Menopause is a natural transition that all women experience as they age. The key change is that the ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which causes periods to stop. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can happen from 40-55 years old.
Managing menopause properly is crucial to minimize symptoms and reduce long-term health risks like osteoporosis and heart disease. Here are some key aspects of managing this transition:
Symptom Management
- Hot flashes - Sudden feelings of intense body heat, flushing, sweating. These typically last 1-5 minutes. Lifestyle changes can help, like dressing in layers and avoiding triggers like stress, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods. If severe, hormone therapy is very effective. The professionals at Balance Hormone Clinic can advise on options.
- Vaginal dryness/pain with sex - Declining estrogen leads to thinning vaginal tissues. Water-based lubricants and moisturizers can help. Localized low-dose estrogen creams may be prescribed.
- Insomnia - Fluctuating hormones can interfere with sleep. Having a calming nightly routine, limiting naps, cognitive behavioral therapy methods can help.
- Mood changes - Some women experience anxiety, irritability, or sadness with shifting hormones. Regular exercise, stress management, and social connection can help stabilize mood.
Bone Health
- Estrogen plays a key role in bone regeneration. During menopause, accelerated bone loss occurs due to declining estrogen. Getting adequate calcium and vitamin D daily is important.
- Weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises also help stimulate bone growth. Some examples:
- Weight lifting
- Hiking
- Tennis
- Dancing
- If at high risk for fractures, doctors may prescribe bisphosphonate medications like alendronate (Fosamax) or denosumab (Prolia) to strengthen bones.
Heart Health
- Lower estrogen after menopause is associated with higher "bad" LDL cholesterol levels and higher triglycerides. Managing cholesterol through diet and exercise is important.
- Discuss with your doctor whether you should be on statin medication to reduce cardiovascular risks by lowering cholesterol.
- Also important is controlling other heart disease risk factors like managing blood pressure, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.
The compassionate providers at
Balance Hormone Clinic can help create a personalized plan for navigating menopause safely and comfortably. Their cutting-edge hormone therapies can get symptoms under control quickly, while their nutrition and lifestyle advice empowers women to take charge of their health.
I encourage any woman approaching or experiencing menopause to schedule a consultation to discuss treatment options suited to her unique needs and health goals. The knowledge and guidance they offer helps women transition gracefully into this next stage of life.
