Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through as they age. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years and is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause and can start as early as the 30s or 40s. This time is marked by changes in menstrual cycle length and flow as hormone levels begin to fluctuate.
The average age of menopause is 51, but it can occur earlier or later. Genetics, smoking, chemotherapy treatment, and surgical removal of the ovaries can influence when menopause begins.
The main cause of menopause is decreased production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone by the ovaries. This causes changes throughout the body influenced by these hormones like bone loss, vaginal dryness, and hot flashes.
Other causes include:
With all the changes occurring during menopause, it can be an uncomfortable time for women. Seeking treatment can help minimize symptoms and reduce long-term health risks like osteoporosis.
Getting a proper diagnosis from a menopause specialist is key. Blood tests and evaluation of symptoms can determine if hormone levels are indeed declining. From there, an appropriate treatment plan can be created.
Leaving menopause untreated can allow symptoms to significantly disrupt day-to-day activities. Hot flashes and night sweats often disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and mood changes. Vaginal dryness can make sex painful. Emotional health can suffer too with untreated depression, anxiety and irritability.
Early treatment helps women find relief from symptoms and feel like themselves again. It can also provide protective benefits against bone loss and heart disease risk.
Hormone therapy (HT) replaces estrogen and progesterone to alleviate menopause symptoms. It comes in pill, patch, gel, spray and vaginal forms. Dosage can be adjusted based on each woman's needs.
HT is most effective when started early in menopause for symptom relief. Using the lowest dose that alleviates symptoms is recommended.
There are some health risks to consider:
Risks are low in healthy women under 60 who use HT for less than 10 years. Those with risk factors like blood clot history, take HT as prescribed by their doctor. HT is not recommended for women with a history of certain cancers and heart disease.
For women who cannot take estrogen, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) may help hot flashes. Gabapentin is another option.
Vaginal estrogen in cream, tablet or ring form can treat vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms if systemic estrogen is not advised.
Lifestyle adjustments can also alleviate menopausal symptoms:
At Vitality Health Center in Huntsville, we specialize in providing personalized and compassionate care for women going through menopause and perimenopause. Our board-certified physicians have over 20 years experience treating hormonal changes.
We take time to listen to your symptoms and thoroughly evaluate your health history and lab results. This enables us to develop customized treatment plans to help you find the relief you need and get back to enjoying life.
In addition to hormone therapy, we offer nutritional counseling, fitness recommendations, stress management techniques and education on how to best manage this transition. We partner with each patient throughout the process.
Our state-of-the-art facility provides comprehensive menopause care all under one roof for your convenience. Let us help you thrive before, during and beyond menopause. Contact Vitality Health Center today to schedule a consultation.
