Menopause
Menopause is something that every woman will experience over the course of her lifetime. We find that preventative medicine is key in helping to reduce symptoms that a woman may experience with menopause. However, that is not always possible, and we are able to help women that may already be experiencing symptoms due to natural progression, or with women who have had hysterectomies.
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause and can last anywhere from 5-10 years. This usually starts in a woman’s 40s but can start earlier in some women. This stage is when periods begin to become irregular and leads up to menopause, when the ovaries are no longer releasing eggs. Symptoms occur because of the natural decline in sex hormones (see image) or after the removal of sex organs in the case of partial or full hysterectomies.
Hormone Replacement Therapy and Thyroid medication are not the only options for treating symptoms associated with menopause. There are other things your doctor can do to help negate some of the symptoms associated with menopause.
Picture source: https://www.precisionnutrition.com/feel-your-best-during-menopause
Symptoms Include:
- Short/irregular periods
- Hot flashes and/or night sweats
- Insomnia/Trouble sleeping
- Vaginal Dryness
- Painful intercourse
- Low libido
- Mood swings
- Brain fog/difficulty focusing
- Heart palpitations
- Weight gain
- Low energy
- Hair loss
- Depression and/or anxiety
Causes May Include:
- Declining Sex Hormones—Hormones will drop during perimenopause, this quick drop in hormones can contribute to overall symptoms.
- Low thyroid function—Low thyroid function is common to see with menopause. This may contribute to low energy, brain fog, and difficulties with weight.
- Vitamin Deficiencies—Poor absorption of nutrients can further exacerbate symptoms associated with menopause and may contribute to poor sleep.
Your doctor may order extensive laboratory testing, perform physical and/or gynecological examination. Your doctor will use this information to create a treatment plan that is specific to YOU.
Treatment Considerations for Infertility:
- Hormone Support
- Chaste Tree- Can help to improve production of progesterone
- Black Cohosh- Can help to improve estrogen levels
- Suppositories- To improve vaginal dryness and pain associated with intercourse
- Hormonal support when indicated
- Thyroid Support
- Glandular—Will help to improve overall thyroid function.
- Vitamin Therapy
- Vitamins like B, D, C, Zinc, and Magnesium are essential for female health. Your doctor will prescribe what is best for you.
- Lifestyle changes – exercise habits, diet choices, reducing stress, eliminated environmental toxins to help with weight loss
- Supplementation – Vitamins and minerals tailored to specific needs