Menopause Specialist

What causes menopause?

Menopause involves hormonal changes that occur naturally as a woman ages. In most women, the changes begin in their 40s, when levels of estrogen and progesterone begin to decline, and persist until their periods stop in their 40s or 50s. Perimenopause is the time leading up to period cessation. The term menopause is used more commonly to refer to the entire period of time from the point symptoms begin until your period ends.

What symptoms can menopause cause?

Menopause symptoms are highly variable, with some women experiencing very few symptoms and some women experiencing symptoms that are so severe, they can interfere with normal activities, including sleep. Plus, symptoms can change over time as your hormone levels fluctuate. Menopause symptoms can include:

• irregular periods, including spotting between periods and very heavy flow

• hot flashes

• mood changes

• insomnia

• night sweats

• decline in sexual desire

• vaginal dryness

• thinning hair

• problems concentrating or focusing

• urinary incontinence symptoms

How is menopause treated?

Menopause itself can't be “cured,” but the symptoms can be lessened so you can adjust more easily to the changes your body is going through. Many women with menopause symptoms opt for hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, using bioidentical hormones. HRT uses hormones that have the same chemical structure as the hormones your body produces naturally, so the risk of side effects is reduced. HRT can be used to treat most symptoms of menopause, including vaginal dryness and hot flashes, and it can also help prevent some bone loss that tends to occur as levels of estrogen and progesterone drop. HRT does have some side effects, and you'll be able to weigh the risks and benefits during your office visit to decide if it's a good choice for you.

*Individual results may vary.