Menopause is defined as the permanent end of menstruation and fertility, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. The hallmark symptom is the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months. Other common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, mood changes, lack of focus, joint pain, and weight gain. These can significantly impact quality of life.
Menopause occurs due to a natural decline in estrogen and progesterone production by the ovaries. Lower hormone levels cause changes throughout the body. Factors that increase risk of more severe symptoms include early menopause, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, and high stress. Genetics and ethnicity also play a role.
Treatment options focus on relieving symptoms through hormone therapy with estrogen, progesterone or both to make up for the natural decline. Other medicines treat specific symptoms like hot flashes or vaginal dryness. Lifestyle changes like proper nutrition, exercise, stress reduction and preventive care also help manage this transition.
Low estrogen levels primarily cause hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex, urinary tract infections, joint pain, difficulty focusing, memory lapses, weight gain and mood changes like depression or anxiety. Osteoporosis risk increases over time.
Insufficient progesterone can lead to irregular periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, fibroids, anxiety, trouble sleeping, weight gain, water retention and bloating. There is also evidence linking low progesterone to increased risk for cardiovascular disease and breast cancer when estrogen levels are higher in comparison.
In addition to estrogen levels dropping during the menopausal transition, testosterone levels may decline by up to 50%. Low testosterone is often responsible for persistent fatigue, bone loss, muscle weakness, increased body fat, low libido and reduced sexual satisfaction, mental fogginess and mood changes in menopausal women.
The most significant benefit of hormone therapy is substantial symptom relief when hormones are restored to optimal levels. The majority of women who take hormones report major improvements in hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, moodiness, difficulty focusing, vaginal dryness, pain with intercourse and urinary issues.
Estrogen plays an important protective role against osteoporosis by promoting healthy bone remodeling and maintaining bone density. Hormone therapy, especially when started early in menopause, can prevent excessive bone loss, fractures and stooped posture than can occur from osteoporosis later in life.
Optimal hormone balance helps keep cholesterol levels, blood sugar control and inflammatory processes healthy which reduces cardiovascular disease incidence. Estrogen influences glucose metabolism and may provide anti-diabetic effects as well.
By improving disruptive menopausal symptoms and preventing long term health consequences of low hormones like osteoporosis, hormone replacement can greatly enhance physical health, mental health and overall quality of life for women during the middle and later stages of life.
Evidence shows estrogen may promote longevity in women by preventing chronic diseases of aging when hormones are replaced early in menopause, consistent with how the body works prior to menopause. This anti-aging effect allows women to live life to the fullest during the second half of life.
Bioidentical hormones are synthetic hormones chemically identical to those produced naturally in the woman's body. This includes estradiol, progesterone and testosterone. Compounded bioidentical hormones are made to match a woman's individual hormone needs and do not contain unnecessary chemicals found in conventional hormones.
Common delivery methods for bioidentical estrogen and progesterone include oral capsules, sublingual drops or tablets, vaginal inserts, creams, gels or sprays. Testosterone is usually given by subcutaneous injection, pellet implants, creams or gels. Pellet implants for estrogen and testosterone are also an option. These provide steady hormone levels over several months without daily administration.
Frequent lab monitoring of hormone levels as well as evaluation of symptoms allows precise customization of dosage at the lowest effective amount needed. Follow up testing ensures hormones remain in optimal ranges to maximize benefits and minimize side effects. Adherence monitoring also helps evaluate if life circumstance changes impact therapy effectiveness.
In addition to bioidentical hormones, holistic providers may recommend nutritional supplements, prescription medications, stress reduction techniques, fitness guidance, sexual health counselling or mind-body practices to further improve menopause related concerns, accelerate healing and enhance a woman's experience with hormone therapy.
Urine or blood testing helps assess estrogen breakdown pathways for optimal metabolism. If estrogen dominance occurs, supplements or diet changes help promote healthy estrogen elimination to reduce risk of estrogen driven cancers and other issues associated with unopposed estrogen.
Studies show that cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, and yoga can be as effective as hormone therapy in relieving menopause symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and mood changes. These non-drug approaches empower women to manage menopause naturally while avoiding potential medication side effects.
Our clinic focuses specifically on hormone therapy and reversal of age related declines. We stay current on the latest advancements in testing, bioidentical hormones, delivery methods and holistic therapies to incorporate into individually customized treatment plans.
We utilize high quality specialty labs for diagnostic hormone testing and screen for nutritional needs, inflammation, adrenal function, thyroid function, insulin resistance, and estrogen metabolism. This helps guide precision hormone dosing. We closely track patient symptoms, adherence, and follow up lab testing to ensure optimal response.
In addition to expert hormonal management, we help patients implement nutritional therapies, stress reduction techniques, targeted supplements, fitness recommendations and other evidence based complementary approaches to accelerate healing and enhance life.
We get to know each woman as an individual and partner together to help her thrive through the menopausal transition into her later years. Appointment times allow for in depth discussion of symptoms, questions and concerns so women feel informed, empowered and cared for through the hormone therapy process.
We have an easily accessible office right here in Syracuse. Blood draws for testing can be conveniently performed on site as well. For patients desiring quick and steady dosing without daily administration, we offer testosterone and estrogen pellet implant options. Let us help you finally find the relief you deserve and get your life back on track!
Be sure to optimize key bone building nutrients like calcium, magnesium, vitamins D and K. Anti-inflammatory nutrients like omega 3 fish oils, turmeric, ginger and tart cherry help ease joint aches. Adaptogens herbs, B-vitamins and vitamin C manage stress.
Weight bearing and muscle building exercise maintains bone density while improving balance, strength and heart health. Aim for 30 minutes daily combining aerobic activity, strength training and stretching. Yoga and pilates are great options. Consider working with a personal trainer, physical therapist or fitness class geared for the menopausal population.
Make stress reduction activities like brisk walking, yoga, meditation, deep breathing or enjoyment of nature a daily priority. Maintain consistent sleep/wake times and wind down nightly before bed with a warm bath, soothing music or chamomile tea. Seek counseling as needed for excessive anxiety, worry or depression.
Communicate openly with your partner regarding menopause related changes and sexual needs or concerns. Try water based lubricants. Explore sensual touch, music, ambience and relaxation techniques to kindle desire. Seek couples counseling as needed during this transitional time.
Here are some recommended local Syracuse health and wellness establishments to support your menopausal journey:
- Healthworks Fitness Center for Women - Trainers experienced working with menopausal women. Offer Pilates, yoga, strength training and senior fitness classes. - The YMCA of Syracuse - Variety of adult fitness classes, personal training services and senior wellness programs promoting strength, balance and wellbeing.
- Skaneateles Spa - Tranquil setting for massage, facials, relaxation therapies. Perfect for pampering and stress relief. - Mirbeau Spa - Upscale spa escapes include massage, body treatments and soothing hydrotherapy pools.
- Natur-Tyme - Helpful staff in vibrant local health food store suggest targeted nutritional support and high quality supplements. Blood draws onsite. - Abundance Cooperative Market - Worker owned local market with organic produce and natural products supporting health.
I hope this overview on menopause treatment has been helpful for those seeking care in the Syracuse area. We welcome you to consider Hormone Harmony for your hormone therapy and age management needs. Our goal is to provide expert, evidence based care tailored to your unique situation while partnering with you on additional lifestyle efforts towards whole person vitality in midlife and beyond!
