Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through as they age. The time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause and it usually starts for women in their 40s. During perimenopause, hormone levels become irregular and start to decline, which leads to symptoms like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
There are several things women can do to help manage menopausal symptoms:
- Hormone therapy (HT) - HT delivers low doses of hormones like estrogen and progestin to help relieve hot flashes and vaginal symptoms. HT comes in different forms like pills, patches, gels, and rings. Potential risks depend on factors like age and family history. Discuss options with your doctor.
- Lifestyle changes - Making healthy lifestyle choices can ease some symptoms:
- Stay cool and dress in layers
- Exercise regularly
- Practice stress-reducing activities
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
- Quit smoking
- Get enough sleep and rest
- Vaginal estrogen - Low-dose prescription vaginal estrogen creams, tablets, or rings specifically treat vaginal issues like dryness and discomfort. This minimally absorbs into the body.
- OTC remedies - Some over-the-counter lubricants, moisturizers, and vaginal pH balancers may provide relief for vaginal dryness and irritation.
- Alternative medicine - Options like acupuncture, herbal supplements (e.g. black cohosh, soy), and bioidentical hormones may help, but clinical evidence is limited regarding safety and efficacy. Discuss with your healthcare provider.
At Hormone Harmony Clinic, we specialize in personalized menopause treatment plans to help women feel their best. Our compassionate doctors monitor patients closely and use the latest medical research to guide individualized recommendations which may include:
- Blood tests to check hormone levels
- Risk evaluation for conditions like osteoporosis
- Discussion of the pros and cons of different therapies
- Follow-up care to ensure optimal treatment
We also provide education and counsel every step of the way so patients fully understand their options to
improve quality of life during this transition.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The approach to managing menopause depends on each woman's symptoms and health profile. The most important thing is open, honest communication with your doctor regarding all symptoms you experience. Together, you can continually evaluate emerging research and find the safest, most effective solutions tailored for your unique needs. While menopause signals the end of a woman's reproductive years, it should not have to mean living with severely troublesome symptoms. Various therapies now exist to help women move through this transition toward the vibrant, healthy next phase of life.
