Menopause is a natural transition in a woman's life when her menstrual cycles stop permanently and she can no longer become pregnant naturally. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. During perimenopause, levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones fluctuate irregularly, causing symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, trouble sleeping, and mood changes.
Menopause officially begins when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months and the ovaries stop releasing eggs. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can occur earlier or later. Genetics, chemotherapy treatment, smoking, surgical removal of ovaries, and some other factors can influence when menopause starts.
The hormone changes of menopause can bring bothersome symptoms for some women, like:
Estrogen helps maintain bone density, so dropping estrogen levels after menopause increase a woman's risk of developing osteoporosis and bone fractures. Heart disease risk also rises after menopause if not managed properly.
The good news is that menopause symptoms can be treated! Hormone therapy and other medications can provide relief. Making healthy lifestyle changes is also important.
Consulting a medical provider is important to confirm menopause and rule out other conditions causing symptoms.
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. You should keep track of when your periods end to help determine if menopause has occurred.
Blood and urine tests to measure hormone levels may be recommended. These help confirm menopause and guide treatment decisions. Testing estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, FSH, and LH hormone levels provides insight.
The levels of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) rise when the ovaries stop producing estrogen. Seeing high FSH and LH along with low estrogen and progesterone indicates menopause.
Thyroid tests are also important because thyroid issues can cause similar symptoms. Vitamin D levels should also be checked.
Bone density scans help assess the health of bones and risk for osteoporosis. Heart disease risk factors get evaluated as well.
The good news is that safe and effective treatment options can relieve menopause symptoms and reduce long-term health risks! Treatment is also important for maintaining quality of life and preventing struggles with sleep, mood, relationships, work productivity and daily activities.
Making positive lifestyle adjustments often helps manage menopausal symptoms and side effects:
While lifestyle measures help, most women need additional treatment for adequate symptom relief.
Hormone therapy (HT), including estrogen alone or a combination of estrogen and progestogen (a progesterone-like hormone), is the most effective option for treating hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal symptoms.
Taking supplemental estrogen replaces what the body is no longer producing naturally after menopause. This helps stabilize hormones and brings significant symptom relief for most women.
The type of estrogen, dose, and route of administration (oral, transdermal patch/gel, vaginal ring, implant, injection) depends on each woman's needs and preferences.
Women who still have a uterus need combination HT with progestogen to prevent overgrowth of the uterine lining which can lead to cancer. Women without a uterus can take estrogen alone.
Local low-dose vaginal estrogen effectively treats vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse without significant systemic effects. However, pills, patches and gels must be used for treating most other menopause symptoms.
Many HT formulations and doses are available to tailor treatment. Finding the optimal regimen for each woman is key. Most women can use HT safely for symptom relief.
Beyond hormone therapy, other medications can help manage issues like:
Lifestyle measures described above also help treat these concerns.
Renewed Balance Clinic has certified menopause practitioners with specialized training to guide you through the transition and find the right treatment plan for your needs.
We conduct needed tests to accurately diagnose menopause and identify any co-existing health issues to address.
Our practitioners carefully evaluate which therapies are suitable, taking into account your symptoms, medical history, risk factors, preferences, and values.
The goal is for you to achieve excellent relief of symptoms and reduce risk of long-term complications like osteoporosis and heart disease.
We collaborate closely with your other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care.
Renewed Balance Clinic has served the Jersey community since 2019. We have earned our patients' trust by providing personalized, evidence-based care that meets their unique needs during midlife changes.
Our menopause doctors and healthcare team have deep expertise in this field, staying current on the latest research and best practices. We develop customized treatment plans, carefully considering the pros and cons of each therapy for your individual situation.
We make sure cost doesn't get in the way of you feeling your best by clarifying insurance coverage and finding affordable options.
You'll appreciate our warm, caring approach focused on understanding your concerns, setting reasonable goals, and supporting you each step of the way.
We also pay attention to factors beyond hormones that affect wellbeing - fitness, nutrition, stress management, social connection. Our certified menopause practitioner helps you navigate lifestyle adjustments for coping well with menopause.
Convenient online and in-person appointments accommodate your schedule. You'll have direct access to your care team if questions come up between visits.
Renewed Balance Clinic delivers unmatched menopause treatment in Jersey - reducing your symptoms so you can enjoy life fully again!
Many women going through menopause find relief through cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps address troublesome symptoms by identifying and changing negative thought patterns around aging and menopause. CBT provides women tools to cope with changes in a positive way.
Beyond the care you receive at Renewed Balance Clinic, taking advantage of community resources enriches your menopause journey:
Recharging your mental, physical and social health bolsters hormone therapy effectiveness. Jersey offers inviting spaces for self-care and community.
Renewed Balance Clinic provides premier menopause treatment tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to restore your zest for life!
