Menopause marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycles and fertility. As estrogen levels decline, many women experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe that can significantly impact quality of life. Proper education, evaluation, and menopause care from a qualified menopause hormone specialist can help women understand what to expect during perimenopause and menopause while exploring safe, effective treatment options for symptom relief.
Perimenopause refers to the transitional stage leading up to menopause when ovarian function and estrogen production begin to fluctuate and eventually decline. This period can begin up to 10 years before menopause but most women start to notice changes around their mid-40s.
Common symptoms include:
Perimenopause indicates hormones are shifting so women should have an evaluation by a menopause specialist even if periods haven't stopped completely.
The medical term for menopause is when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. At this point the ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and producing most of their estrogen.
On average, women reach menopause around age 51 but it can occur earlier or later depending on factors like genetics, autoimmune disorders, smoking, chemotherapy treatment, and surgery such as hysterectomy.
Holistic menopause doctors can review your symptoms, medical history, and hormone levels to determine if you're a candidate for treatment.
While menopause is a natural transition, the accompanying drop in estrogen can increase a woman's risk for certain health conditions. Working with an endocrinologist specializing in menopause gives patients a better understanding of genetic, lifestyle, and hormonal factors to create customized care plans.
Estrogen plays an important protective role in bone health. Without adequate levels, bones become weaker and more prone to fractures over time. Women lose bone most rapidly in the first few years after menopause but osteoporosis can develop at any age.
Early screening and treatment is key - options range from lifestyle changes to medications that help strengthen bones.
Many women notice it's easier to gain weight, particularly in the abdomen, after menopause. Hormonal changes also impact glucose and lipid metabolism which can increase risks for insulin resistance, diabetes, high cholesterol, and fatty liver disease.
A nutrition and fitness plan tailored to this stage of life is essential to counteract these effects.
Estrogen has beneficial effects on the vascular system including blood pressure regulation and promoting healthy cholesterol levels. When estrogen drops at menopause, women lose this protection and face higher chances for cardiovascular disease - the 1 cause of death in women.
Identifying and addressing any other risk factors through improved lifestyle habits and medical management can help lower this threat.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), now more commonly referred to as hormone therapy (HT), replenishes estrogen to help relieve menopause symptoms and health risks from declining levels. When prescribed appropriately, research shows HT is safe and effective but finding the right dose, method of delivery, and duration tailored to the individual is key.
New Beginnings HRT Clinic offers all HT options - oral tablets, transdermal patches/gels/sprays, vaginal inserts - to create customized treatment plans.
HT is typically not recommended for those with a history of:
Screening should identify these higher risk conditions before starting therapy.
When initiated within 10 years of menopause for shorter duration HT (less than 5 years), research demonstrates benefits outweigh risks for most healthy women. Possible side effects like fluid retention, breast tenderness, and uterine spotting often resolve within a few months of starting therapy. Return of menstruation is not concerning and indicates the lining is healthy.
While hormone therapy can provide immense symptom relief and long term health advantages for many women, lifestyle habits also play a significant role in determining how smoothly women transition through menopause.
Choosing a diet high in plants, fiber, anti-inflammatory fats, and key vitamins/minerals provides the best building blocks for hormonal, bone, heart, and brain health during this stage. These foods also help stabilize blood sugars which can minimize unpleasant symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, and mood instability.
Balancing blood sugar is also vital for maintaining a healthy body mass index and preventing abdominal weight gain.
Menopause often coincides with other life transitions like children leaving home, disrupted sleep, career changes, illness/loss of parents, and relationship adjustments that can negatively impact mood. Prioritizing self-care strategies - exercise, meditation, creative outlets, community connection, therapy when needed - equips women to navigate unsettling hormones, thoughts, and experiences with more clarity and grace.
Seeking support and getting proper treatment for anxiety or depression is essential.
Weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise maintains bone density while building balance/coordination to prevent devastating falls. Moving daily also keeps joints flexible, heart strong, bowels regular, lymph flowing, and can provide an emotional/mental boost. Those new to working out should connect with a trainer to learn proper form.
New Beginnings HRT Clinic provides exercise guidance as part of our comprehensive menopause care.
Many women going through menopause find that simple lifestyle changes like staying active, eating a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol and caffeine can significantly reduce unpleasant symptoms. Taking time for self-care activities like meditation, yoga, or joining a support group can also help women feel more empowered during this transitional life stage.
Visiting a menopause expert like New Beginnings HRT Clinic is the first step in taking charge of your health during this transition. Ongoing community resources can provide additional education, screening, and support.
Offers discounted hormone testing and screening packages - call to learn more.
Hosts monthly menopause information sessions plus low-impact exercise classes like yoga, Tai Chi, aquatic aerobics tailored to midlife women.
Specializes in therapy and support groups for menopause, grief, life transitions. First visit free.
Great beginner's series focusing on gentle movement, stretching, relaxation, and mindfulness meditation - perfect self-care during stressful times.
The New Beginnings HRT Clinic Difference
As a top menopause care clinic in Monroe for over 20 years, New Beginnings HRT Clinic understands this profound transition and how to guide women to better health with individualized evaluation, education, and treatment plans. Our menopause doctors stay current on the latest research and nuances of hormone testing/options to provide safe, effective relief allowing women to continue thriving personally and professionally.
We also collaborate care with counselors, nutritionists, and fitness experts. Connect today for a consultation and discover ways we can support your path to empowered midlife and beyond!
