Menopause occurs when a woman's ovaries stop releasing eggs and menstrual cycles end. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can happen earlier or later. Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, which can last up to 10 years.
Common menopausal symptoms include:
These symptoms result from declining estrogen levels. While bothersome, they are a normal part of menopause.
Seeking treatment can provide significant benefits for managing menopause symptoms, including:
With individualized care, most women can find substantial symptom relief during menopause and beyond.
At Hormone Harmony, we take a comprehensive approach to evaluating and treating menopause. Our clinic is led by Dr. Jane Smith, a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in menopause. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Smith is highly knowledgeable about the complex hormonal changes involved.
Some key aspects of our menopause care include:
We take time to understand your unique symptoms and needs through laboratory testing, physical exams, and in-depth consultations. This enables us to create a tailored treatment plan.
We offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to restore hormonal balance, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and others. This can effectively treat hot flashes, vaginal changes, bone loss, and other issues.
Your symptoms may be improved through dietary changes, nutritional supplements, stress management, and customized exercise plans. We provide science-based lifestyle recommendations.
Menopause management requires ongoing fine-tuning as hormone levels continue to change. We monitor your treatment closely and adjust as needed for optimal results.
Menopause symptoms can disrupt your quality of life. But with specialized care from our doctors specializing in menopause, you can find relief and feel your best. Contact Hormone Harmony in today to schedule a consultation. We are committed to supporting you through this transition with individualized treatment, compassionate care, and expert guidance.
Acupuncture is an unexpected and not widely known effective treatment for menopausal symptoms. Studies show acupuncture can reduce hot flashes and night sweats by regulating hormones and energy flow. It also improves sleep, mood, and cognition. As an ancient Chinese medicine practice, acupuncture provides a natural way to manage menopause without medications.
Menopause marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycles and fertility. The most common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, mood changes, trouble sleeping, and weight gain. These symptoms are caused by decreased estrogen levels and can range from mild to severe. Hot flashes, involving sudden feelings of heat in the upper body, are reported by around 80% of women going through menopause.
Hormone therapy, including estrogen alone or estrogen combined with progestin, is the most effective treatment for relieving menopausal symptoms. Low-dose vaginal estrogen is available to specifically treat vaginal dryness and discomfort. Antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs can help with hot flashes. Over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers provide vaginal relief. Other medications can aid sleep, mood, and bone health during this transition. Of course, women should discuss benefits and risks with their healthcare provider.
Small healthy lifestyle adjustments can go a long way in easing unpleasant menopausal symptoms for some women. Regular exercise helps reduce hot flashes and improves mood and sleep. Stress management techniques, like meditation and yoga, can also boost mood. Staying cool with layered, breathable clothing, avoiding triggers like caffeine, and using a fan at night promotes comfort. Finally, a nutritious, balanced diet aids weight management and overall wellbeing.
It's a good idea to have an open dialogue with your healthcare provider as you approach menopause. Schedule an appointment if symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal pain, or insomnia begin interfering with daily life. Mood changes like depression or anxiety that persist for weeks warrant medical attention. Let your doctor know if you have severe symptoms that over-the-counter remedies aren't helping. Bone density testing and risk assessment for conditions like heart disease and osteoporosis are also recommended around age 65.
Routine health screening remains relevant after menopause. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screening help identify heart disease risk factors. Breast cancer screening with mammograms every 1-2 years continues to be important for women in good health. Colonoscopies, recommended every 10 years beginning at age 50, screen for colorectal cancer. Bone density scans every 2 years can detect osteoporosis. Lastly, pelvic exams and Pap tests every 3-5 years screen for cervical and uterine cancers. Staying up to date on recommended tests and immunizations supports long-term health.
