Menopause is a natural transition that all women experience as they reach middle age. It refers to the point when a woman stops menstruating permanently due to declining hormone levels. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause, which is usually when women start experiencing changes related to shifting hormones. This transitional time typically begins in a woman's 40s but can start earlier or later. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of perimenopause and menopause is key to getting the support needed to manage this phase comfortably.
The key change associated with menopause is plummeting levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help regulate menstrual cycles during a woman's reproductive years. As the ovaries start making less estrogen, periods become irregular and eventually stop. Loss of estrogen causes changes throughout the body like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, and shifting moods. These hormonal changes also lead to the end of fertility. While menopause signals the end of childbearing years for women, it opens the door to new beginnings. With lifestyle adjustments and menopause care, many women find they feel empowered entering midlife.
Symptoms caused by hormone changes often begin during perimenopause, as estrogen levels fluctuate erratically. Sometimes perimenopausal symptoms last for several years leading up to menopause. After 12 months without a period, a woman has officially reached menopause. Postmenopausal symptoms may persist for some time but tend to improve with management.
Common menopausal symptoms include:
In addition to bothersome symptoms, loss of estrogen after menopause is associated with some increased health risks. For example, without estrogen supporting bone health after menopause, the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures climbs. Lower estrogen also leads to shifts in cholesterol levels and fat storage that can hike the risk for heart disease. Postmenopausal health requires being proactive about screenings, a healthy lifestyle, and managing risk factors.
Wondering "Am I going through menopause?" Tracking symptoms provides clues about entering perimenopause. However, a doctor can use blood tests to diagnose menopause definitively. A key indicator is follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels above 30 mIU/mL on two tests taken 30 days apart. High FSH indicates the ovaries are failing and menopause is established.
A doctor who specializes in the changes associated with perimenopause and menopause is called a menopause specialist. Also sometimes referred to as a menopause doctor or certified menopause practitioner, these professionals have advanced training related to midlife women's health issues. Seeing a dedicated menopause specialist for testing and treatment can provide optimal care managing menopause symptoms.
Hormone therapy can provide safe, effective relief from menopause symptoms when tailored to each woman's needs by a specialist. Estrogen therapy is the most effective treatment specifically for hot flashes and night sweats related to shifting estrogen levels. The risks and benefits of estrogen therapy vary based on the timing, dose, duration, method of delivery, and more. Menopause doctors carefully weigh a woman's individual situation, test results, and risk factors when advising hormone therapies. Other menopause treatments like lifestyle changes and non-hormonal medications can also help provide symptom relief in some women.
While hormone therapy plays an important role managing problematic menopause signs, lifestyle measures also help lessen symptoms. Women going through perimenopause and menopause may notice improved wellbeing from strategies like the following:
In addition to easing challenging symptoms, living a healthy lifestyle helps lower risks for medical issues like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis down the road.
Vitality Renewal Clinic Menopause Center provides specialized care to empower women navigating menopause. Our compassionate menopause specialists offer evidence-based testing and treatments tailored to alleviate symptoms, so clients can continue thriving through midlife and beyond.
What sets Vitality Renewal Clinic apart is our patient-centered approach delivered by leading menopause experts conveniently located right here in Schenectady. Benefits of our menopause clinic include:
We also help connect clients with specialists in urogynecology physical therapy, nutrition counseling, fitness training, and mental health located closeby when appropriate.
Getting tested is the first step evaluating if hormonal changes could be causing frustrating menopausal symptoms interfering with wellbeing. Vitality Renewal Clinic offers convenient local labs making getting needed blood tests and medically-appropriate follow up care seamless.
Reach out today to take charge of health during this transition! Our knowledgeable team helps women optimize their plan managing menopause in ways that fit their needs and priorities. We look forward to working together towards renewed energy, comfort, and confidence during this meaningful phase of life.
Studies show that cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness meditation, and yoga can help ease troublesome menopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep problems without medication. These mind-body techniques help women manage stress and emotional ups and downs during this transition.
