Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through, marking the end of menstruation and fertility. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can occur anytime between the ages of 40-58. As estrogen levels decline, women may experience symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, trouble sleeping, and mood changes. The duration and severity of symptoms varies, but 75% of women have moderate to severe symptoms lasting over a year.
Fortunately, there are effective treatments available to help women manage symptoms and continue living life to the fullest. Hormone Harmony Clinic in Folsom offers comprehensive menopause care including hormone therapy, lifestyle recommendations, and counseling to help women thrive during this transition. With individualized treatment plans focused on safety and symptom relief, Hormone Harmony Clinic provides the support women need.
Menopause officially begins when a woman has gone 12 months without a period. Perimenopause is the 2-10 year transition period leading up to menopause when hormone levels fluctuate erratically. This is when women may first notice changes and symptoms.
The decline of estrogen and progesterone causes most menopausal symptoms. These hormones regulate menstrual cycles and impact many tissues including the brain, skin, bones, and heart. When levels drop, women may experience:
While menopause is inevitable for all women as they age, treatment can minimize the impact of symptoms on quality of life.
Many women try to just tolerate menopausal symptoms believing they will pass with time. However, letting symptoms go untreated can significantly impair physical and emotional health:
The longer menopausal symptoms go unmanaged, the more they negatively impact health and wellbeing. Seeking treatment early optimizes relief.
There is no "one size fits all" approach to menopause. Treatment must be tailored to each woman's unique situation. The compassionate providers at Hormone Harmony Clinic take the time to understand lifestyle, medical history, symptom impact, treatment goals, and health risks to create customized treatment plans.
Options may include:
Hormone Harmony Clinic providers explain all options thoroughly so women can make informed choices. The latest medical evidence and safety data guides treatment to achieve optimal symptom relief with minimal risks.
Few people know that acupuncture can be an effective menopause treatment. Studies show acupuncture may help relieve hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, and irritability associated with menopause. It's thought to work by stimulating the release of endorphins and regulating hormone levels. Acupuncture provides a drug-free alternative for managing menopause symptoms.
Hormone therapy remains the gold standard treatment for relieving moderated to severe menopause symptoms. Estrogen and progesterone therapy replaces the hormones that decline during menopause to alleviate:
When initiated before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause, hormone therapy is safe for most healthy women. Potential benefits outweigh risks for symptom relief. Hormone Harmony Clinic providers individualize hormone regimens and doses to meet treatment goals while minimizing concerns like blood clots or cancer.
Low-dose transdermal patches, gels or sprays allow precise control of circulating hormone levels. Annual monitoring and gynecologic exams ensure continued safety on hormones. Most women can stay on low dose therapy for relief through their 50s until natural menopause finishes around age 55. Gradual tapering prevents recurrence of symptoms.
Women with hysterectomies can take estrogen alone. Those with a uterus need estrogen plus progesterone to avoid a thickened uterine lining. Progestins can be taken continuously or cyclically 10-14 days monthly. Continuous progesterone promotes more stable moods and sleep.
When started early in menopause, hormone therapy helps women feel like themselves again so they can continue enjoying life uninterrupted by fluctuating hormones. Hormone Harmony Clinic providers have 30 years expertise in hormone therapy including:
While hormone therapy treats the root cause of menopause symptoms, lifestyle adjustments can provide additional relief. Hormone Harmony Clinic providers offer evidence-based recommendations to help women minimize symptoms for better wellbeing during menopause:
Trouble sleeping is one of the most common menopause complaints. Poor sleep exacerbates moodiness, trouble focusing, low motivation and irritability. Tips to enhance sleep quality include:
Physical activity helps minimize hot flashes and night sweats, boosts energy, manages weight, and promotes better sleep. Aim for:
A balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats provides energy, supports mood, and prevents weight gain. Recommendations include:
Unmanaged stress often intensifies menopausal symptoms like anxiety, sleep issues, fatigue, and forgetfulness. Carve out time for stress-busting activities:
Lifestyle adjustments enhance hormone therapy benefits for an integrative approach to symptom relief.
Since perimenopause may precede menopause by several years, women should not dismiss bothersome symptoms. Hormone Harmony Clinic recommends getting evaluated if you experience:
Testing is needed to identify any hormone imbalances or health risks so treatment can begin promptly. Recommended assessments include:
Don't assume symptoms are just due to aging or stress. Hormone Harmony Clinic offers comprehensive testing and personalized plans to restore comfort, health and vitality during menopause. Call today to schedule a consultation.
Hormone Harmony Clinic opened 40 years ago with a mission to help women smoothly transition through menopause using individualized, evidenced-based care. Patients become part of a supportive community focused on empowering women to thrive during midlife changes.
Key features that set Hormone Harmony Clinic apart include:
Patients appreciate the clinic's welcoming atmosphere focused on their comfort, questions and concerns. Compassionate listening and clear explanations empower women to take charge of their menopause transition.
Hormone Harmony Clinic accepts most major insurances. Flexible self-pay options are available.
Menopause is a natural transition, not a disease needing to be cured. With accurate information, proven treatments, and compassionate support, women can thrive through this change. Hormone Harmony Clinic empowers patients with tools to manage symptoms along with guidance to embrace this next life phase.
If you are experiencing menopause symptoms that are interfering with sleep, work, relationships or quality of life, contact Hormone Harmony Clinic today. Our experts provide proven therapies to restore comfort and wellbeing. The sooner you seek help, the faster you will feel relief. This transitional time can be an opportunity to take charge of your health and focus on joyful pursuits. Hormone Harmony Clinic will help you make the most of midlife so you feel your absolute best for years to come!
