sharma at (770) 691-1257 if you are experiencing severe symptoms of fibroids and want more information about a myomectomy.

Sources:

  • Myomectomy | Conditions & Treatments | UCSF Health
  • Myomectomy (clevelandclinic.org)
  • Myomectomy (Surgery for Uterine Fibroid Removal) (webmd.com)
  • Types of Myomectomy | Stanford Health Care

Empowering Your Bladder Health: Expert Guidance from Dr. Rita Sharma

Posted on by Rita Sharma, MD, FACOG in

Welcome to our Bladder Health Resource Hub, dedicated to helping women achieve better bladder health and improved quality of life. Dr. Rita Sharma is a highly trained and double-board-certified urogynecologist in Atlanta, Georgia. This page provides resources and expert insights into bladder health. Here, you’ll find information on common bladder conditions, advanced treatment options, and tips for managing symptoms effectively. Dr. Sharma’s compassionate and patient-centered approach empowers women to take charge of their health. Explore below to learn more about bladder health and find helpful articles tailored to your needs.

Bladder Health Conditions

Explore the following conditions and treatment options that Dr. Sharma specializes in.

Bladder Health Blog Posts

Gain insights from Dr. Sharma’s articles on various bladder health topics, aimed at educating and empowering you.

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