Common Symptoms
of Menopause:
»Irregular menstrual cycles
»Heavy bleeding might occur for a day or two
»Excessive sweating at night
»Hot flashes
»Vaginal dryness, itching and pain during sexual intercourse
»Frequent urinary tract infections
»Mood swings
»Fatigue
»Weight gain
»Decreased libido
What Is Menopause?
————
The textbook definition of menopause is a cessation of menstrual cycles for 12 months however the symptoms associated with menopause can appear many years prior to actual menopause. While menopause and its related symptoms typically appear around the age of 50, early onset of menopause can occur through hysterectomy, ovary removal, chemotherapy, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Menopause presents unique challenges as hormone deficiencies in one area can appear as excesses elsewhere. As estrogen levels change prior to and as you enter menopause, hormone balance is key to overall health since estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone work in concert with each other.
Declining estrogen levels common to the menopausal years can have dramatic effects since estrogen has over 400 crucial functions in the body including regulating body temperature, helping to prevent Alzheimer’s, preventing muscle damage and maintaining muscles, regulating blood pressure, enhancing energy, and improving mood. Diminished estrogen can dampen nerve impulses during sex and diminish the arousal response.
How Is
Menopause Treated?
At The Hormone Center, we begin with a comprehensive questionnaire to help us assess your endocrine function. We prescribe thorough saliva and blood testing to get a comprehensive analysis of your sex hormones, as well as thyroid and adrenal hormones. Our providers then utilize these test results to establish a treatment plan to address any dysfunction or imbalance as well as nutritional deficiencies. Our treatment plans consist of a combination of traditional medicine, integrative medicine, high-quality nutraceuticals, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy through cream, capsules, or pellet therapy.
FAQs
1. What is the most common menopause age?
The average age for menopause is around 51 years. However, menopause can occur anytime between the ages of 45 and 55. Some women may experience early menopause (before age 40) or late menopause (after age 55). The timing can be influenced by genetics, health, and lifestyle factors.
2. How long does menopause last?
Menopause itself is a single point in time marking 12 months without a menstrual period. However, the transition period known as perimenopause can last several years, typically 4-8 years, but sometimes longer. Symptoms can begin during perimenopause and may continue into postmenopause, which is the stage after menopause.
3. What are the best menopause supplements?
Common supplements for menopause include black cohosh, red clover, and soy isoflavones, which may help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes. Menopause Support by Proviva is a good combination product. Calcium and vitamin D are recommended to support bone health. Omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium can also be beneficial for overall health and symptom management. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
4. What are the stages of menopause?
The stages of menopause include perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and symptoms like hot flashes. Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Postmenopause is the stage following menopause, during which symptoms may continue but often decrease in intensity over time.
5. Is there a menopause test that I can take?
There is no definitive test for menopause, but hormone level tests, such as those measuring follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol, can indicate if a woman is approaching menopause. These tests, combined with a review of symptoms and menstrual history, can help doctors diagnose menopause. At-home menopause test kits are also available, but results should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
6. Is there a relation between menopause and breast pain?
Yes, there can be a relation between menopause and breast pain. Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can cause breast tenderness or pain. These symptoms usually decrease after menopause when hormone levels stabilize.
7. Is there a relation between menopause and joint pain?
Yes, joint pain is a common symptom during menopause. Hormonal changes, particularly the decrease in estrogen levels, can lead to inflammation and joint discomfort. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help manage these symptoms.
8. What are some other less well-known symptoms of menopause?
Other symptoms may include heart palpitations, changes in blood pressure, weight gain, dryness of eyes, mouth and/or vagina, vision changes, vertigo, brain fog, and gum disease.
Interested in our treatment approach for menopause?
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We serve patients In person and via telemedicine
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We serve patients In person and via telemedicine
with Secure video consults, on your terms.
Have a question about what we do?
Call
(412)-432-7909
info@hormonecenter.net
Address
102 Broadway Street
Suite 101
Carnegie, PA 15106