Menopause
Menopause is a time in a woman’s life when her periods (menstruation) eventually stop and the body goes through changes that no longer allow her to get pregnant. It is a natural event that normally occurs in women age 45–55.
Symptoms of Menopause
No two women are the same, and the symptoms associated with menopause can vary in severity from woman to woman. Going through menopause, she may experience some or many of the following:
- Heart palpitations
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Insomnia
- Diminished libido
- Memory lapses
- Headaches
- Mood swings such as irritability, depression, and anxiety
- Urine leakage
- Vaginal dryness
- Vaginal infections
- Joint pain
Treating Menopause
The menopause experience can be a challenging one, but it doesn’t have to be faced alone. Although menopause is considered a natural stage of life rather than a medical condition, the transition for many women can be difficult. It can produce troublesome and uncomfortable symptoms as the body struggles to adjust to this new phase of life.
Women can rely on their health care professionals for help in coping with symptoms of menopause. Bio-identical hormones are natural compounds derived from plants that have the same molecular structure as the hormones produced by the body. It can be specifically formulated for each woman based on her hormone levels and her body’s needs.
Diagnosis
The first step in any menopause treatment is to determine whether or not the symptoms experienced are actually caused by menopause. Urine, saliva and blood tests are typically used to check for reduced hormone levels associated with the onset of menopause.
Hormone Therapy
Restoring hormonal balance reduces symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and vaginal dryness. The process involves increasing the body’s estrogen levels through the use of oral medications, patches or vaginal creams.