The change of life, or menopause, is a natural transition that all women experience as they reach middle age. During menopause, a woman's ovaries produce less of the key female hormones - estrogen and progesterone - leading to symptoms like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, and emotional changes.
While menopause signals the end of a woman's reproductive years, it should not mean the end of her vitality and quality of life. With the right information and menopause treatment, women can minimize discomfort during menopause and continue to thrive in midlife.
Menopause is diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 months without a period. Perimenopause, or the transition toward menopause, can last for several years prior with fluctuating hormone levels. On average, women go through menopause around age 51.
Many women have menopausal signs like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and mood changes for 6 months to 5 years. Lifestyle adjustments like avoiding triggers, managing stress, and dressing in layers can provide relief. Low-dose antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, or herbs like black cohosh may also help.
Over the long run, lower estrogen from menopause is tied osteoporosis, heart disease, and other conditions. Working with a menopause specialist to weigh the pros and cons of hormone therapy can help women stay healthier after menopause.
As no two women have the exact same experience with menopause and hormones, treatment plans should be customized to meet each woman's needs.
Menopause experts consider factors like a woman's risk for certain conditions, her symptom severity, medical history, lifestyle, preferences about medications, and any other concerns unique to her situation.
Used properly, hormone therapy can reduce hot flashes and prevent bone loss for women in early menopause. Options include:
Many women have undiagnosed thyroid problems leading up to menopause. Getting your thyroid checked with blood tests for TSH, free T4 can uncover issues and allow proper treatment if needed.
While not regulated or proven like medications, some women find relief using menopause supplements like black cohosh, vitamin E, Dong quai, or evening primrose oil for hot flashes. Always discuss supplements with your menopause specialist.
When researching menopause specialists, inquire about their credentials, experience helping women with menopausal concerns, therapy approaches, and what makes their clinic unique. The right fit for you depends on your priorities.
Look for an experienced menopause specialist you trust who:
Having a menopause expert who listens and answers all your questions is key. They should explain options clearly and offer evidence-based recommendations while supporting your decisions.
As the leading menopause and hormone clinic in Woodstock focused specifically on optimizing women's health during midlife and beyond, Harmony Hormone Care offers exceptional care from licensed menopause practitioners.
With over years helping women gracefully transition through menopause, Harmony Hormone Care is the top choice for personalized care.
We pride ourselves on:
Women choose Harmony Hormone Care because we:
In addition to customized hormone therapy to regulate your changing estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels, making some positive lifestyle adjustments can help you manage menopause symptoms and thrive.
Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or mindfulness, keeping active with regular exercise, and making time for enjoyable hobbies can ease this transition. Joining a menopause support group helps many women feel less alone.
Eating more fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, limiting alcohol and caffeine (which can trigger hot flashes), not smoking, staying social, and sleeping 7-9 hour per night aids wellbeing.
Some women report relief from menopause discomforts using black cohosh, vitamin E, Dong quai, Maca root, or other alternative menopause remedies. Always review proposed supplements with your menopause specialist first for safety.
As experienced menopause experts and trusted partners focused specifically in guiding women through midlife changes, Harmony Hormone Care is ready to help you take charge of your menopause and perimenopause with expert care tailored to your needs. Call today to schedule your consultation.
