The onset of menopause marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycles and fertility. It is diagnosed after 12 months of absent periods. The transition starts between the ages of 45-55, with an average age of 51. This natural biological process is associated with declining estrogen and progesterone levels. As these hormones regulate many processes in the body, diminishing levels can lead to unpleasant menopausal symptoms. Being informed on what to expect and addressing concerning symptoms through lifestyle measures and/or hormone therapy can help women sail through menopause smoothly.
Many women transition through menopause with minimal discomfort. However, some experience moderate to severe symptoms that disrupt daily functioning and quality of life. Recognizing problematic symptoms is key to seeking appropriate treatment.
Hot flashes are often one of the first symptoms noticed. They involve sudden intense feelings of heat and sweating, lasting from 30 seconds up to 5 minutes. Heart palpitations, flushing of the face/neck/chest, chills, and anxiety may accompany hot flashes. Disrupted sleep is another common issue due to night sweats wakening women.
Vaginal dryness and discomfort occurs as declining estrogen levels cause tissues to become thinner and lose elasticity. This can interfere with sexual activity and lead to urinary issues like urgency or increased infections. Dry skin, hair loss, and brittle nails may also develop.
Mood changes like irritability, anxiety, sadness, or depression frequently manifest. There may be cognitive issues such as trouble concentrating, recalling information, or finding words. Decreased muscle mass and weight gain, particularly increased abdominal fat, are also possible aesthetic concerns.
While concerning on their own, when several moderate to severe menopause-related symptoms occur in tandem, one’s personal and professional life can suffer tremendously. The good news is that safe and effective treatment options exist, empowering women to take control of this transition.
Here at The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic, we specialize in evidence-based care throughout the menopause transition and beyond into a woman’s senior years. Our multidisciplinary team includes experts like endocrinologist menopause specialists to diagnose issues and craft customized treatment plans. We provide:
In addition to alleviating unpleasant menopausal symptoms, research shows that hormone therapy initiated around menopause may have anti-aging effects and support better long-term health. Our goal is empowering patients to thrive through menopause into their later years. We build trusting relationships, remain up-to-date on menopause care advancements, and customize evidence-based treatment plans to each patient’s needs.
One of the main therapies we offer women suffering from moderate to severe menopause symptoms is hormone therapy (HT). This can take various forms, with specific regimens tailored to each patient's health profile and needs. Below we delve into key details about HT as a safe and effective option for treating menopausal woes.
Hormone therapy was once termed "hormone replacement," with the idea of simply topping declining levels back up to what they were pre-menopause. However, experts now realize that optimal hormone levels in menopause may differ from a woman’s fertile peak. HT regimens aim to balance hormone levels in a more nuanced, personalized manner.
There are two main types of HT:
The type recommended depends on whether a woman has had a hysterectomy and still has her uterus. Those with hysterectomies can safely take estrogen alone. Women whose uterus remains require progestogen to avoid potential overgrowth of uterine tissue from estrogen exposure.
Estrogen is available in many forms including pills, transdermal patches/gels, vaginal rings, creams and injections. Progestogens mainly come as pills, though some specialty pharmacies offer creams or injectables. Patients appreciate options, allowing administration methods to be aligned with lifestyle factors and preferences.
Though oral tablets are commonly prescribed, current best practices favor non-oral estrogen to bypass initial liver metabolism. Transdermal and localized treatments like gels, creams and vaginal rings achieve reliable absorption without straining liver function.
Working with our network of professional compounding pharmacies, we can formulate personalized creams, gels, lozenges and other specialized preparations in exact strengths and combinations. This provides tremendous flexibility in HT regimens.
Safety is always paramount when developing hormone therapy protocols. Patients receive routine monitoring including regular blood tests and follow-ups to ensure treatment effectiveness and stability. We also review modifiable risk factors, make lifestyle recommendations, and address non-hormonal options to determine the right approach.
Hormone therapy was long maligned after early studies associated health risks like breast cancer and heart disease. However, experts now recognize those studies used a single, potent HT regimen on older women who were many years post-menopause. Other research paints a different picture.
Current evidence affirms HT is a safe, effective option for most healthy women dealing with moderate to severe symptoms in early menopause. Starting therapy by age 60 cuts breast cancer risk by one-third compared to older ages. HT may also lower chances for heart disease if therapy begins promptly near menopause onset rather than years later.
In decision-making, we carefully consider each woman’s unique risk/benefit profile. Yet for the majority of women in early menopause, quality research suggests properly administered HT can safely and successfully treat symptoms that disrupt wellbeing.
In addition to medical therapies, certain lifestyle measures can lessen menopausal symptoms naturally. Our providers offer comprehensive guidance on healthy lifestyle strategies alongside other treatments to help women thrive through this transition.
Good sleep habits, stress management skills, regular exercise, and a nutrient-rich diet lay essential groundwork. We also discuss specific areas like potential dietary adjustments, evidence-based botanicals/nutraceuticals, mind-body practices for anxiety or mood issues, and more.
We recognize menopause can tax mental health and emotional reserves. Restoring hormone balance alleviates biological burdens, while proactive self-care nurtures overall wellbeing. Women also appreciate our sensitivity regarding struggles unique to this phase.
Finding community and a sense of empowerment help smooth menopause’s ups and downs. We regularly refer patients to local mental health experts, support groups, meetups, workshops and events offered through organizations like:
Left untreated, diminishing ovarian function can lead to more noticeable aesthetic shifts like wrinkling skin and unwanted weight gain. Bone and muscle loss also progresses over time, elevating risks for osteoporosis and frailty. For sexually active women, genitourinary symptoms often worsen without therapy.
Early intervention provides the best chance of safely alleviating symptoms that disturb sleep, spark anxiety, and hinder concentration – restoring stamina to enjoy life’s pursuits. There are also profound impacts possible beyond symptom relief.
Emerging research suggests beginning HT around the menopause transition (rather than years later) may impart anti-aging benefits affecting lifespan and longevity. Evidence demonstrates properly timed therapy preserves bone mineral density, reduces heart disease likelihood, sharpens mental acuity into later life, and decreases overall mortality risk compared to starting HT at older ages.
The years surrounding menopause are when women can harness significant power to influence how they age. We educate patients on factors within their control; monitoring key health markers and addressing risks early on sets the stage for healthier aging. Restoring hormone balance when the body first craves it returns foundational support to look and feel one’s best in the second half of life.
Studies show that practicing yoga can help reduce menopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep issues. The combination of gentle physical activity, deep breathing, and mindfulness meditation helps relax the nervous system and balance hormone levels.
You may feel uncertain about managing bothersome symptoms or the safety of long-term hormone therapy. We appreciate those concerns. The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic values building open, trusting provider-patient relationships anchored in respect and transparency.
Our menopause specialists stay current on the latest research and best practices care standards. We adhere to top clinical guidance from leading institutions like the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), tailoring state-of-the-art protocols to each woman’s needs.
Patients find our:
We partner together throughout your menopause journey and beyond, adjusting therapies over time for sustained safety and success. Contact us today to further discuss your menopause questions or schedule a consultation. Our caring team is ready to help you thrive!
