Menopause is a natural transition that all women experience as they reach middle age. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years and is defined as occurring 12 months after a woman's last menstrual period. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause and can start several years before menopause itself.
During perimenopause, women may experience irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and sleep disturbances as their hormone levels begin to fluctuate and decline. While menopause marks the end of fertility, it should not be viewed as just the end of womanhood. It's a new beginning and a transition to the next phase of life.
The average age of menopause is 51, but it can occur anytime between the ages of 40 and 58. There is no definitive test for menopause other than having no period for 12 consecutive months. However, blood tests measuring hormone levels can help confirm perimenopause or menopause.
Menopause occurs because estrogen and progesterone production from the ovaries declines over time. Lower hormone levels affect the entire body and can lead to symptoms that impact quality of life. While menopause is inevitable, women do not have to suffer through symptoms or allow menopause to negatively impact their health and wellbeing.
At Vitality Health Center in Newcastle, we provide individualized treatment plans to help women transition through perimenopause and menopause gracefully and healthily. Keep reading to learn more about menopause symptoms, health risks, and our effective hormone replacement therapies.
The onset of perimenopause and progression through menopause is different for every woman. Some may hardly notice the transition while others are significantly impacted. Common symptoms include:
In addition to bothersome symptoms that can significantly reduce quality of life, menopause also increases a woman's risk for certain medical conditions:
That's why timely evaluation and treatment is so important at the first signs of hormonal imbalance. Schedule an appointment at Vitality Health Center today for testing and to discuss a customized treatment plan.
The core treatment we provide at Vitality Health Center is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT can reduce uncomfortable symptoms and has been shown to have long-term preventive health benefits when taken appropriately.
HRT supplements hormones that decline during perimenopause and menopause. The main types of hormones used are:
HRT can be administered through pills, skin patches, gels, sprays, or pellet implants. The route of administration, dosage, and specific combination of hormones is tailored to each woman's individual needs.
Benefits of HRT include:
Treatment is customized based on a woman's health profile and specific symptom complaints. Our expert physicians carefully weigh the benefits and risks of hormone therapy for each individual patient.
HRT is most effective when started at the first onset of perimenopause symptoms. But it can provide relief at any stage. Contact us to determine if you are a candidate and discuss your treatment options.
To determine if your symptoms are caused by perimenopause or menopause, your physician will:
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels can indicate ovarian function and are often part of an initial hormone panel. A thyroid panel may also be ordered to ensure your thyroid is functioning properly.
Based on the results, your physician can confirm if you are in perimenopause or postmenopause. From there, treatment options can be discussed to determine if HRT or other therapies are recommended for you.
Follow up tests may include:
Monitoring and retesting hormone levels is important to ensure you are on the optimal hormone therapy regimen. We provide ongoing care and adjust your treatment based on your response.
In addition to HRT, making certain lifestyle changes can help ease menopause transition:
There are also some natural and complementary therapies that may provide relief:
Lifestyle measures and natural remedies can be used in conjunction with HRT for optimal relief of symptoms.
Every woman's experience is unique. At Vitality Health Center, we customize treatment plans according to each patient's individual needs for the best possible outcome.
When it comes to something as delicate as menopause management and hormone therapy, you want an experienced team of experts you can trust.
Here's why women choose Vitality Health Center in Newcastle for their care:
Our goal is to provide complete care for women throughout perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. We take the time to understand your health history, discuss your symptoms, review testing, explain options, and collaborate on a treatment plan you feel comfortable with.
You'll always feel informed and empowered regarding your health in our clinic. We are your partners for this important transition and new phase of life.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Discover how hormone therapy and our integrative care can help you feel like your best self again!
