Women's Hormone Replacement

From Perimenopause to Post-Menopause: What to Expect and How to Cope

Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Options for Women

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It's a significant transition, often accompanied by various physical and emotional changes. Understanding what menopause is and the available treatment options can empower women to manage this phase of life comfortably.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. This typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being 51 in the United States.

The journey to menopause, known as perimenopause, can begin several years earlier. During this time, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone, leading to irregular periods and other symptoms.

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Some women have no or mild menopausal symptoms and may even feel relieved when they no longer need to worry about periods or getting pregnant. For other women, the menopausal transition can bring various symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, joint and muscle discomfort, pain during sex, low sex drive, moodiness and irritability, forgetfulness, difficultly concentrating, or a combination of these.

Women who are concerned by menopausal symptoms should talk with a doctor about lifestyle changes. There are treatments available to help with symptoms of menopause, like hormone therapy, medication or lifestyle adjustments.

Common Symptoms of Menopause

The decrease in hormone levels during perimenopause and menopause can cause a range of symptoms, varying in intensity and duration from woman to woman. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Changes in menstruation: This is often the first noticeable sign, with periods becoming irregular, heavier or lighter, or shorter or longer.
• Hot flashes: These sudden feelings of warmth, often accompanied by sweating and flushing, can disrupt daily life and sleep.
• Night sweats: Hot flashes occurring at night can lead to excessive sweating and sleep disturbances.
• Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep is common due to hormonal fluctuations and night sweats.
• Vaginal dryness: Reduced estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness, leading to discomfort during intercourse.
• Mood changes: Some women experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression during this time.
• Other physical changes: These may include weight gain, changes in skin elasticity, and increased risk of urinary tract infections.

How to Treat Menopause Symptoms

While menopause is a natural process, its symptoms can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. Fortunately, several treatment options are available to help manage these symptoms:

Hormone therapy (HT): This involves replacing the hormones estrogen and sometimes progesterone to alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and sleep problems. HT is a personalized treatment with potential risks and benefits that should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Types of Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy for women is available in a few primary forms:

• Estrogen Therapy (ET): This treatment involves taking estrogen alone, typically in a low dose. It is available in various forms, including patches, pills, creams, vaginal rings, gels, and sprays. However, estrogen alone is only recommended for individuals who have had a hysterectomy, as using it without a progestogen increases the risk of uterine complications.
• Estrogen-Progestogen Therapy (EPT): Also known as combination therapy, this treatment includes both estrogen and a progestogen, which can be either natural progesterone or a synthetic progestin. This therapy is necessary for individuals who still have their uterus to help protect against uterine lining complications.
• Testosterone Therapy: Testosterone for women is sometimes included in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to address symptoms of low testosterone, which naturally declines with age or due to medical conditions. While estrogen and progesterone are the primary hormones in female HRT, testosterone supplementation can help improve energy levels, libido, mood, and muscle mass. It is often prescribed in low doses through creams, gels, or injections. However, therapy must be carefully monitored to avoid side effects such as acne, hair growth, or voice changes.

Hormone therapy carries potential risks, so it's essential to consult your healthcare provider to determine if it's a suitable option based on your health history, age, and individual needs.

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Medications: Certain medications can help manage specific symptoms, such as antidepressants for mood changes or medications to improve sleep.

Lifestyle adjustments: Making healthy lifestyle choices can significantly ease menopause symptoms. This includes:

Maintaining a healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Foods to try include beans, soybeans, lentils, chickpeas to name a few.

Regular exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to improve overall health and reduce symptoms.

Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.

Getting enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night.

Avoiding triggers: Identify and avoid triggers that worsen hot flashes, such as spicy foods, alcohol, or caffeine.

There are several nonhormonal prescription options available from your healthcare provider which may be able to help manage some of the symptoms of menopause. These may include:

• Birth control pills to regulate hormone levels.
• Antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs) to help with mood swings and hot flashes.
• Gabapentin (a seizure medication) or fezolinetant to alleviate hot flashes.
• Oxybutynin, typically used for overactive bladder, can also reduce hot flashes.
• Vaginal creams and lubricants to relieve vaginal dryness.

Consult your healthcare provider first to determine if nonhormonal medications are suitable for your symptoms based on your medical history and unique needs.

Health Risks Associated with Menopause

Following menopause, the likelihood of developing conditions such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease rises due to declining estrogen levels. Your healthcare provider may monitor your health closely to assess potential risks and recommend appropriate treatments if necessary.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis occurs when bone density decreases, making bones more fragile and prone to fractures. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone strength by signaling bone cells to slow down breakdown. On average, individuals lose about 25% of their bone mass from menopause to age 60. Healthcare providers may recommend bone density testing (bone densitometry) to assess calcium levels and bone health over time.

Cardiovascular Disease

The risk of cardiovascular disease increases post-menopause due to factors such as:

• Reduced estrogen levels.
• Elevated blood pressure.
• Lifestyle choices like smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diet.
• Decreased physical activity, which may contribute to high cholesterol and other health concerns.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking regular medical evaluations can help mitigate these risks.

Seeking Professional Guidance

It's crucial for women experiencing menopause symptoms to consult with a healthcare provider experienced in HRT for women. They can assess individual needs, discuss treatment options, and help create a personalized plan to manage symptoms effectively.

Remember: Every woman's experience with menopause is unique. By understanding the process, recognizing the symptoms, and exploring available treatments, women can navigate this transition with confidence and maintain a healthy, fulfilling life. To schedule a free initial consultation call or text us at 561-277-8260 or email us at info@novagenix.org

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