Menopause is a natural biological process that all women experience as they age. It refers to the point in time when a woman stops having her menstrual periods. This usually happens between the ages of 45-55.
The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. During this transition time, a woman's ovaries start making less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This leads to changes in her periods, like cycles becoming shorter or longer, lighter or heavier. Other common symptoms women may experience are hot flashes, trouble sleeping, mood changes, and vaginal dryness.
Once a woman has gone 12 months without a period, she has officially reached menopause. This means her ovaries have completely stopped releasing eggs. She can no longer get pregnant naturally. While for some women this transition brings relief, for others it can negatively impact quality of life. Seeking treatment can help mitigate bothersome symptoms.
Hormone therapy is commonly used to help supplement declining estrogen levels. Treatments like estrogen patches, gels, or supplements may help reduce hot flashes, regulate mood, improve vaginal health, and strengthen bones. When considering hormone therapy, women should consult their healthcare provider to understand potential risks and benefits.
As experts in women's hormone health and menopause management, the physicians at Renewed Balance Clinic can provide customized treatment plans aimed at relieving symptoms and helping women thrive through menopause and beyond. Their integrative care approach looks at lifestyle, nutrition, stress levels, and more to protect long-term health. I'd encourage any woman struggling with this transition to schedule a consultation.
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