Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through as they age. The time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause and can start several years before menopause officially begins. During perimenopause, hormone levels fluctuate and start to decline, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, insomnia, mood changes, and more. Once a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period, she has officially entered menopause.
The average age for menopause is 51, but it can start earlier or later depending on the individual. Going through menopause is different for every woman, but most will experience symptoms that can significantly impact their quality of life. The good news is that there are many effective treatment options available today to help women manage symptoms and transition through this time more smoothly.
The main treatment for menopause is hormone therapy (HT), which replaces the estrogen and progesterone that the body is no longer producing. HT is available in different forms including pills, patches, gels, vaginal creams, rings, and injections. It is most effective at relieving hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and can help prevent bone loss.
Other treatment options include:
Lifestyle changes like staying active, eating healthy, managing stress, and getting enough sleep also play an important role. Some women may find relief through herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and CBD oil, but more research is needed on their effectiveness and safety.
The timing to start treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and how much they are interfering with daily activities. Some women can manage fine without treatment. But if hot flashes, night sweats, or vaginal discomfort begin disrupting sleep and quality of life, it is a good idea to consider starting treatment.
Most experts recommend starting when symptoms first appear during perimenopause. Beginning HT or other therapies early can help ease the transition and prevent symptoms from getting worse. Treatment can be tapered off once menopause is complete and bothersome symptoms subside.
There are many benefits to seeking treatment for menopause:
Hormone Harmony Clinic is a leading menopause and hormone therapy clinic serving women in Columbus, OH and surrounding areas. Their team of caring menopause specialists offer customized treatment plans to help women transition through menopause smoothly.
They provide comprehensive testing to check hormone levels, screen for risks, and identify any nutritional or metabolic issues that could be contributing to symptoms. This enables them to create a tailored treatment plan addressing each woman's unique needs.
There are many reasons women choose Hormone Harmony Clinic for their menopause and hormone therapy needs:
Treatment always begins with a thorough evaluation including history and physical, lab testing, and discussion of lifestyle habits affecting hormone balance and menopause symptoms.
They utilize advanced hormone tests not widely available. Blood, urine, or saliva is checked for levels of estrogens, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, T3, T4, and more.
Other specialized tests may assess cardiac risk markers, cholesterol balance, blood sugar, inflammation, and nutrition status. Pelvic ultrasound, pap smear, breast exam, and endometrial biopsy may be performed.
Results provide an accurate hormone profile and insight into factors contributing to imbalance. This enables developing an individualized prescription both for bioidentical hormone therapy and any other needed interventions.
Hormone therapy is fine-tuned over ongoing follow-up visits. The providers adjust dosages and delivery methods until optimal balance and symptom relief are achieved. Ongoing safety monitoring continues periodically.
Additional holistic recommendations may include dietary changes, specific supplements, stress management, fitness plans, vaginal moisturizers, lubricants, and other therapies to complement hormone treatment.
Hormone Harmony Clinic offers all current hormone therapy options so the most appropriate can be matched to each patient's needs:
The route of administration is selected based on the patient’s needs and preferences. Pellet therapy and transdermal patches are often preferred for steady hormone delivery.
The winter months in Columbus tend to be the most difficult time for menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. The cold dry air during Ohio winters only exacerbates these symptoms.
Starting treatment at the first signs of perimenopause may help prevent severe symptoms during winter months. However, it is never too late to gain relief through treatment.
Many women notice the worst hot flashes and sleep disruption in the late winter and early spring as temperatures seesaw. By beginning hormone therapy or other treatments in the fall months, it allows time to get hormones balanced heading into the coldest winter period.
In contrast, the warmer temperatures and humidity of summer in Columbus provide a welcome reprieve from hot flashes and night sweats. For women who time treatment right, this can provide several months of reduced symptoms to enjoy outdoor activities with minimal discomfort.
While spring and fall aren’t as challenging for menopause symptoms, the fluxuating temperatures can still cause ups and downs. Maintaining balanced hormone levels year round is ideal to prevent this hormonal roller coaster.
Many women are unaware that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective menopause treatment. CBT helps women manage troublesome menopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep problems by changing thought patterns and behaviors. Research shows CBT significantly improves menopause-related quality of life without medication side effects.
Along with hormone therapy, making certain lifestyle adjustments can help ease menopause transition and improve treatment results. Key recommendations include:
Stress management - Stress exacerbates hormonal imbalance and menopause symptoms. Try yoga, meditation, massage, counseling, or other stress relievers.
Healthy diet - Eat a nutritious whole foods diet, limit sugar and alcohol, stay hydrated. Optimize nutrition to support hormonal balance.
Supplements - Ask providers about beneficial supplements like omega-3s, vitamin D, magnesium, melatonin, herbal remedies.
Exercise - Moderate exercise helps reduce hot flashes, improves sleep, boosts mood. Aim for 30 minutes daily.
Restful sleep - Keep a consistent sleep routine. Ask about medications if insomnia persists despite hormone therapy.
Social support - Spend time with friends and loved ones who listen and understand what you’re going through.
Routine care - Get regular mammograms, bone density scans, pelvic exams, cholesterol checks as recommended.
Healthy pleasures - Take time for self-care through hobbies, leisure activities, massage, relaxing baths, or other things you enjoy.
Positive attitude - Focus on the benefits and personal growth that can come from this transition.
There are many great local resources in Columbus that can support women going through menopause:
There are many options in the Columbus area to learn, grow, stay active, nourish your body, and nurture your spirit during the menopause transition.
Menopause is a major life transition that can significantly impact quality of life. But it does not have to be endured needlessly. There are many safe and effective treatment options available to help women manage symptoms and feel their best throughout the menopausal years.
Hormone Harmony Clinic is a trusted leader in menopause care right here in Columbus, OH. Their specialized approach includes advanced hormone testing, bioidentical hormones, and holistic care for whole-person health.
Their team of caring menopause specialists work closely with you to find the optimal treatment plan for your unique needs. If menopause symptoms are interfering with your life, contact Hormone Harmony Clinic today to learn more about customized treatment options and regain your vitality!
