Menopause signals a shift in a woman's reproductive cycle, marking the end of menstruation and fertility. On average, menopause occurs between the ages of 45-55. As the body's estrogen levels decline leading up to and during menopause, women may experience uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life if left untreated.
Common menopausal symptoms include:
While menopause is a natural transition, supporting one's body and mind through this change is paramount. Hormone therapy can effectively treat symptoms that interfere with a woman’s comfort, health and overall well-being during the years surrounding menopause.
Up to 80% of women experience hot flashes and/or night sweats during the perimenopausal and early postmenopausal period. These sudden feelings of intense body heat and sweating can come on rapidly, lasting several minutes and causing discomfort, interrupted sleep and daytime fatigue.
Hormone therapy delivers low doses of estrogen and progesterone to replace the decline that triggers troublesome symptoms. This remedy can reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes and night sweats by up to 90 percent when used properly under medical supervision. An immense improvement for those with moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms!
With better temperature regulation, sleep is less likely disrupted by intense heat and sweating through the night. Patients often report enhanced sleep quality with fewer awakenings once on hormone treatment. In some cases, adding progesterone can have an especially calming effect before bed. Those struggling with insomnia and exhaustion due to menopause find great relief of body and mind with treatment.
Up to 23% of menopausal women grapple with clinical depression. Research correlates the drop in reproductive hormones with chemical changes in the brain that negatively shift mood and outlook. Some women may also react emotionally to hot flashes, sleep loss and other physical symptoms stemming from hormone withdrawal.
Hormone therapy aims to stabilize chemical messengers like serotonin that influence emotional states. In some patients, the right combination of estrogen and progesterone works as effectively as antidepressants without the need for psychiatric drugs long-term!
Mood enhancement is among the most substantial benefits conveyed by treatment, although it can take three months or more to experience full results. Women report feeling “like themselves again”––Stable. Optimistic. Relaxed. Clear-headed. This helps in all facets of life.
Those struggling during the transition are urged not to dismiss changes as “part of aging”. Support is available! Talk therapy in tandem with hormone-balancing often brings the best outcome. Our clinic offers both.
Declining estrogen affects tissues all over a woman’s body––including the vulva, vagina and urethra. This commonly translates into three problems:
The vaginal lining thins significantly as estrogen production halts. This can make intercourse extremely painful. Too few women realize treatment is available to rejuvenate delicate tissue and restore comfort!
Estrogen therapy is very effective at reversing dryness and irritation when applied directly to the vaginal canal using a low-dose cream. Regular intercourse may also help keep tissues more supple. Using a vibrator can improve blood flow as well.
The urethra and bladder also contain estrogen receptors that influence urinary health. As these tissues grow thinner, women become prone to UTIs and the frequent urge to urinate. Cystitis medicines can provide temporary relief, but the root issue is hormonal.
Vaginal estrogen applications help plump up thinning tissues again which prevents UTIs from taking hold. Drinking plenty of fluids and urinating before and after intercourse also helps. Choosing hormone therapy eliminates the infection cycle so troublesome for many!
Physical discomfort and dryness can make intimacy frustrating or undesirable for previously satisfied women. Yet the problem runs deeper. Estrogen strongly influences key centers of sexual response in the brain. As these chemical signals fade, so too may passion, arousal capability and pleasure. It becomes more difficult to “get in the mood”.
Hormone therapy aims to restore balance so everything works properly again! Vaginal health bounces back quickly with localized estrogen creams. Implementing activities like sensual massage or leisure bathing can relax the body and mind for lovemaking. While oral hormones take longer to re-spark innate libido, many women eventually regain their enthusiasm for sex over time. Discuss options with a menopause specialist. Fulfillment awaits!
Estrogen helps regulate bone health and calcium absorption. As levels drop off, the delicate balance of bone restoration cannot keep pace. This causes bone mineral density to decrease overtime––a condition known as osteoporosis.
This “thin bones” disease afflicts 30% of postmenopausal women to some degree, causing over 2 million fractures annually in the U.S. alone. Vertebral compression fractures create stooped posture. Broken hips require urgent surgery and long rehab. Supplemental calcium and weight training provide inadequate protection on their own because the underlying hormonal imbalance continues bone loss.
Estrogen therapy early in menopause reduces fracture rates by maintaining structural integrity. Adding progesterone negates any associated risk of uterine cancer. But while hormones guard against rapid decline, they cannot fully restore density lost after years without treatment. This is why timely intervention is key along with:
Our clinic helps assess current bone health using density scans. We create tailored regimens to support skeletal strength through the changes ahead. Acting now prevents painful fractures in later years!
Every woman experiences menopause somewhat differently owing to lifestyle, genetics, attitude and health status. Symptoms range from mild to quite disruptive for daily functioning and wellness. Timing also varies. Perimenopause can begin up to 10 years prior to the final menstrual period when egg supply declines.
Accurate diagnosis requires measuring follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol blood levels over time. Results help gauge where a woman is on the menopausal spectrum and determine optimal treatment solutions.
Treatment plans consider:
The transition brings an array of considerations best navigated alongside a compassionate, knowledgeable menopause specialist and a supportive community (we host talks plus online forums to unite women at all stages).
Many women going through menopause find relief from symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings through cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT helps women change thought patterns and behaviors related to menopause, reducing anxiety and promoting healthy coping strategies.
The caring practitioners at Balanced Hormone Clinic offer integrated solutions personalized to the uniqueness of each woman we treat. Our passion is guiding patients toward revitalized health even amidst such profound bodily change. Comfort, safety and empowerment drive our approach.
We open our doors to those seeking expert advice, advanced testing, proven therapies, nutritional counseling and community support surrounding perimenopause, menopause and beyond. Fearing this transition is unnecessary when the right resources exist nearby!
East Patchogue delivers natural respite amidst sweeping coastal views, seaside parks with wooded trails and a lively food scene. The temperate climate bodes well for comfortable walking, cycling, tennis, yoga classes, recreational sailing and rejuvenating spa visits––perfect for self-care!
Patients visiting our East Patchogue clinic have access to top-tier wellness establishments like:
We help identify lifestyle changes critical to supporting treatment success based on patients’ needs and interests. Stress management, movement, community and proper nutrition build the foundation. Bold action empowers bold living!
Balanced Hormone Clinic provides cutting-edge hormone testing, treatment plans using the latest medical research and a wide selection of natural hormone supplements to help patients thrive through perimenopause and beyond. We offer individualized care from distinguished menopause specialists conveying trust, experience and comfort.
Now is the time to take charge of health, happiness and womanhood! We cannot reverse time, yet together we can harmonize bodily change in a purposeful manner. Schedule an appointment at our East Patchogue clinic and feel how better days lie ahead.
