Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through as they age. Technically, menopause occurs when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months and signals the end of a woman's reproductive years. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can occur anytime between the ages of 45-55.
The years leading up to menopause are referred to as perimenopause. This stage is marked by changes in hormone levels that can last anywhere from 2-10 years. Common symptoms of perimenopause/menopause include:
While menopause is a natural process, it can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. The good news is that symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes and/or hormone therapy. Continue reading to learn more about menopause treatment options.
Menopause occurs when a woman's ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help regulate menstrual cycles and affect overall health.
Estrogen helps maintain bone density, regulate cholesterol levels, and keeps skin and other tissues youthful. Lower estrogen levels during menopause can increase a woman's risk for osteoporosis and heart disease.
Progesterone balances the effects of estrogen in the body. Declining progesterone causes menstrual irregularities and contributes to many common menopause symptoms.
It's important to understand these hormonal changes and how replacing estrogen and progesterone through hormone therapy can alleviate problematic symptoms. Track your symptoms and hormone levels with a knowledgeable menopause specialist for optimal treatment.
Menopause hormone therapy (MHT), also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), can provide immense relief for troublesome symptoms. The main benefits include:
MHT comes in different forms like pills, skin patches, gels, and creams/ointments. Your menopause doctor will determine the right type and dosage based on your needs and health history.
When initiated at the onset of menopause, hormone therapy can promote long-lasting benefits. But it's never too late to start treatment and experience symptom relief.
"I tried natural remedies but still suffered from hot flashes. MHT was a game-changer for me. I wish I had started it sooner." - Sarah, age 56
There are potential risks and side effects associated with menopause hormone therapy. However, doctors today use lower dosages than in the past which can help reduce risks.
Possible side effects include:
The two main potential risks are:
Talk to your menopause specialist about your personal and family health history to determine if MHT is right for you. Most women can use hormone therapy safely for relief of moderate to severe menopause symptoms.
There are a few different types of MHT regimens:
Delivery methods provide flexibility based on your preferences and needs:
Discuss all of your MHT options with a menopause specialist to find your optimal treatment plan.
Seeking care from a knowledgeable menopause specialist is highly recommended. Look for a practitioner who:
A good menopause doctor will partner with you to find the safest, most effective solutions for your symptoms. This will help ensure you get the best possible relief and results.
At Balance Wellness Clinic, we are leaders in effective, customized menopause treatment. Our skilled practitioners have advanced training in hormone therapy and anti-aging medicine.
We take time to understand your health background, symptoms, and goals. Then we craft a personalized MHT plan to get your hormone levels optimized. Ongoing monitoring ensures optimal dosing as your body's needs evolve.
Convenient telemedicine appointments make it easy to get started on feeling your best again. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a top menopause specialist!
Starting menopause hormone therapy is just the first step. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your treatment:
Adhering to your prescribed therapy, along with positive lifestyle habits, will help you maximize the benefits of hormone treatment.
Getting the proper menopause hormone tests is key for determining if/what treatment is needed. These are the main lab tests to check:
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) - Elevated FSH indicates declining ovarian function. Level above 25-30 mIU/mL is typical of menopause.
Estradiol - Low serum estradiol levels confirm estrogen deficiency occurring during menopause. Should be less than 50 pg/mL.
Thyroid panel (TSH, free T4, free T3) - Rule out thyroid dysfunction which can cause similar symptoms. Optimal TSH is around 2.
Testosterone - May be helpful to test as declining levels cause low libido and impaired cognition.
Vitamin D - Checks vitamin D status since deficiency aggravates menopause symptoms. Goal is 60-80 ng/mL year-round.
These tests provide a clear hormonal picture for your menopause doctor to diagnose menopause and pinpoint which hormones to replace. Initial testing establishes a baseline to adjust treatment against. Ongoing monitoring helps maintain ideal levels long-term.
While estrogen and progesterone are the main hormones replaced during menopause, supporting testosterone levels also offers important benefits:
Testosterone is not just a "male" hormone! Healthy levels help women maintain optimal physical and mental function throughout the aging process. Discuss adding DHEA, testosterone or compounded bioidenticals to your MHT with a progressive menopause doctor.
Today, women are living one-third of life after menopause. This makes finding solutions to stay youthful and vibrant all the more important. Hormone therapy can help slow aging!
Benefits of balanced hormones after menopause:
Aging well encompasses more than just looking and feeling youthful on the outside. Optimizing hormone levels impacts overall quality of life as you mature.
Alongside balancing menopause hormones, properly managing health and wellness more broadly is key. Your menopause doctor should:
Comprehensive care that looks at all aspects of your health helps ensure you age vibrantly on the inside and out. Ask your practitioner about adding wellness and longevity therapies like vitamins, PRP, and peptides.
At Balance Wellness Clinic, every menopause treatment plan is tailored to the individual. But our general protocol for getting started is as follows:
Our top priority is your short and long-term wellness during menopause and beyond. We empower patients to make informed decisions about their care and take an active role in improving their quality of life. Contact us to get started!
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) utilizes hormones that are molecularly identical to those naturally produced in the body. This allows them to be optimally absorbed and utilized by the body.
There are two main types:
Benefits of bioidentical hormones:
Work with a knowledgeable BHRT practitioner that understands proper lab testing, dosage adjustment, and ongoing monitoring to ensure results and safety.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Oral pills and capsules | Easy to take | Can cause GI side effects, irregular absorption |
| Skin patches | Consistent dosing via transdermal absorption | Can cause skin irritation |
| Gels/creams | Absorbed through skin | Potential transfer to others via skin, irregular absorption |
| Vaginal creams/suppositories | Treat local tissue needs | Limited to treating vaginal/urethral issues |
| Injections | Extended-release dosing every few months | Requires office administration |
| Implants/pellets | Long-lasting steady-state dosing | Minor surgery required for placement |
| Symptoms | Details |
|---|---|
| Moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats | Interfere with sleep and quality of life |
| Vaginal atrophy symptoms | Dryness, pain, discomfort with intercourse |
| Mood changes | New anxiety, depression, irritability |
| Cognitive changes | Impaired focus, memory, learning |
| Loss of muscle mass | Decreased strength or stamina |
| Accelerated skin aging | Dryness, loss of elasticity, thinning |
| Osteopenia/osteoporosis | Concern about bone loss and fracture risk |
Menopause is a natural transition, but the accompanying hormonal changes can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. Hormone therapy offers an effective solution to manage moderate to severe symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and more. At Balance Wellness Clinic, our expert providers specialize in creating customized menopause treatment plans tailored to each woman's unique needs. With the right approach, women can successfully navigate this phase while maintaining their vitality, intimacy, and overall well-being. Don't suffer needlessly - contact us today to explore if menopause hormone therapy is right for you.
