Menopause

Why does menopause occur?

Menopause occurs when the body’s levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease as a result of aging. While the term “menopause” is frequently used to describe all of the symptoms leading up to the cessation of periods, strictly speaking, menopause refers to the time that periods have completely ended, while premenopause or perimenopause describe the time leading up menopause. Premenopause symptoms usually begin to become evident in a woman’s 40s with menopause (cessation of menstruation) typically occurring in the late 40s or early to mid-50s. Menopause is officially said to have occurred when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months.

What are the most common menopause symptoms?

Menopause can cause a variety of symptoms that can vary from one woman to another. Some of the more common symptoms include:

• irregular periods
• very heavy periods (also called menorrhagia)
• hot flashes
• night sweats
• vaginal dryness
• irritability or moodiness
• insomnia
• problems focusing or concentrating
• mild memory problems
• thinning hair
• low sex drive
• pain with intercourse

Menopause can also increase the risks of osteoporosis (“brittle bones”), heart disease, and some types of cancer.

What menopause treatments are available?

Although menopause cannot be cured, the symptoms of premenopause can be relieved, and risks of osteoporosis and heart disease can be managed so women can enjoy better health and a better quality of life. Some of the most common and most effective treatments include:

• hormone replacement therapy to supplement levels of estrogen and progesterone
• creams to relieve vaginal dryness
• medications to deal with sleep problems including insomnia
• medications to relieve general aches and pains and moodiness

Hormone replacement therapy using bioidentical hormones can be very effective in helping many women overcome widespread symptoms of menopause in addition to helping reduce the risks of osteoporosis and other medical issues that become more common once menopause occurs. Before any treatment is recommended, a physical exam will be performed, and a medical history will be taken to determine the best approaches to care.