Menopause is a natural transition that typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 as a woman's ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This brings an end to menstruation and fertility. Menopause is diagnosed after 12 months without a menstrual period.
The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. During this transition time, hormone levels fluctuate and start to decline, causing a variety of symptoms. These can include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, trouble sleeping, and more. Perimenopause symptoms vary widely among women - some experience mild issues while others struggle greatly.
The loss of estrogen long-term after menopause increases a woman's risk for certain health conditions. Having optimal hormone levels through menopause transition and beyond is important to protect long-term wellbeing.
Estrogen helps maintain healthy bone density. Postmenopausal women without adequate estrogen experience accelerated bone loss and higher risk of osteoporosis. This can lead to painful fractures later in life. Getting enough calcium and vitamin D is also essential.
Heart disease risk increases after menopause, likely due to changes in blood vessels, cholesterol levels, body fat composition, and other impacts of estrogen deficiency. Managing risk factors like blood pressure, glucose, and lifestyle habits helps protect cardiovascular health.
Declining estrogen levels commonly lead to urinary tract tissues becoming drier, thinner, and more prone to irritation and infection. This causes symptoms like a frequent need to urinate, sudden urges to go, burning during urination, and urinary incontinence. These issues can disrupt sleep and daily activities.
The good news is that safe and effective treatments can relieve troublesome menopause symptoms and reduce long-term health risks. Treatment plans should be customized to each woman's needs and health profile.
Hormone therapy (HT) replaces estrogen and progesterone to restore premenopausal levels. Multiple FDA-approved options are available as pills, skin patches, gels, sprays and creams. Transdermal patches and gels avoid exposing the liver to hormones. When started before age 60, HT benefits typically outweigh risks for healthy women. Individual factors impact specific recommendations.
The most bothersome menopause symptoms are often significantly improved with hormone therapy. Hot flashes and night sweats typically resolve. Vaginal tissues regain thickness and elasticity, improving lubrication and discomfort. Bone loss slows, providing protection against osteoporosis. For some women, mood, sleep and energy also improve on HT.
Some women prefer to avoid hormones or have contraindications to HT. Several non-hormonal prescription medications can provide symptom relief:
Over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers, cooling gels/sprays for hot flashes, and regular exercise also help manage menopausal changes. For some, nutritional supplements like black cohosh, vitamin E and phytoestrogens ease this transition.
The Vital Hormone Clinic Menopause Center provides specialized care to help women thrive through the menopause transition and beyond. Our compassionate, certified menopause practitioners offer evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each woman’s needs and preferences.
During an initial 60-90 minute consultation, we conduct needed health assessments, evaluations for hormone imbalance, and open discussions about lifestyle, symptoms impacting quality of life, treatment goals and preferences. Our practitioners develop integrative treatment plans that fit the unique needs of the individual. These can include:
Follow-ups monitor progress and adjust treatment accordingly. Ongoing gynecologic, bone density, heart health and breast care align with standard recommendations. We collaborate seamlessly with your other healthcare providers.
Our menopause specialists have over 15 years clinical experience using cutting-edge therapies to help women overcome the challenges of changing hormone levels during midlife and beyond. We stay current on the latest medical research through leading organizations like the Endocrine Society and North American Menopause Society. You can trust our expertise to guide your treatment choices.
We also understand the profoundly personal nature of menopause difficulties like hot flashes, painful sex, erratic periods, crushing fatigue, unraveling emotions, and that "out of control" feeling. Our staff provides caring support so you don't have to struggle through menopause alone. We will listen and help you find the right treatment options for your situation.
Vital Hormone Clinic hosts occasional local seminars exploring common questions about menopause:
Seating is limited so please RSVP in advance. Come get the facts you need to make informed menopause decisions!
Seeking proper medical care empowers women to take charge of their menopause transition. Restoring hormone balance alleviates uncomfortable symptoms so you can sleep, feel like yourself again, enjoy intimacy and thrive. Treatment also provides lasting benefits by protecting bone, heart, and brain health.
Finding the right treatment plan helps women emerge from menopause feeling healthy, energetic and optimistic about the future. We invite you to join the thousands of women who have found solutions to their menopausal issues through specialized care at our Vital Hormone Clinic. Call today for a consultation.
