Menopause - The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic

What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural biological process that all women experience as they age. Typically occurring between the ages of 45-55, menopause marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycles and fertility.

The hallmark sign of menopause is when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. This happens because the ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which regulate menstruation.

Some key things to know about menopause:

• It's preceded by a period called perimenopause, which can last up to 10 years before menopause. Perimenopause causes irregular cycles and early menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and mood changes.
• Postmenopause is the time after menopause has occurred, when periods have stopped completely.
• The average age of menopause is 51, but it can happen earlier due to surgery, chemotherapy, or genetics. Premature menopause before age 40 is called primary ovarian insufficiency.

Menopause Symptoms

The declining estrogen and progesterone levels during menopause cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms including:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Mood changes like irritability, anxiety, or depression
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight gain
• Loss of breast fullness
• Thinning hair and dry skin

Treatment Options

While menopause is irreversible, many women seek treatment to manage bothersome symptoms. Common options include:

• Hormone therapy with low doses of estrogen, progesterone or both to alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, mood issues, and vaginal dryness
• Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants for comfort during sex
• Regular exercise and stress reduction techniques
• Healthy diet and lifestyle habits to promote bone, heart, and brain health

The knowledgeable healthcare providers at The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic specialize in customized hormone therapy to help women transition through menopause smoothly. Their comprehensive treatment plans improve quality of life by reducing troublesome symptoms like hot flashes by up to 90% for many patients. Contact The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic today to schedule your menopause evaluation!

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