The onset of menopause marks a significant transition period in a woman's life. As the body's production of key hormones like estrogen and progesterone starts to decline, many women begin experiencing symptoms that can negatively impact their quality of life. Getting the right care and treatment during this time is essential.
Menopause itself is defined as the point when a woman has not had a menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive months. The average age for this is 51, but it can occur anywhere from 40-55 years old due to natural biological variability.
The transition towards menopause is known as perimenopause. This refers to the 2-10 years leading up to the final menstrual cycle when hormone levels begin fluctuating and declining. Many women start to experience symptoms during perimenopause that increase in frequency and severity over time.
The decline in estrogen and progesterone causes a variety of potential symptoms, including:
The wide range of menopause symptoms can significantly disrupt a woman's professional performance, personal relationships, mental health, and overall wellbeing. Finding the right treatment is crucial.
Left unchecked, menopause symptoms and hormone deficiency can lead to increased health risks over both the short and long-term:
Research also shows connections to anxiety, depression, impaired cognition, and reduced quality of life.
Treating hormone deficiency can prevent or reduce these health consequences while also relieving disruptive symptoms that interfere with work, relationships, and happiness. The benefits include:
With treatment, many aspects of a woman's health improve during the menopause transition and beyond.
There are several types of treatment available to help manage menopause symptoms and address hormone deficiency:
The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic clinic takes an individualized approach to identify the right hormone therapy protocol based on a woman's specific symptoms, health profile, lifestyle factors, and treatment goals.
While hormone therapy is often necessary during menopause, certain lifestyle adjustments can also help relieve symptoms and reduce health risks:
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, minimize sugars and refined carbs, and increase healthy fats from sources like avocado, nuts and olive oil. This helps control weight gain, balance energy levels, support cognitive function, and lower disease risk.
Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate activity like walking, yoga, swimming or cycling. This builds bone density, muscle mass and cardiovascular health. It also boosts mood and mental clarity. Consider joining a local fitness center like Corning Health and Fitness or the YMCA.
Chronic stress exacerbates menopause symptoms and health decline. Make time each day for relaxing activities like meditation, massage, reading, stretching or nature walks along the Chemung River. Consider visiting Within Spa for therapeutic services.
Prioritize sleep by keeping a consistent bedtime routine and limiting electronics/stimulants close to bedtime. Melatonin supplements can help improve sleep quality as well. This allows the body to recharge and function optimally.
Many women don't realize that some symptoms leading up to menopause, like hot flashes, can start years before periods end. Making lifestyle changes like avoiding triggers, layering clothing, and tracking symptoms early on can provide relief and control during the menopausal transition.
With so many aspects of a woman's health at stake, it is essential to work with a qualified menopause specialist who understands the nuances of this transition and how to optimize hormone levels for better wellbeing.
Key characteristics to look for include:
Be sure to ask any potential menopause doctor about their specific experience and protocols. Reach out to local women’s health networks as well for provider recommendations.
For lab testing services, consider organizations like Quest Diagnostics or UHS Walk-In Care.
The onset of menopause introduces many changes, but the right specialized care can help women transition smoothly while protecting long-term health. Pay attention to your symptoms, speak with a qualified menopause practitioner, and explore lifestyle adjustments that support wellbeing from the inside out. With the proper treatment plan, menopause can be an empowering passage rather than a disruptive or risky one. Support and relief are available right here in Corning.
