Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through, marking the end of the reproductive years. The hallmark of menopause is when menstrual periods stop permanently, confirmed after 12 months without a period.
On average, menopause occurs between the ages of 45-55. As the ovaries decline in function, they produce lower amounts of the key female hormones - estrogen and progesterone. This fall in hormones is responsible for the various signs and symptoms associated with menopause.
Some of the most common menopausal symptoms include:
Over the long run, the lower estrogen levels of menopause also impact bone and heart health:
Getting timely treatment can help prevent these complications and reduce risk.
Identifying menopausal transition usually begins with recognizing the characteristic symptoms. However, clinical exams and blood tests are useful to confirm menopause and rule out other conditions.
The first step is taking a detailed medical history - age, last period, menstrual pattern changes and new onset of typical menopausal symptoms. Timing and duration of symptoms provides helpful clues.
Pelvic exams check for signs of genital tract atrophy consistent with low estrogen. Thyroid assessment, blood pressure measurement and breast exam should also be performed.
Blood tests assessing hormones FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and estradiol can confirm menopause.
Additional blood work may check cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose levels.
Treating menopausal symptoms preserves not just quality of life, but long term health. The key goals of treatment include:
Achieving adequate hormone balance through treatment tailored for each woman enables meeting these targets effectively.
Restoring hormone balance alleviates troublesome hot flashes, night sweats, painful intercourse, vaginal dryness, bladder issues, sleep disruption, weight changes, fatigue and mood instability characteristic of menopause. This significantly enhances day-to-day living.
Estrogen plays an important role in bone remodeling and calcium balance. With declining estrogen, accelerated bone loss leads to osteoporosis and heightened fracture risk. Timely treatment maintains bone strength, preventing disability associated with osteoporotic fractures.
Menopause detrimentally alters cholesterol levels as well as cardiovascular structures and function, heightening risks of atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke. Well-managed hormone therapy ameliorates these adverse effects, conferring protection for long-term heart health.
Hormone Health Center specializes in evidence-based, patient-centered care for menopause management and women's midlife health.
There are various therapies available for managing menopausal changes effectively. These include:
The best approach depends on each woman's risks and preferences. Our menopause specialists carefully consider health profile, symptom impact, response to previous therapies, and personal priorities to develop a tailored regimen.
We provide comprehensive lifestyle guidance to complement medical treatment:
Such evidence-based lifestyle changes enhance therapy results for optimal menopause management.
Continued follow-up allows fine-tuning treatment plans to keep symptoms controlled while minimizing risks. We collaborate long term to promote health through the menopause transition and beyond.
When seeking menopause treatment in Marengo, Hormone Health Center offers distinct advantages as the region's top hormone therapy provider.
Our dedicated menopause experts have specialized training and over 15 years extensive experience successfully managing complex hormone imbalances. We stay current on the latest evidence-based therapies to optimize treatment.
We recognize every woman has a unique health profile and menopause manifestations. Our flexible protocols cater to individual needs rather than one-size-fits-all. You get customized therapy for optimal results.
While addressing biological changes of menopause, we also consider lifestyle, relationships and emotional health for whole-person care. Our mind-body perspective maximizes wellbeing.
Patient wellbeing is our first priority. We utilize the most effective interventions only after a thorough health assessment, avoiding inappropriate or risky therapies. You receive the safest evidence-based care.
Hormone Health Center has supported thousands of Illinois women through the menopause transition over the past 20 years. Our specialized hormone practitioners leverage substantial expertise combined with an integrative approach to deliver truly patient-centered care for this important life phase. Contact us today to learn more and get started on feeling your best!
