Menopause is a natural transition that all women experience as they age. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. During this time, women may experience changes related to decreasing estrogen levels.
Menopause is defined as the point when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. The average age of menopause is 51, but it can occur anytime between the ages of 40-58.
Perimenopause refers to the transitional stage before menopause. It can last up to 10 years as the body adjusts to hormonal shifts. Women may experience irregular periods, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and other symptoms during this time.
Menopause occurs due to natural age-related changes. The ovaries produce less estrogen over time until they eventually stop releasing eggs for fertilization. Genetics and family history play a role in when menopause starts.
Lifestyle factors like smoking and chemotherapy treatment can accelerate menopause. A small percentage of women experience early menopause before age 40 for unknown reasons.
The spectrum of menopause symptoms varies widely among women. Tracking cycles and symptoms provides insight into perimenopausal changes. Common symptoms include:
Symptoms range from mild to severe. Tracking cycles and symptoms helps identify patterns so providers can recommend individualized treatment plans.
Diagnosing perimenopause involves assessing symptoms and running blood tests to measure hormone levels. Providers look at the full picture to determine appropriate next steps.
Test results help determine if symptoms are related to shifting hormone levels. Providers can then develop customized treatment plans to relieve symptoms at the source.
The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic provides comprehensive menopause care to help women navigate this transition in optimal health. Our board-certified specialists offer evidence-based treatment plans to effectively manage symptoms.
Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s unique hormone profile and symptom presentation.
Our menopause specialists have advanced training in perimenopause and menopause care. We provide:
Patients appreciate our evidence-based, personalized approach focused on their long-term wellbeing. We empower women with the information and support they need to thrive through menopause.
Many women going through menopause find that maintaining a healthy, balanced diet rich in plants like soy, fiber and calcium can help ease uncomfortable symptoms. Simple lifestyle changes like staying active, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and trying relaxation techniques can also provide relief without necessarily needing medication.
As estrogen levels fluctuate and decline, women may develop issues needing medical attention. Understanding common concerns guides proactive treatment.
Estrogen plays an essential role in bone remodeling and health. Declining estrogen during perimenopause and menopause increases bone breakdown and absorption. This makes bones weaker and at risk for fractures and breaks.
Bone mineral density testing combined with risk assessments for fracture determines when medical intervention is warranted. Our clinic provides specialized osteoporosis treatment including:
Maintaining strong healthy bones is foundational during the menopausal transition. Our experts offer evidence-based care to accomplish this goal.
Heart disease risk increases after menopause. Estrogens help arteries remain flexible and open which decreases risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. As estrogen levels drop, this protective effect declines.
Managing heart health involves:
Hormone therapy containing estrogen may reduce heart disease risk when started before 60 years old or within 10 years of menopause. Our cardiologists and menopause specialists help patients balance heart health with symptom relief.
Mood changes are common during perimenopause and menopause. Stress, sleep loss, and decreasing estrogen interact with brain chemicals influencing mood regulation. Providers evaluate symptoms to determine appropriate mental health support.
Mild mood changes may improve with lifestyle measures like:
Moderate to severe symptoms often require professional mental healthcare. We provide counseling referrals and can prescribe antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications when indicated. Our team takes a personalized approach focused on each woman’s unique mental health needs.
Declining estrogen commonly causes vaginal tissue changes leading to dryness, irritation, and painful intercourse. For many women, sex becomes less satisfying which can strain relationships.
Localized estrogen therapy helps nourish vulvovaginal tissues for symptom relief. We also suggest:
In more severe cases, prescription medications can relieve discomfort during sex. Our staff provides comprehensive sexual health support tailored to each patient’s needs and goals.
The years encompassing perimenopause and menopause set the stage for aging. Making sustainable lifestyle changes leads to better long-term health. Our specialists provide guidance to help patients:
Small daily choices build over decades to profoundly impact wellbeing. Our team empowers patients with evidence-based care for healthy, engaged aging.
The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic provides comprehensive menopause care led by true specialists in women's health. Every provider on our team has advanced training in treating perimenopause and menopause.
Our core focus allows us to stay current on the latest research and best practices. We continually refine our skills and approach using emerging science-backed evidence. Our doctors teach other providers nation-wide on optimal menopause care.
We listen attentively to understand the full context informing care decisions. Treatment plans match identified hormone deficiencies while considering lifestyle, priorities, risk factors and personal preferences.
Our standardized operating procedures reflect well-established medical guidance. We follow rigorous quality control practices and track outcome data to ensure excellent care. Patients receive balanced information about all options to make fully informed choices.
Our outstanding satisfaction scores, 5-star online reviews, and member retention rates demonstrate earned patient trust. We build confidence by listening compassionately, explaining concepts clearly, and reliably providing high-value guidance.
When you choose The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic, you gain a team working together to optimize your health during midlife changes and beyond. Contact us today to discuss your menopausal health.
