Menopause occurs in women after their menstrual cycle ends for a period of 12 months or more. This is a natural event that often occurs after the age of forty, with the average age of onset being fifty-one. If menopause occurs before the age of forty, it is called premature menopause. This often is the result of surgery, such as a hysterectomy or removal of the ovaries. The onset of natural menopause is due to the ovaries making less estrogen and progesterone over time.
Causes & Symptoms
Menopause can be accompanied by a group of symptoms such as hot flashes, nervousness, anxiety, and depression. It is also very common for women to experience sleep problems, including insomnia, during this time.
The majority of menopause symptoms relate to the dramatic decline in estrogen and progesterone levels. When estrogen levels decline, there is a higher risk of heart disease and osteoporosis, because estrogen has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system and impacts the body’s ability to store calcium.
Therefore, after menopause, it is important for women to continue careful monitoring by their primary care doctor to check cholesterol levels, blood pressure and bone density.
How We Can Help
At the Men’s Vitality Center, we offer menopause treatment strategies to relieve symptoms, improve sleep and maintain your health and vigor. Treatment options include hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, natural supplements and diet and lifestyle changes. These can prevent the unwanted effects of menopause from interfering with your quality of life.
Common Questions About Menopause
A blood test can be used to confirm that you are in menopause by checking your levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone and estrogen. During menopause, your FSH levels will increase and your estrogen and progesterone levels will decrease. If you are having menopausal symptoms, the doctor may also order additional tests to rule out conditions involving the thyroid, liver or kidney that can result in similar symptoms.
While menopause is often associated with hot flashes, most women report insomnia as their worst symptom. It is caused by the drop in progesterone, which is also a sleep-promoting hormone. Memory loss, a drop in libido and mood swings are also some of the most common and uncomfortable menopause symptoms.
Treatments for menopause focus mainly on relieving signs and symptoms. Often lifestyle changes are recommended, such as exercise and nutritional changes, along with hormone therapy in the form of estrogen replacement oral medications and creams or bioidentical hormones are prescribed. Additionally, antidepressants and medications can be used to reduce hot flashes. Can a doctor test you for menopause?
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