Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through as they age. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. This transitional time can last several years as the body slowly produces less of the key female hormones - estrogen and progesterone.
Common signs and symptoms of perimenopause and menopause include:
On average, most women reach menopause around the age of 51. However, it can occur earlier or later for some women.
Getting an accurate diagnosis of menopause from your healthcare provider is important. They will check your symptoms and hormone levels through blood tests. Common lab tests look at:
Once you have gone 12 months without a period, menopause is confirmed. Knowing for certain if you are postmenopausal versus perimenopausal will determine the best treatment options.
The decline of estrogen that occurs during menopause puts women at greater risk for certain health conditions. These include:
Managing menopausal symptoms and risks through lifestyle changes and hormone therapy can help women stay healthy.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or menopausal hormone therapy, can provide relief from discomforting menopause symptoms. HRT may also promote better long-term health.
The main hormone treatment options include:
When considering hormone therapy, discuss options thoroughly with your menopause specialist. Balance the benefits against potential risks based on your health history and needs.
The Hormone Harmony Clinic Menopause Center provides customized treatment plans to help women manage symptoms and long-term effects associated with perimenopause and menopause.
With over 15 years serving the Au Sable area, our clinicians have extensive training and expertise in:
We also address other key aspects of menopausal health through:
Beginning hormone therapy is a straightforward process with our clinic:
Our clinicians have over 75 years combined experience successfully treating women with menopause and hormonal imbalances. We stay current on the latest research and best practices.
Seeking timely evaluation and treatment for menopausal symptoms can provide significant benefits. With progesterone and estrogen levels declining, women may struggle with symptoms that increasingly interfere with sleep, work, relationships and quality of life.
Hormone therapy is most effective when started shortly after menopause begins. Estrogen helps:
The longer you wait to seek treatment, the lower your estrogen levels become. This can make symptoms more challenging to manage. It also increases odds of developing osteoporosis and heart disease.
We encourage women to schedule an appointment for evaluation of bothersome menopausal concerns. Restoring balance to your hormone levels can allow you to feel like your usual self again.
Making certain lifestyle adjustments can also promote better menopause treatment results and long-term health:
- Eat fruits and vegetables daily
- Choose whole grains
- Include calcium and vitamin D foods
- Avoid excess saturated fats
- Do weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening activities
- Aim for 30 minutes daily
- Walking, strength training with weights best
- Reduce stress through yoga, meditation
- Get enough quality sleep
- Make time for enjoyable hobbies
- Stay connected with supportive friends and family
Following a nutritious diet, staying active, managing stress, and getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night helps the body stay balanced physically and mentally.
Caring for your overall health supports hormone therapy success. Our clinicians provide lifestyle counseling to help women thrive during the menopausal transition and beyond.
Menopause is an inevitability that all women go through. With hormone levels declining, they may develop uncomfortable symptoms and increased health risks. Seeking timely treatment can effectively manage bothersome concerns.
The Hormone Harmony Clinic Menopause Center provides experienced, compassionate care. We take time to understand your unique situation and needs. After thorough evaluation, we craft customized treatment plans that can help you feel like yourself again.
With an optimal combination of hormone therapy and a healthy lifestyle, many women are able to thrive during menopause and the years that follow. Call us today to schedule your initial appointment. We are here to listen and help.
