What is menopause?
Menopause is a natural biological process that all women go through as they age. It marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycles and her fertility.
The medical definition of menopause is when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can happen anytime between the ages of 45-55.
Some key things to know about menopause:
- It signals the end of a woman's reproductive years. After menopause, a woman can no longer get pregnant naturally.
- It is diagnosed after 12 months without a period. This is because periods can be irregular for months or years before menopause fully occurs.
- The transition to menopause is called perimenopause. This refers to the years leading up to menopause when hormone levels fluctuate irregularly. Perimenopause symptoms include hot flashes, trouble sleeping, mood changes, etc.
- Menopause happens because the ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle. Once they decline, periods stop.
- The average age is 51, but age varies. Factors like smoking, chemotherapy, hysterectomy, and genetics can cause earlier menopause.
Symptoms of menopause may include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood changes like irritability or anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight gain
- Thinning hair and dry skin
Some women have lots of symptoms during perimenopause and menopause while others have very few. Lifestyle choices can help minimize symptoms.
Treatment options for menopausal symptoms include:
- Hormone therapy - estrogen and/or progesterone medications
- Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants
- Antidepressants for mood symptoms
- Regular exercise
- Healthy diet
- Relaxation techniques
- Prescription and over-the-counter options for hot flashes/night sweats
The professionals at Rejuvenate Wellness can provide customized treatment plans to help women transition through perimenopause and menopause smoothly. Contact us today to learn about bioidentical hormone therapy, nutrition plans, and lifestyle changes to reduce menopause symptoms and improve quality of life. Our caring team supports women through this major life transition.