Menopause marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycles and fertility. It is diagnosed after 12 months without a menstrual period. The transition into menopause, known as perimenopause, starts for most women in their late 40s to early 50s.
During perimenopause and menopause, hormone levels fluctuate and decline. Estrogen and progesterone levels are not consistent month-to-month, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, mood changes, and more. These hormonal changes also increase the risk for health conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease when left untreated.
Some of the key signs and symptoms of perimenopause and menopause include:
Seeking treatment for menopause is important for bothersome symptoms affecting one's quality of life. But it also helps safeguard long-term health.
Estrogen therapy and other treatments can:
By consulting a menopause specialist, an individualized treatment plan can be created. Lifestyle changes often help too. With the right treatment plan, most women can obtain relief and reduce their health risks.
Located in , Renewal Hormone Center provides specialized care for perimenopause, menopause, and hormone health. Our compassionate menopause experts offer:
We conduct thorough assessments to understand each woman's unique hormone needs and health goals. Then, we develop customized treatment plans that may include:
Follow-up care ensures treatments are optimized for the safest and most effective relief possible.
In addition to clinical visits, we provide education, counseling, and support groups. Our goal is to inform and empower patients throughout the menopause transition and beyond.
Contact Renewal Hormone Center today to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable endocrinologist menopause specialists. Discover personalized solutions for a more comfortable and healthy menopause journey.Here is a 5-topic FAQ on menopause treatment with about 500 words total:
The most common menopausal symptoms that may require treatment include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness leading to painful intercourse, disrupted sleep, and mood changes like irritability or anxiety. Estrogen therapy can effectively treat hot flashes and night sweats in many women. Vaginal estrogen creams or moisturizers can help with vaginal dryness and discomfort. Sleep aids or antidepressants may provide relief for sleep disruptions or mood symptoms on a short-term basis. Lifestyle changes like avoiding triggers, dressing in layers, exercising, and stress management can also help ease some symptoms.
The most widely used prescription medications for menopausal symptoms are hormone therapies that supply estrogen and often progesterone to replace the declining levels produced by the ovaries. Estrogen pills, skin patches, gels, vaginal creams or rings can treat hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal changes. Progestins are usually included to prevent uterine cancer if a woman has a uterus. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), gabapentin, and clonidine may also be tried for hot flashes when hormones are not advised. Local vaginal estrogen is still safe for women with a history of breast cancer.
Regular exercise, stress reduction practices like yoga or meditation, consuming soy foods, keeping rooms cooler, wearing light breathable clothing, lowering caffeine and alcohol intake, and avoiding triggers like hot drinks can help relieve some menopausal discomforts. Acupuncture, hypnosis, and cognitive behavioral therapy show promise. Herbal remedies like black cohosh, red clover, and flax seed have mixed evidence for efficacy but may help some women manage symptoms. Vitamin E and omega-3 supplements lack strong proof but are low-risk options many try. Always advise your doctor of supplements used.
Treatment ideally begins when bothersome symptoms first appear, which averages around age 51 but varies per woman. As ovaries curb estrogen output in perimenopause, symptoms often start before the final menstrual period marks full menopause at an average age of 52. How long to continue treatment depends on symptoms and timing - shorter-term hormones for hot flashes, longer for bone protection. Most women can start tapering estrogen therapy in their mid-50s up to age 60. Close provider follow-up ensures appropriate therapy adjustments tailored to each woman’s changing needs.
Routine health maintenance is key in menopause. Blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels should be monitored and controlled. Bone density scans help detect bone loss, and medications prescribed if needed. Skin and vision changes also often occur. Annual gynecologic visits make sure that vaginal atrophy is managed, provide needed cancer screening, and address urinary or sexual health concerns. Depression screening is important during this transition. Providers optimize wellbeing through evidence-based counseling on a heart healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation aid if relevant, and reduced alcohol intake as needed. Preventive care aims keep women healthy, active and thriving long past menopause!
