Menopause is a natural transition that all women experience as they reach middle age. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years and is defined as occurring 12 months after a woman's last menstrual period. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. During this time, hormone levels become increasingly erratic, causing a variety of symptoms.
The average age of menopause is 51, but it can occur anywhere from 40-55 years of age. Genetics, ethnicity, lifestyle factors like smoking, can all influence when menopause begins. During this transition, the ovaries stop producing the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, causing changes throughout the body.
The fluctuation and decline of estrogen and progesterone causes a number of bothersome symptoms that can significantly disrupt a woman's quality of life. Common menopausal symptoms include:
Additionally, the decline in estrogen speeds up bone loss increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Joint pain and stiffness may also occur. The severity and duration of symptoms varies significantly among women.
Treatment is available to help manage symptoms, reduce bone loss, and improve quality of life during the menopausal transition.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can provide relief for bothersome menopausal symptoms. As the term suggests, HRT supplements the body with estrogen and progestogen – a synthetic form of progesterone. It replaces the hormones that the ovaries no longer produce.
HRT is available in different formulations:
Decades of research have shown that hormone therapy effectively treats menopausal symptoms and has extended benefits:
For optimal results, it is best to start HRT shortly after menopause begins when hormone levels first start declining. The benefits and risks vary depending on the hormones used, dosage, duration of treatment, and the woman’s health profile. Doctors can help women determine if HRT is appropriate for them.
There are several options for administering HRT including:
Oral tablets – convenient daily pill, dosage can be adjusted Transdermal patches – deliver hormones through the skin, less gastrointestinal side effects Vaginal creams or suppositories – local treatment of genitourinary symptoms Gels or sprays – daily measured doses absorbed through the skin Subcutaneous pellets – small implants inserted under the skin that release hormones gradually over months
The route of administration influences the ratio of estrogen metabolites in the body which is one consideration when deciding on HRT regimens.
The knowledgeable doctors at Harmony Hormone Clinic specialize in menopause and bioidentical hormone therapy to help women thrive through midlife. We open at 7 AM on weekdays for your convenience.
What sets us apart: - Leading menopause specialists and certified practitioners - Personalized therapy for each woman’s needs - Ongoing fine-tuning and monitoring of treatment - Top-quality compounded bioidentical hormones - Emphasis on nutrition, fitness, and wellness - Caring staff dedicated to women’s health
We begin by collecting your health history and background information on your symptoms and concerns. Next, diagnostic hormone blood tests help us accurately evaluate your hormone levels – including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, and adrenal hormones.
Based on the test results and your needs, we design a customized hormone therapy plan. Follow-up tests allow us to achieve optimal hormone balance tailored to your body. We also provide nutritional guidance and fitness recommendations that complement hormone therapy for overall wellness.
While most women notice improvements relatively quickly after beginning treatment, it takes time for hormone levels to stabilize and maximum benefits to emerge. We partner with patients long-term to ensure they have the best care throughout perimenopause and beyond.
Proper nutrition and regular exercise provide a foundation that supports hormone health. Key recommendations include:
Balanced diet – Emphasize fresh fruits/vegetables, high-fiber grains, plant-based proteins, healthy fats like olive oil and avocado. Limit sugar, processed foods, saturated fats. Drink water and herbal tea.
Calcium and vitamin D – From foods and quality supplements to build strong bones.
Regular exercise – Prevents weight gain, elevates mood, reduces hot flashes, promotes heart health. Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate activity. Local gyms like Altamonte Fitness Club offer group classes and personal training.
Healthy weight – Excess weight can increase hormone imbalance and menopause symptoms.
Quit smoking – Accelerates loss of estrogen and risk of osteoporosis.
Stress management – Yoga, meditation, spending time outdoors, maintaining social connections. Consider taking classes at local studios like Green Lotus Yoga.
Sufficient sleep – Allows hormones and metabolism to reset. Prioritize winding down nightly at a consistent time.
Routine health screening – Important to monitor bone density, cholesterol levels, breast cancer, as women age.
Research on supplements for menopausal symptoms shows mixed results, but some women find them helpful including:
Probiotics support gut and immune health which influence hormone balance and overall wellbeing. Herbal teas offer hydration without calories or caffeine.
We provide guidance on evidence-based supplements to complement hormone therapy. Some women report herbs like black cohosh help provide relief in the time it takes for hormone levels to stabilize. High quality brands can be found locally at stores like Ever Well Pharmacy and Apothecary.
It is important to consult with providers before taking herbal products because they can interact with medications. Our holistic perspective takes lifestyle factors and alternative therapies into consideration for your personalized treatment.
Studies show that regular aerobic exercise and a healthy diet rich in plants can significantly reduce unpleasant menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. Simple lifestyle changes may provide women relief without necessarily needing hormones or medications.
We encourage you to learn more about menopause care and take charge of this important transition. The rewarding journey to balanced hormones and lasting symptom relief begins with the first step. Our caring, professional staff is here to support, educate, and empower you each step of the way.
