Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through, marking the end of menstrual cycles. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause, when hormone levels become irregular but periods may still occur.
Key signs of perimenopause and menopause include:
These symptoms can range from mild to severe and last for years for some women. Seeking treatment can provide relief as the body adjusts to lower estrogen levels. Timely medical care is important for managing symptoms and reducing long-term health risks like osteoporosis.
Hormone therapy can effectively treat moderate to severe menopause symptoms. The most common types are:
Our compassionate will help determine the best hormone therapy to improve quality of life.
While medications can provide relief, lifestyle changes and alternative therapies may also be beneficial:
A multipronged approach works best - we provide customized care plans to address all factors influencing menopause symptoms.
Our dedicated team has over 15 years expertise helping women smoothly transition into menopause and beyond. We take time to understand lifestyles, health history, and needs to create personalized treatments.
What sets Renew Hormone Clinic apart:
As a top-rated clinic in , we have helped thousands of women thrive before, during and after menopause. Contact us today to schedule a is a draft 5-topic FAQ on menopause care with about 500 words:
Studies show that cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness meditation, and yoga can be as effective as antidepressants in managing menopause symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and irritability. These mind-body techniques help women cope with the transition in a holistic, medication-free way.
The most common symptoms you may experience during menopause are hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, mood changes, headaches, and irregular periods. Hot flashes can come on suddenly with intense warmth in the upper body and red blotchy skin lasting 1-5 minutes. Night sweats often soak nightclothes and sheets. Vaginal dryness can make intercourse painful. Insomnia is also frequent - making you feel exhausted. "It's completely normal to have menopausal symptoms. Don't hesitate to talk to your doctor if they disrupt your quality of life," says Dr. Anna Willis, Director of the Menopause Center.
Lifestyle changes can really help you take control of managing menopausal symptoms. Regular exercise helps reduce hot flashes and improves mood and sleep. Try walking, swimming, or yoga - aim for 30 minutes daily. Healthy eating also helps - focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, healthy fats like olive oil, and omega-3 rich foods like salmon. "I always advise my menopausal patients to optimize their diet, exercise more, and reduce stress through meditation, journaling, or yoga," recommends registered dietitian Leah Simmons.
If lifestyle changes alone don't relieve your menopausal symptoms adequately, several medical options are available. Low-dose antidepressants like escitalopram (Lexapro) or venlafaxine (Effexor XR) can help hot flashes. Vaginal estrogen creams effectively treat vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex. The FDA has approved ultra-low dose estradiol patches to reduce moderate to severe hot flashes. Discuss benefits/risks of hormone therapy with your doctor if symptoms disrupt your functioning. "Newer, safer hormone preparations can offer women good symptom control with little risk,” clarifies Dr. Linda Park, reproductive endocrinologist.
Every woman’s experience is unique, but menopausal symptoms typically last around 7 years from your final menstrual period if you don’t take hormones. However, about 25% of women have symptoms lasting more than 12 years! Taking oral hormone therapy shortens duration to around 3-5 years. With symptoms lasting so long for many, it’s important not to hesitate to seek treatment. “I see many patients 'tough it out' unnecessarily - prolonged suffering isn’t noble,” says nurse practitioner barrels her truth with compassion. “Come in and let’s explore solutions.”
It’s vital that menopausal women get preventative health screenings regularly. Schedule a yearly well-woman visit for a breast exam, pelvic exam if needed, blood pressure check, and skin cancer screening. Have a mammogram every 1-2 years starting at age 50. Colonoscopies every 10 years beginning at 45 screen for colon cancer. Bone density scans help diagnose osteoporosis. Complete lipid bloodwork to assess heart disease risk. “Prevention is so crucial - I advise my patients to come in annually so we can protect their health together,” urges Dr. Riya Patel, primary care physician.
