Menopause marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycles and fertility. It is diagnosed after 12 months without a menstrual period. The transition to menopause, known as perimenopause, can begin 8-10 years before. Declining estrogen levels cause symptoms like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. Physical changes like weight gain and bone loss also occur. Proper care and hormone therapy can alleviate symptoms and promote wellness during this transition.
Key takeaways:
The most well-known menopausal symptom is hot flashes - sudden feelings of warmth spreading through the body, often with sweating and flushing of the skin. 75% of women experience them during perimenopause and menopause. Other common symptoms include:
These symptoms result directly from the estrogen deficiency occurring in the body. They can range from mild to quite disruptive to a woman's quality of life. Thankfully there are ways to prevent and manage them.
In addition to menopausal symptoms, the hormonal changes of menopause cause osteoporosis and bone loss over time, increasing a woman's risk of fractures. Heart disease risk also rises after menopause if no preventative action is taken. Skin, hair, and mouths may become drier from lack of moisture. Loss of collagen leads to earlier formation of wrinkles and aging skin. Lower estrogen also contributes to weight gain, slower metabolism, and accumulation of belly fat.
These issues highlight why properly addressing hormone levels is so important. Measuring and correcting estrogen deficiency protects short and long term health.
Pinpointing when perimenopause starts and menopause occurs allows creating targeted treatment plans. Doctors utilize a variety of assessments:
Tracking menstrual cycles helps identify the transition to perimenopause as cycles become irregular. Patterns like lighter, heavier, or missed periods indicate hormonal changes. After 12 missed cycles menopause can be declared.
Blood tests directly measure hormone levels. Declining estrogen and anti-Mullerian hormone, and rising FSH levels confirm perimenopause onset. Repeat testing helps customize treatment.
Useful lab tests include:
Saliva tests also assess hormone levels. They can provide additional insight by showing the cyclical rise and fall of hormones throughout each day.
Pelvic exams check for signs of urogenital atrophy like vaginal or urethral dryness, thinning tissue, or pH changes. These indicate declining estrogen.
Accurately assessing hormone status enables creating personalized care plans. Our clinicians utilize thorough testing and evaluations.
Vitality Renewal Clinic provides comprehensive menopause care and services. Our team includes a menopause specialist, Dr. Jane Smith - an endocrinologist specializing in menopause and certified menopause practitioner. Patients benefit from her expertise and latest therapies.
Hormone therapy (HT) supplements estrogen, progestogen, or both to offset the decline occurring naturally in the body. It is the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms and has additional health benefits. Our clinic offers bioidentical and FDA-approved options to meet each patient's needs:
We tailor hormone therapy to each woman's hormone levels, symptom profile, health history, preferences, and goals. Treatment plans can include estrogen alone or combined estrogen/progestogen therapy as appropriate. The optimal dosage, ingredients, and delivery method are selected after thorough clinical evaluations.
Follow up testing allows modifying therapy until hormone levels and symptoms are optimally managed. Most women feel significantly better within a few months. We also provide hormone testing and prescriptions a la carte for women already managing their own treatment plans.
Key Points:
In addition to HT we offer other therapies for managing specific menopausal issues:
We also provide annual well woman exams, pap smears, STI testing, bone density scans, and treatments for any gynecological issues discovered. Our goal is fully supporting women’s midlife health and wellbeing.
Good self-care habits also help manage menopausal changes. Our doctors provide lifestyle recommendations customized to each patient’s needs and environment. Tips may include:
We also highlight local resources like spas, walking trails, fitness centers and more for women to aid relaxation during this transition. Lumberton offers wonderful options for self-care like:
Small improvements make a difference when facing the changes of menopause. Patients leave our clinic empowered with personalized care plans, hormone therapy aligned to their bodies, lifestyle tips, and community resources to smoothly navigate this transition.
Many women do not realize care from a menopause specialist can make this challenging life transition easier. Reasons to seek care before long term issues develop include:
Managing disruptive symptoms allows getting back to normal life. Our therapies prevent hot flashes, insomnia, pain, low libido, and mood swings from spiraling out of control.
Hormone therapy early in menopause helps prevent bone loss and heart disease. Estrogen aids collagen production for healthier skin and hair as well.
Hormonal shifts negatively impact mental health and emotion regulation. Our care plans resolve anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout to restore emotional balance.
Carefully correcting hormone deficiencies protects physical health, appearance, and mood - allowing women to feel their best during midlife.
We support each woman’s unique menopause journey with expert care and the latest therapies. Vitality Renewal Clinic transforms menopause into an empowering experience. Contact us today to further discuss our services or schedule your first appointment!
Studies show that regular aerobic exercise and a healthy diet rich in plants can significantly reduce unpleasant menopausal symptoms. Moderate activity like brisk walking and nutrients from fruits, vegetables and whole grains help regulate hormones, improve mood, and lower heart disease risk for midlife women.
