Menopause is a natural transition in a woman's life when her periods stop permanently and she is no longer able to become pregnant. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. During this transition time, levels of estrogen and progesterone - the main female reproductive hormones - fluctuate and eventually decline.
Every woman experiences menopause differently. The average age for menopause is around 51, but it can happen anywhere between the ages of 45-55. Some common symptoms associated with menopause include:
Why does menopause happen? It signals the end of a woman's reproductive years and fertility. As the ovaries age over time, they produce lower amounts of reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone. When these hormones drop to very low levels, periods stop altogether. This marks the point of menopause.
The transition through perimenopause and into menopause can last anywhere from 2-8 years as hormone levels rise and fall unevenly. Many women experience symptoms like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and mood changes during this time.
How is menopause treated? Lifestyle changes like avoiding triggers, layering clothing, or trying herbal remedies can provide relief from symptoms. If symptoms are severe, hormone therapy with low doses of estrogen and progestin could be an option to help manage troublesome symptoms.
At Renewal Hormone Center, our caring medical team specializes in women's hormones and providing individualized treatment plans to help women transition through perimenopause and menopause comfortably. Contact us today to learn more about our hormone therapy options, specialized testing, nutritional support, and community programs to help you thrive during this next phase of womanhood.