Menopause

What is menopause?

Menopause is a natural process that most women experience between the ages of 50-55 as hormone levels decline and the menstrual cycle eventually stops. You are considered in menopause when you have gone without a period for a year.

Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop producing reproductive hormones, including estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. Between puberty and menopause, these hormones help regulate ovulation and reproduction. 

Hormone production begins to decline up to 10 years before you reach menopause, causing perimenopause or premenopause symptoms as early as 45. 

In some cases, women may experience early menopause due to chemotherapy, radiation treatments, or when they have their uterus or ovaries removed.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Menopausal symptoms occur as your hormones fluctuate. Dramatic changes in hormone levels cause varying degrees of hormonal imbalance throughout perimenopause and menopause, causing symptoms such as:

• Hot flashes
• Joint pain
• Mood swings
• Low sex drive
• Vaginal dryness
• Sleep disturbances
• Anxiety and depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Excessive hair or hair loss
• Loss of focus, motivation, or memory

Stress, poor nutrition, activity level, mental health, and other health factors may impact the severity of your menopausal symptoms. A comprehensive treatment plan to relieve menopausal symptoms considers all the elements that may be making this transitional season more difficult.

What are the treatments for menopause?

Because menopause is most often a natural process, treatment focuses on relieving your symptoms and helping you manage the challenging aspects of the transition as well as possible. 

Menopause support includes a comprehensive assessment, hormone testing, and personalized plan of care.

Possible interventions include:

• Nutritional support
• Behavioral support
• Hormone replacement
• Nutritional supplements
• Activity plan
• Stress management

Quality menopause support includes ongoing education and the opportunity to ask questions about what to expect and what you can do to improve your symptoms.

What can I do to relieve my menopausal symptoms?

Aside from seeking quality menopause care, you can help relieve your menopausal symptoms by:

• Eating a healthy diet rich in calcium, vegetables, and fruit
• Drinking water and staying hydrated
• Exercising regularly 
• Seeking mental health support
• Communicating with your provider any questions or concerns
• Developing a stress management plan

As part of quality gynecological care, LaSante Health Center works with you at every stage of menopause, to ensure you are comfortable through this inevitable transition.

For a consultation regarding your menopausal symptoms, call or schedule an appointment with LaSante Health Center today.