Menopause signals the end of a woman's reproductive years. The average age of menopause is 51, but it can occur from 40-55 years of age due to natural depletion of ovarian follicles. As estrogen levels decline during the menopausal transition, women experience symptoms like:
Hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth in the upper body, sometimes with flushing and sweating. They result from blood vessels dilating near the skin's surface.
Over 80% of women have hot flashes around menopause. They typically last 30 seconds to 10 minutes and may be mild to severe. Hot flashes often disrupt sleep.
Declining estrogen thins vaginal walls and reduces elasticity. This vaginal atrophy causes dryness, irritation, pain and bleeding during sex along with increased urinary tract infections (UTIs).
The menopausal transition is linked to irritability, anxiety and depression likely due to hormonal fluctuations. Sleep disturbances can worsen mood.
Other common menopausal issues include fatigue, "brain fog," muscle/joint pains, weight gain and urinary incontinence. Bone loss accelerates during this time also, raising osteoporosis risk.
Within 5-7 years after final menses, symptoms typically resolve. But some women have persisting, troublesome issues for over a decade postmenopause.
Since menopause symptoms mimic other conditions like thyroid disorders, it's important to have a thorough menopause evaluation.
A detailed history identifies symptom timeline and impact on functioning. Physical and pelvic exams check for genitourinary changes.
Blood tests measure follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol and potentially testosterone levels over time. FSH above 30 mIU/mL and estradiol below 50 pg/mL for over a year confirms menopause.
Thyroid, cholesterol, glucose and vitamin D levels may be assessed also.
Table 1 summarizes key lab tests for menopause diagnosis:
| Test | Normal Premenopausal Range | Indicates |
|---|---|---|
| FSH | <10 mIU/mL | Menopause if consistently >30 mIU/mL | |
| Estradiol | 50-400 pg/mL | Menopause if consistently <50 pg/mL |
| Testosterone | 15-70 ng/dL | Low levels cause loss of libido, energy |
A pelvic ultrasound visualizes uterine and ovarian anatomy and screens for issues like fibroids or ovarian cysts.
After confirming menopause, management focuses on relieving disruptive signs like hot flashes, vaginal atrophy and emotional changes which harm quality of life.
Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) is the primary treatment for disruptive menopause symptoms. MHT replaces depleted hormones like estrogen, often with progestogen.
Benefits include:
But MHT isn't for everyone. Those with certain health risks may use non-hormonal therapies or alternative medicine approaches. Let's explore common options:
Systemic estrogen (pills, patches, gels, sprays) remains the gold standard for hot flash/night sweat relief. Many women also need progestogen to prevent uterine cancer.
Local vaginal estrogen (creams, tablets, rings) improves genitourinary issues without significant systemic absorption.
Oral or patch testosterone may help some women with persistent low energy and sex drive.
Antidepressants like SSRIs/SNRIs reduce hot flashes by 60%. Gabapentin is another option.
Non-hormonal vaginal moisturizers and lubricants temporarily relieve dryness/pain with intercourse.
Quitting smoking, losing weight if overweight, limiting caffeine/alcohol/spicy foods and layering clothing help dampen hot flashes.
Regular sex maintains vaginal health. Water-soluble lubricants ease penetration.
Stress reduction practices like yoga, meditation and CBT therapy stabilize mood. Good sleep hygiene, social support and a healthy diet boost mental health too.
With so many menopause management options, having an expert healthcare provider guide decision-making is invaluable.
What is a menopause specialist?
A menopause specialist is a licensed physician with advanced training in evaluating and treating the changes accompanying the end of a woman's reproductive life.
Menopause specialists include:
A proficient menopause specialist conducts needed tests to identify menopausal status and any coexisting issues.
They understand normal hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and can accurately diagnose menopause's onset.
These menopause doctors offer both hormonal and non-hormonal therapies tailored to each woman's symptoms and health profile.
They help patients weigh the risks and benefits of diverse interventions to make informed choices.
Holistic menopause doctors address lifestyle factors like nutrition, exercise, stress and sexuality.
They promote healthy behaviors supporting symptom relief and overall wellbeing during this transition and beyond.
At Hormone Solutions, our multidisciplinary team includes renowned menopause experts offering personalized care.
Women deserve evidence-based menopause treatment from compassionate, highly-skilled menopause doctors focused on their unique needs.
That's why more women select Hormone Solutions than any other hormone clinic in the state.
Our menopause hormone specialists leverage the latest diagnostic methods and therapeutic technologies.
We develop customized treatment regimens promoting safety and optimal quality of life after reproductive aging.
We ease this transition through compassionate, holistic menopause care supporting wellbeing of body and mind.
Our weekly group provides education, sharing and comfort.
Led by renowned menopause specialist Dr. Sarah Kohl, women at all stages gather to discuss:
You'll leave with tools, inspiration and new friends for the journey!
Register for our free introductory session by visiting the Hormone Solutions website.
Conclusion
Menopause is an inevitable phase bringing physical, mental and sexual changes. Some women transition smoothly while others suffer severely, unable to work or enjoy life.
Seeking care from qualified menopause doctors like those at Hormone Solutions ensures timely, appropriate treatment limiting struggle. We offer compassionate, evidence-based therapy suiting reproductive aging women's unique needs for high quality longevity.
Choose Hormone Solutions for the support, answers and revitalization you deserve! Visit their website to schedule a consultation with one of our menopause specialists today.
