Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through as they 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.
On average, menopause occurs between the ages of 45-55. However, it can happen earlier or later than this age range for some women. Leading up to menopause, women experience a transition period called perimenopause, which can last anywhere from 2-10 years.
During the menopausal transition, a woman's ovaries decrease the production of key hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal changes are responsible for the various symptoms associated with menopause.
Some of the most common symptoms of menopause include:
While menopause is a natural process, it can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. The good news is that the symptoms of menopause can be treated through hormone therapy and other therapeutic approaches.
Getting treatment for menopause is important for both alleviating symptoms in the short-term and maintaining long-term health. Here are some of the key benefits of seeking treatment:
Getting treatment early in the menopausal transition allows for better control of symptoms and prevention of long-term effects of hormone loss.
Before starting any kind of menopause treatment, it is important to get thorough hormone testing. This allows your menopause specialist to accurately diagnose where your hormone levels are at and determine the best treatment approach.
Here are the main hormone tests conducted:
| Test | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) | Measures FSH levels, which increase as ovarian function declines. FSH levels above 40 mIU/mL indicate elevated menopause risk. |
| Estradiol | Measures your estrogen level, which declines during menopause. Helps determine if symptoms are related to low estrogen. |
| Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) | Evaluates ovarian reserve. AMH levels decline as menopause approaches. |
| Thyroid function | Screens for thyroid disorders which can mimic menopause symptoms. Includes TSH and Free T4. |
| Progesterone | Confirms ovulation is occurring normally. Low levels can cause irregular periods and symptoms. |
| Testosterone | Measures free and total testosterone levels, which can decline during menopause. |
| Vitamin D | Screens for vitamin D deficiency, which is common in menopause. Low levels worsen symptoms. |
Repeat testing is often needed to monitor hormone levels over time. Your doctor will advise how often to retest based on your menopause stage and treatment plan. Keeping hormone levels optimized is key.
There are a variety of safe and effective menopause treatment options available to address hormonal changes:
| Therapy | Description |
|---|---|
| Estrogen therapy | Estrogen tablets, patches, gels, sprays, and creams replace estrogen lost during menopause. Used for hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, and bone loss prevention. |
| Progestogens | Progesterone or progestin therapy balances the effects of estrogen on the uterus. Can be delivered in pill, patch, or IUD form. |
| Androgen therapy | Testosterone therapy provides androgen benefits for libido, energy, and cognition. Available as pills, patches, gels, and pellets. |
| Compounded bioidentical hormones | Hormones that are identical to those naturally produced by the body. Custom-compounded in dose and delivery method. |
Your menopause specialist can help determine the right treatment plan based on your symptoms, hormone levels, and health profile. Many women find the best relief by combining hormone therapy with lifestyle approaches.
Choosing an experienced menopause specialist is key to receiving the best care, guidance and symptom relief during this transition. Here is what to look for:
Finding the right menopause specialist you can trust will make a big difference in achieving optimal symptom relief and hormonal balance during this transition.
At Balance Clinic, we are leaders in evidence-based, integrative care for menopause management and hormone therapy. Our certified menopause practitioners have advanced clinical education and decades of specialized experience caring for women during this transition.
We conduct thorough symptom evaluations, hormone testing, and monitoring to gain a comprehensive picture of what each woman needs. We then craft customized treatment plans that can include bioidentical hormones, pharmaceuticals, diet and supplement recommendations, stress reduction techniques, and prescription-strength skin therapies.
A few key areas of our expertise include:
We are passionate about optimizing women's health, vitality and quality of life throughout the menopause transition and beyond. Our evidence-based, integrative care models yield life-changing results.
Menopause is a significant transition that brings hormonal changes and symptoms that can greatly impact a woman's quality of life. Thankfully, there are many effective treatment options available, led by hormone therapy, to relieve symptoms and promote long-term health.
The key is to work with a skilled menopause specialist who can provide thorough testing, customized treatment, and ongoing support. At Balance Clinic, our certified menopause practitioners are dedicated to delivering the highest standard of integrative menopause care.
If you are struggling with menopause symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists. Together, we can create a personalized plan to optimize your hormones, alleviate your symptoms, and help you thrive through this transition and beyond. Your vitality and wellbeing are our top priorities.
