Menopause

Hormone Therapy commonly refers to a low-dose estrogen patch and/or oral progesterone. This is meant to replace the hormones that are no longer produced by the ovaries. This therapy is often used to treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms.

Typically, patients start on the lowest dose of estrogen possible and remain on the medication only as long as necessary. This is due to concern about increased risk of blood clot, stroke, and breast cancer. New studies show that HRT, when started within 10 years of menopause, is safer and more beneficial than previously thought.

Another class of medications called tissue-selective estrogen complexes (TSECs) offers the benefits of estrogen without the use of progestins.

There are numerous other medications that can help with mood swings and hot flashes when HRTs are not recommended.

• Antidepressant medications (SSRI/SNRI) can reduce both hot flashes and mood issues.
• NK3 Receptor Agonists are a newer class of medications that specifically address hot flashes in women.
• Certain nerve pain medications and blood pressure medications may be prescribed for menopause as well.

Many women have never heard of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). A woman’s vulva, vagina, bladder, and urethra have many estrogen receptors. With less estrogen produced in the body, troubling symptoms can develop. You may be struggling with vaginal dryness, irritation, itching, burning, and painful intercourse. Prescription estrogen medications can be inserted vaginally to relieve these symptoms. As a topical, these medications result in minimal systemic absorption and fewer HRT-related risks.

Yes, cancer treatments that reduce hormone production can initiate menopause. Removal of the ovaries, radiation near the pelvis, chemotherapy, and hormone therapies can all result in sudden onset of symptoms.

Premature menopause can take place for women in their 30s. However it is rare, affecting only about 1% of women under 40, and is often related to cancer therapy or genetics. It is also more common in those with autoimmune disorders or Down’s syndrome.

Yes, even if your periods are irregular during perimenopause, you can still get pregnant. Fertility does decline with age. But until ovulation ceases completely and you’ve gone 12 months without a period, you should assume conception is a possibility.

Menopause is defined as having gone 12 consecutive months without a period. Additional blood tests can be used to check hormone levels if there is any question.

Only about 1% of women experience premature menopause, which occurs before the age of 40. Rarely, menopause can occur in women under 30.

Some women do experience joint pain as part of menopause. Reduced estrogen levels can negatively affect both joint lubrication and inflammation. Increased muscle weakness and weight gain associated with menopause can exacerbate joint pain as well.

Vitamin D is the number one vitamin recommend for menopausal women. Bone density decreases during the menopausal years, leading to osteoporosis and fractures. Vitamin D supports bone health. Other important vitamins during menopause include vitamins E, B6, B12, and C.

Women usually notice changes in their periods as the first sign of menopause. Your cycle may change in length, or you may begin skipping periods. You may experience a lighter or heavier flow than you had in the past. Other symptoms may include hot flashes, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, mood swings, or brain fog.

The average age for menopause is 51, but it is considered normal for menstruation to cease any time between the age of 45 and 55. When you have gone 12 months without a period, you are considered to be in menopause.