Menopause treatment

Menopause marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycles and fertility. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 as estrogen levels decline. While a natural transition, menopause can cause disruptive symptoms affecting quality of life. Hormone therapy can provide relief by replacing depleted hormones.

Common Symptoms and Changes

Many women experience symptoms related to hormone fluctuations and declines. Some typical changes include:

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Sudden sensations of intense warmth and sweating are common, especially at night, disrupting sleep. Approximately 80% of menopausal women have hot flashes.

Vaginal Changes

Declining estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort. This can impair sexual function and enjoyment.

Emotional Changes

Hormone fluctuations may increase irritability, anxiety, sadness and trouble focusing or remembering details. Support and treatment can help manage mood issues.

Bone Loss

Osteoporosis risk increases after menopause as bone density declines. Weight bearing exercise and calcium can help, but HT also protects bone health.

Hormone Therapy Overview

Hormone therapy (HT) supplements depleted hormones. The main treatment options include:

Estrogen Therapy

Estrogen replaces what the ovaries no longer produce effectively. This is the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms. Estrogen can be taken as a pill, skin patch, gel or vaginal insert.

Progestin Addition

For women with an intact uterus, progestin must be taken with estrogen to avoid increasing cancer risk. Continuous or cyclic progestin protects the uterine lining.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHT)

Bioidentical hormones match natural estrogens and are derived from plants. Custom-compounded BHT aims to be the most identical match possible.

Determining Candidacy

The best candidates for HT are women under 60 or who begin treatment within 10 years of menopause onset. Continuing HT longer than 5 years comes with increased health risks. Women with certain medical conditions and risk factors may not be candidates. An experienced menopause practitioner can best assess individual factors like:

Personal and family health history
Current symptoms and impacts
Timing of menopause
Osteoporosis risk
Uterine, breast and heart health
Previous surgery or cancer
Lifestyle and health goals

Customizing Hormone Therapy

There are many estrogen and progestin options, doses, schedules and delivery methods. An endocrinologist specializing in menopause can tailor HT to individual needs and goals. Frequency of symptoms, level of impact, and risk factors help guide customization. Monitoring effects and adjusting therapy provides optimal relief with minimal risk.

Hormone Solutions Specialized Menopause Care

The practitioners at Hormone Solutions have specialized training in menopause management and bioidentical hormone therapy. Our menopause doctor and nurses provide compassionate care tuned into the needs of midlife women. We take time to understand lifestyle, symptoms, health history and goals in developing customized treatment plans utilizing the latest medical research.

Conveniently located in , Hormone Solutions features state-of-the-art diagnostics like special blood tests to accurately determine hormone levels. This helps precisely calibrate BHT dosing for optimal relief. We also provide nutritional support, counseling, community referrals and wellness resources to address needs holistically.

Hormone Solutions accepts most major insurance plans. Investing in specialized menopause treatment can ease this transition and help you enjoy midlife feeling your best. We look forward to serving you!

FAQ About Menopause Treatment

What are the most common symptoms of menopause?

The most common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and mood changes. These symptoms are caused by decreasing estrogen levels and can range from mild to severe. Lifestyle changes like avoiding triggers, dressing in layers, exercising, and practicing stress relief can help ease some symptoms. For more bothersome symptoms, low-dose hormone therapy is an effective option for many women.

What medications are used to treat menopause symptoms?

Hormone therapy with estrogen, often combined with progestogen, is the most effective treatment for relieving troublesome menopausal symptoms. Estrogen helps reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Progestogen protects the uterine lining from overgrowth. Low-dose vaginal estrogen preparations can help specifically with vaginal dryness and discomfort. Antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs may help with mood swings. Other medications can help improve sleep or bone health if needed.

Is hormone therapy safe?

For most healthy women under 60, hormone therapy is a safe option when used at the lowest dose that manages symptoms, for less than 5 years. Estrogen alone can be used safely in women who have had a hysterectomy. Combination estrogen/progestogen therapy is recommended for those with an intact uterus to prevent overgrowth of uterine lining. Recent studies confirm hormone therapy does not increase risk for heart disease when started early in menopause.

What types of lifestyle changes can help with menopause?

Lifestyle adjustments are key to coping with menopause symptoms. Regular exercise helps reduce hot flashes and improves mood. Avoiding triggers like caffeine, alcohol, stress and heat can reduce frequency of hot flashes. Relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation effectively ease irritability. Using vaginal lubricants/moisturizers improves vaginal discomfort. Eating a balanced diet rich in plants, high-fiber carbs and omega-3s boosts overall health. Connecting with supportive friends and getting enough rest promotes emotional wellbeing.

When should I see my doctor about menopause concerns?

It's important to have an open dialogue with your doctor starting in the years leading up to menopause. Report any symptoms causing distress so appropriate treatment can be considered. Routine well-woman exams should include discussions about menopause. Testing may identify risks requiring special care, like bone loss or heart disease. Early personalized guidance leads to better outcomes in the long run. If your quality of life changes significantly, see your doctor to explore safe medical and lifestyle solutions to get relief.