Menopause

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Menopause is a natural and expected hormonal shift that marks the end the childbearing age with the cessation of the menstrual cycle. Nearly all women go through this change at some point in their lives, with the vast majority of women experiencing it between the ages of 40 and 60. Menopause can happen earlier, however, as the result of medical interventions. Menopause is considered official when a woman misses 12 menstrual cycles in a row.

What are Common Menopause Symptoms?
- Irregular periods and hot flashes are the menopause symptoms that are the most well known, but the symptoms don’t end there. Women going through menopause often also experience vaginal dryness, night sweats, mood changes and loss of breast fullness. Sleep problems, a slowed metabolism, weight gain and thinning hair are all common menopause symptoms as well.
  
  Any bleeding or spotting after menopause is complete is not normal. Consult with your provider right away if you notice any of these symptoms, especially if you thought you were done having menstrual cycles.
What Causes Menopause?
- When menopause occurs naturally, it happens as a result of the natural decline in reproductive hormones that occurs as women age. Menopause can also occur as the result of a hysterectomy, radiation or chemotherapy.
What Menopause Treatments are Available?
- Common treatments for menopause are not designed to reverse the condition, but rather to alleviate any annoying, painful or inconvenient symptoms that accompany it and to make the transition easier for the women going through it. For example, the first measures providers will generally recommend include eating a better diet, exercising, getting enough sleep, quitting smoking and wearing layers to help prevent overheating during a hot flash.
  
  For women whose symptoms are more serious, providers may also recommend treatments including hormone therapy, antidepressants, medications and supplements. If you think you may be going through menopause, talk to your provider about your symptoms and ask which treatment method might be right for you.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is a medical intervention designed to boost a woman’s hormone levels. As women get closer to menopause (the average age at onset is 51), their naturally occurring hormone levels - particularly estrogen and progesterone decrease considerably. This deficiency can bring on uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness, mood swings and problems sleeping. The prospect of osteoporosis - a loss of bone density - also increases. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) works to reestablish those hormone levels, which can curtail the negative side effects and help to prevent osteoporosis.

Estrogen/progesterone therapy is appropriate for women who have reached menopause naturally. These therapies work best for women who are having severe menopausal symptoms or those who are genetically predisposed to osteoporosis. Women who have a history of breast cancer, heart or liver disease, and blood clots are not good candidates for MHT. Both treatments are available in a variety of forms: pills, patches, and gels. For those with predominantly vaginal symptoms, topical creams and intravaginal rings can be prescribed.

Health professionals recommend that all women use the lowest dosage possible, for the shortest amount of time possible. Long-term, high-volume doses have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and heart disease. Talk to your doctor about whether hormone replacement might be right for you.

You don’t have to go through menopause alone.
Call Partners in Women’s Health in Denver, CO today
for help managing your menopausal symptoms.