Menopause is a natural transition that all women experience as they reach middle age. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years and is defined as occurring 12 months after a woman's last menstrual period. On average, women reach menopause around the age of 51, but it can happen anywhere from 40-55 years old.
The transition is caused by shifts in a woman's hormone levels, namely estrogen and progesterone. As the ovaries slowly reduce the production of these key hormones, women may start noticing changes like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, trouble sleeping, and emotional changes. While menopause is a normal part of aging, it can significantly impact one's quality of life when symptoms are particularly troublesome. The good news is that safe and effective treatment options are available today to help women manage symptoms and thrive during the menopausal transition.
The most common symptoms associated with menopause include:
In addition to bothersome symptoms affecting quality of life, estrogen deficiency after menopause is linked to some long term health concerns including:
Since all women experience menopause differently, the first step in exploring treatment options is to have your hormone levels tested by a medical provider. Comprehensive hormone testing can measure your current levels of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone using a simple blood draw.
This establishes a baseline to understand deficiencies or imbalances. It also screens for potential risks like thyroid dysfunction or high cholesterol. Test results empower you and your practitioner to decide which treatments are right for your unique needs and symptoms.
Many women notice improvements after making lifestyle modifications like eating healthier, exercising more, reducing alcohol/caffeine, practicing stress reduction techniques and making time for better sleep habits. For those with more bothersome symptoms, the latest menopause treatment therapies can offer relief so you can feel like your best self again.
Since every woman has a unique menopause transition story, Endocrine Wellness Center prides itself on tailored care for your specific situation. We listen attentively to learn what symptoms are troubling you most and use that to guide our evidence-based treatment recommendations. A custom plan made just for you provides the best chance for optimal relief.
We continuously research the latest evidence and best practices for menopause treatment so we can offer you the full gamut of options. These include:
We thoughtfully guide you through the latest medical research to weigh pros and cons of each therapy for your symptoms and health history. The goal is to improve your menopause transition in safe, effective ways.
We know your time is limited while balancing family, work and life. That's why we offer appointments at our Kensington clinic with some of the most compassionate and highly-trained menopause specialist providers. With certified menopause practitioners focused specifically on treatment for women in perimenopause and postmenopause, we have the expertise you deserve with the convenience you need. Let us develop a personalized plan so you can thrive during this transition.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) supplements estrogen, and often progestin, to replace what your body is lacking during menopause. It remains the gold standard treatment for relieving moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats. HRT is also very effective at treating multiple menopause concerns beyond vasomotor symptoms like vaginal dryness, joint pain, sleep disturbances and mood changes.
Every woman needs to weigh pros and cons with their trusted healthcare provider. But the latest research shows that HRT is safe for most women - when initiated before 60 years old or within 10 years of menopause onset. Finding the optimal dose, combination and duration to suit your needs is key.
There are a variety of estrogen progestin treatment combinations including:
Most common option. Easy to take daily pill. Considerations are gastro side effects or contraindications if patient can't take oral medications.
Excellent alternative if oral route is not preferred. Some skin irritation possible with patches or gels. Help avoid digestive side effects. More consistent estrogen levels.
Low dose treatment just for urogenital tissue. Minimal to no systemic absorption. Great option if chiefly troubled by painful intercourse or vaginal symptoms only. Localized relief.
Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) is growing in popularity thanks to its natural plant-based hormones chemically similar to what the female body produces. The belief is that because bioidentical hormones are structurally the same as endogenous human hormones, the body recognizes and receives them better. Two of the most commonly prescribed bioidentical hormones are:
Estriol (E3) is the weakest of the three estrogens produced naturally during a woman's reproductive years. While not as potent at easing hot flashes as traditional estrogen, it helps vaginal atrophy without significant absorption into the blood stream even at higher doses.
Progesterone produced by the body regulates menstruation and pregnancy. In oil-based gel, vaginal suppository, pill or pellet form, bioidentical progesterone balances estrogen levels while reducing menopause symptoms like sleep trouble, weight gain and mood swings. It's combined with estrogen for those with intact uteruses given estrogen's stimulation of uterine tissue.
Compounded bioidenticals are custom blended based on each woman's saliva or blood tests assessing her individual hormone levels and ratios. This precise tailoring of treatment helps optimize relief while lowering risks. Pills, sublingual drops, gels, inserts, injections, pellets and creams are all options for meeting unique needs conveniently.
Let's explore what combination of traditional, natural or non-hormonal therapies will get you feeling your best again during the menopausal transition. Relief is possible with cutting edge support.
While treatment plans aim to directly alleviate symptoms, certain lifestyle adjustments can also improve menopause coping and may boost therapy effectiveness. Consider:
Prioritizing good sleep hygiene helps combat night sweats and hot flashes disrupting slumber. Keep the bedroom cool (around 65 degrees), wear breathable pajamas, limit electronics before bed, reduce caffeine/alcohol, try calming teas, take warm baths, use blackout curtains and practice consistent bed/wake times. Deep, restful sleep makes all the difference in resilience and next-day function.
Eating a balanced diet rich in plants, fiber and antioxidants supports overall health, while lean proteins preserves muscle tone and complex carbs gives sustained energy. These nutrients combined with minimal processed foods, oils, salt and sugars helps maintain stable weight and hormone levels. Staying adequately hydrated is also key during temperature changes.
Managing daily stress through regular exercise, yoga, meditation, deep breathing, enjoyable hobbies, sufficient leisure/play and time with supportive friends reduces anxiety, depression and irritability. Learning simple mindfulness practices for calming worried minds does wonders for weathering the menopause marathon with more ease and peace.
Cultivating key lifestyle measures empowers women to alleviate troublesome symptoms for improved mood, wellbeing and vitality during the menopausal transition - helping treatment therapies work their best magic.
In Summary
Menopause introduces many changes, but safe symptom relief is available today so middle age can be a vibrant time. Diagnostic hormone testing gives insights for proper treatment. Combined therapies (traditional, natural, non-hormonal and lifestyle measures) provide solutions for even difficult symptoms when tailored skillfully to your unique needs.
Endocrine Wellness Center' compassionate menopause specialists have the expertise to thoughtfully assess your situation, clearly explain options, collaborate on custom combinations and conveniently care for you right here in Kensington. Partnering together, we can ensure your menopause marathon is as smooth and comfortable as possible on the path ahead. Consider us your personal support team - we're here to listen, guide and treat you to better days, nights and years thriving during this transition. Let us help you feel healthy, energized and strong during midlife and beyond with cutting edge menopause care.
