Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycles. The term "menopause" refers to the point in time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.
The transition into menopause is known as perimenopause and can begin 8-10 years before a woman's final menstrual period. Perimenopause is characterized by changes in menstrual flow and cycle length as the ovaries begin to fail in their production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Some of the most common symptoms associated with menopause and perimenopause include:
While menopause is a natural process, it can significantly impact a woman's physical health and quality of life when hormone levels become imbalanced. Proper diagnosis and treatment of hormone deficiencies associated with menopause are crucial for minimizing unpleasant symptoms.
The Endocrine Wellness Center in Bridgeville employs several of Pennsylvania's leading menopause doctors and menopause specialists. Our experienced healthcare professionals utilize advanced diagnostic testing and provide personalized treatment plans to address hormone deficiencies and relieve menopause symptoms.
At Endocrine Wellness Center, we understand that no two patients are alike. We take the time to listen to your unique situation and health goals when creating customized treatment protocols. As a result, over 90% of our patients report significant symptom relief after beginning hormone replacement therapy (HRT) under our care.
The first step in developing an effective treatment plan for menopause is diagnosing any underlying hormone imbalances. Our menopause hormone specialists utilize advanced blood tests to measure levels of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and more.
We also check for deficiencies in hormones produced by the thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal glands, as these can exacerbate unpleasant menopausal symptoms. Nutrient testing may be recommended as well to identify any dietary deficiencies contributing to hormonal disruptions.
In addition to lab testing, our clinicians complete a thorough health assessment, take a full medical history, check for signs of hormonal imbalance, and evaluate lifestyle factors. This comprehensive evaluation allows us to pinpoint the root hormonal culprits behind your menopausal concerns.
We then develop a customized treatment plan catered to your unique hormone profile and health goals.
Once hormone deficiencies have been identified, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often recommended to restore optimal balance. Despite common misconceptions, HRT is a safe and effective option for most women struggling with perimenopause or menopause.
Some benefits provided by HRT include:
Furthermore, customized compounded HRT allows for precise dosing and flexibility with delivery methods. At Endocrine Wellness Center, we offer high quality bioidentical hormones tailored to your body's needs.
There are several ways in which hormone therapy can be administered, including:
Oral tablets - This is the most common route of administration for estrogen and/or progesterone. Tablets are convenient but can be hard on the liver.
Transdermal creams - Creams containing estrogen, progesterone or testosterone can be applied directly the skin. This allows for steady absorption while bypassing the liver.
Vaginal inserts - Localized creams and suppositories can provide relief from vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.
Pellets - These small implants placed under the skin provide continuous hormone release over 3-6 months. Pellets minimize dosage frequency.
Injections - Testosterone, estrogen or progesterone can be injected on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis depending on the hormone type. Injections provide precise, longer lasting dosing.
Our experienced menopause doctors will help determine which method of administration may work best for your lifestyle and health goals. The route of administration can always be adjusted if needed to optimize treatment results.
In addition customized hormone therapy, making certain lifestyle adjustments can help minimize unpleasant menopause symptoms:
Healthy Diet - Eating a nutritious, balanced diet ensures the body has the necessary nutrients to produce and utilize hormones effectively. Fruits, vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats and complex carbs are key.
Stress Management - Chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance and exacerbate menopausal symptoms. Practicing stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, deep breathing and getting adequate sleep are encouraged.
Regular Exercise - Engaging in regular cardio and strength training workouts helps regulate hormonal activity, reduce hot flashes/night sweats, strengthen bones and improve emotional well-being.
Support Network - Having a strong support network of understanding family, friends, or even a menopause support group can help women cope with changes during menopause. Speaking with others decreases isolation and validates experiences.
While menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, it should not spell the end of living a healthy, happy life. Restoring hormonal balance is key. The menopause specialists at Endocrine Wellness Center are here to guide you through this transition smoothly. Call today to schedule your initial consultation!
Some of the earliest signs of perimenopause and menopause include changes in menstrual flow, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, mood changes like irritability or anxiety, and vaginal dryness. Keeping track of your menstrual cycle and symptoms will help determine if you are entering menopause.
In the U.S., the average age for menopause is 52. But perimenopausal symptoms can start 8-10 years prior. Menopause typically occurs between 45 and 55. If menopause occurs before age 45, it is considered premature menopause.
Even mild menopausal symptoms can impact quality of life over time. Treating the underlying hormone deficiencies can prevent symptoms from progressing or new ones from developing. Identifying and addressing nutritional deficiencies early is key as well. We recommend lab testing to diagnose hormonal imbalances so appropriate treatment can begin.
For most healthy women under 60, hormone therapy is a safe and effective option for relieving unpleasant menopause symptoms and reducing disease risk when initiated early. Our menopause specialists use bioidentical hormones identical to those naturally produced by the body to minimize risks. Dosing can be adjusted based on your needs and symptoms to optimize treatment safety and efficacy.
Every woman is different, but most patients utilize hormone replacement therapy for at least 5-10 years following menopause. Some women may benefit from lifelong treatment, especially if menopause occurred prematurely. Your Endocrine Wellness Center provider will determine the ideal length of treatment based on your lab results, health status and family history. The duration can be adjusted over time as needed.
