What is menopause?
Menopause is a natural transition that most women experience in their late 40s or early 50s as their bodies go through hormonal and biological changes leading up to the end of the reproductive years.
Some key things to know:
- Menopause is diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause, when periods may become irregular.
- The main sign of menopause is changes in your menstrual cycle. Periods may become lighter or heavier and more or less frequent. Other symptoms like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and vaginal dryness are also common.
- Menopause happens because the ovaries slow down production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are important for things like regulating periods and allowing pregnancy.
- The average age for menopause is around 51 years old, but it can happen earlier or later. Factors like family history, smoking, and medical conditions can influence when it begins.
- Treatments like hormone therapy can help relieve annoying menopausal symptoms. But lifestyle changes related to diet, exercise, and stress relief help too.
The hormone specialists at Renewal Hormone Center understand the challenges many women face during perimenopause and menopause. Our compassionate healthcare providers offer customized treatment plans to help you feel your best during this transition.
We provide:
- Thorough evaluations to understand your unique hormonal needs
- Bioidentical hormone therapy to help relieve symptoms
- Nutritional and fitness counseling
- Emotional support and community resources
"We help women embrace menopause one day at a time." Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation!
Some key steps during this transition:
- Track your cycles and symptoms. This helps identify patterns.
- Get a medical checkup to rule out other conditions. Blood tests can check hormone levels.
- Consider trying prescription medications or natural supplements to alleviate symptoms that disrupt your life.
- Make healthy lifestyle changes like more exercise, a nutritious diet, lowered stress, and restful sleep. This supports your body.
- Join a menopause support group in your community or online to realize you're not alone. This can lift your mood and outlook.
The bottom line? Menopause is a major change, but women have been going through it for centuries. With compassionate medical care, lifestyle adjustments, patience with your body, and support, you can make this next phase in your wellness journey a healthy one!