Menopause is a natural transition that occurs in women, typically between the ages of 45 and 55, marking the end of menstruation and fertility. It occurs when a woman's ovaries stop producing the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone, leading to changes throughout the body. Some key signs and effects of menopause include:
While menopause is a natural transition, it can significantly impact one's comfort, health, and quality of life due to fluctuating and dropping hormone levels in the body. Recognizing symptoms and seeking proper menopause treatment can help alleviate discomforts.
Menopause hormone therapy (MHT), also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), is the use of external hormones like estrogen, progesterone or testosterone to treat common menopause symptoms like hot flashes, sleep issues, and vaginal discomfort.
There are a few delivery methods:
Getting a proper diagnosis from a menopause specialist and having hormone level testing is key prior to starting any treatment plan. Most start on low dosages and adjust based on continuing symptoms and health goals. Those with a uterus who take estrogen must also take progesterone regularly to prevent any increased risk of uterine cancer.
Benefits beyond symptom relief can include reducing bone loss, improving skin elasticity, promoting heart health, and maintaining healthy sleep, energy, and concentration.
MHT can provide significant comfort and restore one's quality of life during this transitional time. As with any medical therapy, understanding risks versus benefits and finding the right treatment plan tailored to your needs is key.
Addressing bothersome menopause symptoms promptly allows one to restore comfort and function at home and work. Lingering symptoms like insomnia from night sweats, sexual discomfort, heavy and irregular periods, and cognitive issues like memory lapses can significantly disrupt daily life. Restoring hormone balance can in most cases provide prompt relief.
There are also key long term health reasons to consider menopause treatment:
While menopause itself cannot be prevented, seeking timely medical care including hormone level assessments and treatment when appropriate can allow one to continue thriving through midlife and beyond. Identifying an experienced menopause specialist is key.
As a specialized menopause and hormone therapy clinic catering to women in midlife and beyond, Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic offers expert, evidence-based care. Our team and services include:
We also offer unique specialization in hormone treatments tailored for LGBTQ patients seeking transition related care, fertility preservation, or addressing symptoms like hot flashes or sexual discomfort associated with gender affirming treatments.
Our goal is always to provide evidence-based, precision treatment to restore comfort, health and quality of life during this transitional life phase. We meet patients where they are with compassionate, patient-centered care.
Navigating changing physical health and emotional needs during menopause can feel vulnerable and overwhelming. Understanding the process and having trusted guidance makes all the difference.
We support you in finding the optimal treatment approach including:
We recognize care during menopause transition extends beyond labs and prescriptions. Our team specializes in providing holistic support alongside hormone therapy including:
We also help navigate the nuance around disclosing menopause status and getting care in work or social settings when needed.
Our goal is for this transition to be dignified, optimistic, and empowering. We help patients reframe this phase as one of self discovery rather than decline or distress. With compassionate, individualized care, the years beyond reproductive potential can mean entering your most vital, expressive and fulfilling life phase on your own terms.
As hormone specialists catering to midlife women, we have deep expertise across the spectrum of common symptoms and health concerns that can arise around menopause.
The rapid drops and fluctuations in estrogen levels are the most common trigger for hot flashes - sudden feelings of flushed heat in the upper body, sometimes with profuse sweating and an accelerated heart rate. They range from mild to severe and can disrupt sleep or daily life significantly.
Optimizing hormone levels - Estrogen therapy, sometimes combined with certain antidepressants or other compounds, can effectively prevent hot flashes in the majority of women. Finding one's lowest effective dose through careful titration limits risks.
Lifestyle approaches - Staying cool, avoiding triggers like stress, alcohol, hot drinks, and spicy foods can help reduce hot flashes. Breathing exercises at onset can hasten recovery. Some also find benefit from acupuncture, hypnosis, or cognitive behavioral therapy as well.
Declining estrogen levels commonly lead to vaginal atrophy - thinning of tissues, loss of elasticity, diminished lubrication and blood flow. This contributes to discomfort, pain, or bleeding with sexual activity. Using vaginal estrogen therapy - creams, tablets or inserts - can significantly improve tissue health and comfort. We offer both prescription and over the counter preparations to meet each patient's needs and preferences. For those not wanting to use hormones, regular vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can also provide some relief. Certain dietary supplements may also provide benefit.
Open communication is key - we educate partners on normal changes and guide couples towards a fulfilling intimate relationship through menopause and beyond.
Bone loss sharply accelerates in the first few years after menopause as estrogen levels rapidly drop. This leads to osteoporosis over time, a condition causing skeletal fragility and increased fracture risk. Assessing bone mineral density (BMD) with a DEXA scan allows us to gauge fracture risk and determine who needs preventative therapy.
Several effective options exist beyond diet and exercise - hormone therapy, bisphosphonates, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), parathyroid hormone derivatives - that can improve BMD and lower fracture chances when used appropriately under medical guidance. Starting one of these therapies promptly rather than waiting for further bone loss helps preserve strong bones for the long term.
Cardiovascular disease risk rises sharply in women after menopause, likely related to changes in hormonal status. Managing any high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, or lifestyle factors like smoking and obesity is key, as these magnify risk after menopause.
Hormone therapy may provide cardioprotective effects when started early at younger ages, but can elevate risk when older ages. Thorough discussion of cardiovascular health monitoring is part of any hormone therapy plan. Other compounds like SERMs show promise for optimizing cholesterol levels and improving heart attack survival after menopause as well.
Menopause hormone changes certainly impact quality of life measures like resilient mood, sharp cognition, and healthy sleep patterns. We identify any needs in these areas and provide holistic support. Key examples include:
Bioidentical hormone therapy aims precisely and effectively stabilize mood, memory, concentration and sleep quality. Finding one's optimal dose avoids risks of over or under treatment. Additional holistic self care approaches, group support for psychological changes around aging and coping strategies also help smooth this transition.
Studies show that regular moderate-intensity exercise like walking or yoga can help reduce menopause symptoms just as effectively as hormone therapy. Simple lifestyle changes like staying active, eating healthy, and finding healthy ways to manage stress can make a big difference in managing symptoms without necessarily needing medications.
As outlined above, expert guidance in this phase can alleviate discomforts, sustain vitality, prevent key health issues, and transform your life journey. But finding the right clinician is essential.
Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic and Dr. West offer everything one expects from the ideal menopause specialist:
We aim to offer an oasis of wisdom and calm - building confidence through knowledge and hopefulness about navigating changes gracefully.
Finding your menopause specialist and health team can be the first empowering step of this new phase of life on your terms. Please () or call to learn more and schedule a consultation.
Holistic self care alongside hormone therapy plays a key role in ensuring maximal comfort, mood stability and sustaining vitality during the menopausal transition:
- Healthy nutrition - an anti-inflammatory diet high in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and fiber promotes stable blood sugar, healthy weights and avoids fueling cancer risks. Chromium and phytoestrogens from foods like flax, tofu and beans may help diminish hot flashes for some as well. - Adequate Vitamin D intake and sunlight exposure supports bone strength and overall immunity. Have levels assessed and supplement between 1000 - 4000 IU daily per blood levels and bone health. - Gentle regular exercise - yoga, walking, swimming and light strength training helps mood, sleep and prevents weight gain without overstressing the body. - Stress reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, massage, or talk therapy improve resilience. - Pelvic floor therapy can help prevent urinary incontinence that often emerges during menopausal shifts. Seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist and doing regular Kegel exercises improves muscle strength and control in this region.
We have cultivated trusted local wellness providers that can further support self care during menopause:
Please () for referrals or further advice on complementary wellness approaches to make this transition as smooth and life-giving as possible.
