Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycles. It usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. As a woman approaches menopause, her ovaries gradually produce lower levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormone changes cause menstrual cycles to become less frequent and eventually stop completely.
Key terms and changes associated with menopause include:
- Perimenopause - The transition period leading up to menopause, lasting up to 10 years, when hormone levels fluctuate irregularly. Women may experience symptoms like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and mood changes.
- Postmenopause - The stage after menopause has occurred, marked by 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. At this point, estrogen and progesterone production have declined substantially.
- Ovaries stopping egg production - The ovaries no longer release eggs for potential fertilization and pregnancy. Women become infertile during the menopausal transition.
- Hormone changes - Estrogen and progesterone levels decline leading up to and during menopause. This affects the whole body. Lower estrogen is associated with symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and bone loss.
- Menstrual cycle changes - Periods become irregular, lighter, or heavier. Eventually menstruation stops completely. The time leading up to the final period is called perimenopause.
Common physical symptoms associated with menopause include:
- Hot flashes - Sudden sensations of body heat, flushing, sweating, and chills due to changing hormone levels. These can range from mild to severe and disrupt sleep.
- Vaginal dryness and atrophy - Declining estrogen causes thinner vaginal tissue. This leads to irritation, dryness, pain, and bleeding during sex. Over-the-counter lubricants can help.
- Urinary health issues - Lower estrogen weakens the urethra and bladder, leading to urgency or leaking when coughing/sneezing. Performing Kegel exercises can help strengthen pelvic muscles.
- Bone loss - With less estrogen, more bone tissue breaks down than new bone formed. This leads to loss of bone density over time. Weight-bearing exercise and calcium/vitamin D supplementation can help slow bone loss.
Emotional changes may include:
Lifestyle changes to ease menopausal symptoms:
- Stay cool - Dress in layers, use fans, turn down thermostats
- Practice relaxation techniques - Try yoga, meditation, deep breathing
- Exercise regularly - 30 minutes daily helps mood, sleep, and bone health
- Maintain a healthy diet - Eat plenty of fruits/veggies and get enough calcium and vitamin D
- Limit alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods - These can trigger hot flashes
- Consider hormone therapy - Low doses of estrogen/progesterone can relieve severe symptoms
- Seek support - Talk to other women going through menopause or join a support group
Clinical treatments for menopausal symptoms include:
- Hormone therapy - Oral estrogen pills, estrogen/progesterone pills, patches, gels, implants, shots. These raise hormone levels to help symptoms.
- Vaginal estrogen - Creams, tablets inserted directly in the vagina to help with dryness/discomfort.
- Gabapentin/SSRIs - Prescription non-hormonal medications to treat hot flashes or mood changes.
- Other options - Prescription meds for vaginal atrophy, osteoporosis, urinary issues.
Many symptoms of menopause can be managed through lifestlye adjustments, while severe symptoms may require clinical treatments. Reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss options. can assess your needs and help create a customized menopause treatment plan to get your symptoms under control. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our menopause specialists. We provide compassionate care tailored to your unique situation, only using therapies that are appropriate for your needs and health status.
