Menopause is a natural transition in a woman's life when her periods stop permanently and she can no longer get pregnant naturally. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels become irregular, causing changes in menstrual bleeding and other common symptoms like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and mood changes.
Menopause officially begins when a woman has not had her period for 12 consecutive months. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can happen anywhere between the ages of 40 and 55. Every woman's experience is different.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of perimenopause and menopause include:
Monitoring your symptoms and tracking your cycles can help identify the menopause transition. Do not hesitate to speak to your doctor if you are experiencing any new or worsening symptoms. There are many safe and effective treatment options available to find relief.
Seeking proper medical treatment can help provide relief from the most bothersome menopausal symptoms. Balance and regulate hormones to:
Do not suffer in silence. Communicate with your family and doctors. Identify any symptoms early to explore your treatment options. Custom treatment plans can optimize hormones for your unique needs.
It is important not to ignore symptoms and to seek care promptly. Allowing menopausal symptoms to linger can negatively impact quality of life. Hot flashes and insomnia take a major toll. Vaginal atrophy can worsen over time if left untreated. Bone loss accelerates rapidly in the first few years after menopause, increasing osteoporosis risk.
Early custom treatment helps provide the best relief of symptoms and prevention of long-term health consequences. Work closely with your doctor to find the right therapy for your changing needs. Lifestyle changes are also beneficial. Continue to monitor your health annually.
There are a variety of treatment options that can provide relief:
Hormone therapy (HT) involves estrogen alone or estrogen plus progestin to replace the declining hormones. HT is the most effective treatment for menopause symptoms. Different applications include:
HT works systemically when taken orally or through the skin. Low-dose vaginal estrogen applications are generally only used for vulvovaginal symptoms. Discuss your options for hormonal and low-dose treatments.
Complementary lifestyle changes include:
Your doctor may suggest trying:
Track your symptom response to any supplements or new medications. Make adjustments as needed.
Every treatment plan is unique to the individual. Different symptoms may require different therapies over time during the menopause transition and beyond. Identify treatments specific to your changing needs.
To explore your treatment options, your doctor will perform:
Blood and sometimes urine tests help identify:
Repeat testing over time helps guide evolving treatment plans targeting your needs today and tomorrow.
Before modern medicine, ancient Persian doctors recognized menopause symptoms and would prescribe treatments like massage with essential plant oils to provide relief from hot flashes and mood changes. They viewed menopause not as an illness but a natural transition to be supported through lifestyle adjustments like diet, exercise and community support.
The Balance Hormone Clinic Menopause Center provides customized care for women in perimenopause and menopause. Our compassionate team comprises national experts led by Dr. Jane Smith, board-certified menopause specialist. With over 15 years focused exclusively on menopause, Dr. Smith guides women through this transition with individualized treatment plans.
We conduct sensitive conversations compassionately. Dr. Smith addresses your questions and concerns thoroughly so you understand all aspects of your diagnosis, testing options, genetic risks, and management decisions.
Our goal is for you to make informed choices that help you feel your best mentally and physically. We work closely with each woman to optimize quality of life during and after menopause.
Virtual visits also available.
The Balance Hormone Clinic Menopause Center is conveniently located in Lake Jackson near several hotels, cafes, walking trails and women's health resources. During your visits, consider taking time for yourself to enjoy this beautiful, tranquil setting with lush greenspaces.
Lake Jackson offers:
Connect with us today to start your menopause treatment journey.
The most common first signs are changes in menstrual cycle length and flow, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and mood changes. Every woman differs in timing and severity of symptoms. Track your cycles and symptoms to identify changes.
Menopause symptoms often begin 1-4 years before menopause and can last up to 7 years or more after the final period. Stay committed to your treatment plan. Over time, continue to reevaluate your changing needs.
Yes, hormonal shifts can trigger mood changes like anxiety and sadness. Intensity varies but often improves with hormone therapy. Seek medical advice if mood or anxiety symptoms concern you. Helpful lifestyle strategies and community support groups available as well.
Weight gain is common during this transition, although hormones alone do not directly cause weight gain. Lifestyle factors like diet, activity level, and muscle mass play a role. Making healthy nutrition and exercise choices can help manage weight.
The best time is an individual decision between you and your doctor. Weigh pros and cons of starting at early perimenopause vs waiting until after menopause begins. There are no universally agreed upon guidelines. Discuss genetic risks like clots before deciding.
