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Each year, 25 million women navigate the transformative stage of menopause, marked by a variety of physical and emotional changes. Symptoms like joint discomfort, fluctuating moods, unexpected weight gain, and rising cholesterol levels can feel overwhelming, but they are a natural part of this life transition.
When women reach menopause, their menstrual periods stop permanently and their chances for pregnancy cease. But this is no disease or disorder, rather a normal part of aging. While some have no or mild menopausal symptoms, most women experience these physical and emotional symptoms: irregular periods, mood swings, hot flashes, painful sexual intercourse, low bone density, brain fog, trouble sleeping, loss of self-esteem, and more.
Thanks to science, we’ve come a long way in how we treat and manage these menopause symptoms. With advancements in the likes of integrative medicine, which blends conventional medical approaches with complementary therapies like lifestyle changes, supplements, mind-body therapies, and Ayurveda, it not only addresses the menopause symptoms but also assists in a person’s overall well-being.
In this article, we’ll strive to understand the menopausal transition, its stages, symptoms, and how it can be treated effectively with integrative medicine.
What is Menopause?
Menopause marks a natural and significant milestone in a woman’s life, signaling the end of her reproductive years. Typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, this transition happens as hormone levels like estrogen and progesterone naturally decline.
The menopausal transition can occur naturally as well due to the surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy). Leading up to menopause, women experience a sharp decline in the production of estrogen and progesterone. These changes in hormone levels impact multiple bodily functions as described below and can be managed through hormone optimization.
- Menstrual cycle: Periods become irregular and eventually stop.
- Vaginal health: Dryness or discomfort during sexual intercourse becomes more common.
- Bone loss: Lower bone density can increase fracture risk.
- Heart disease: Fluctuating cholesterol levels and sub-optimal blood vessel function due to a decline in estrogen can lead to cardiovascular diseases.
- Bladder control: The urgency and frequency of urination increases.
- Neurological system: The cognitive function can take a hit and lead to memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and induce mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
The menopausal transition happens in three stages: Perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause.
Perimenopause
Perimenopause, also called pre-menopause, typically starts three to five years before menopause. Symptoms start to show around mid to late forties but it’s quite rare to notice them before 40.
While estrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate in this phase and women experience mood changes and irregular menstrual periods, it’s still possible to get pregnant. So, it’s important to continue using some form of birth control.
Menopause
A woman is considered to be in menopause when she has missed her periods for a full year, with no other factors like illness, medication, or pregnancy. At this stage, women can’t get pregnant. Clinical studies show that the average age of menopause is 51. But the range varies greatly—with some entering this stage in their mid-forties and some not until their mid-fifties.
Post-menopause
The end of women’s reproductive years is signaled by the post-menopause stage. Once women reach this stage, they’re in it for the rest of their lives—they’ll neither ovulate nor menstruate—but may continue to have the same symptoms experienced during perimenopause and menopause.
While these symptoms tend to dissipate over time, the drastic dip in estrogen levels poses an increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.
Symptoms of Menopause
Common symptoms of menopause can range from physical to emotional, each reflecting the body’s adjustment to hormonal changes. These include:
Physical Symptoms
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Sleep disturbances
- Weight gain
- Vaginal dryness
- Decreased libido
Emotional Symptoms
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
Conventional Treatment Options
Conventional medicine is a treatment approach where healthcare providers rely on scientific research to diagnose and treat health issues, ensuring patients receive the most effective care possible. For treating menopause symptoms, the most common conventional treatment option available is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
Hormone therapy is a well-established option for addressing menopausal symptoms by replenishing the estrogen and progesterone levels that naturally decline during this phase. HRT not only alleviates symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness but also supports long-term health by reducing the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.
Depending on which hormone is lacking, women might be given estrogen therapy or combined therapy.
Estrogen therapy is prescribed for individuals who experience a premature loss of estrogen. It is typically given in higher doses to replace the levels the ovaries would normally produce at that stage of life.
Combined therapy is administered when women require both estrogen and progesterone. It’s given in two forms: Continuous-combined therapy or cyclic/sequential therapy. In continuous-combined therapy, caregivers administer both hormones in the form that works best for the person. In cyclic therapy, estrogen is taken daily, while progesterone is administered for 12 to 15 days each month.
By and by, one must be mindful of the fact that HRT is not one-size-fits-all. It needs to be personalized based on a person’s medical history. When administered effectively, HRT can:
- Make sex enjoyable
- Reduce vaginal dryness
- Alleviate vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats
- Offer protection from fractures caused by thinning bones
- Lower the chances of heart diseases
- Help to sleep fitfully
- Improve the mood
Although research has proven that the benefits of HRT far outweigh the side effects one may experience, it’s important to be aware of the risks it poses:
- Stroke
- Blood clots
- Breast cancer
Other side effects include:
- Headaches
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Nausea
- Leg cramps
- Mild rash or itching
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
However, these risks and side effects can be managed if women start HRT within 10 years of menopause or before turning 60 and lean towards the lowest dose possible for the shortest span of time. It’s important to get regular mammograms and pelvic exams and explore other forms of HRT like bio-identical pellets besides patches and gels.
Integrative Medicine Approach to Menopause
Integrative medicine offers a holistic approach to menopause, addressing not just symptoms but the overall well-being of the individual. By combining personalized care with complementary therapies, it empowers women to take charge of their health during this transition.
When it comes to managing menopause, integrative medicine offers a range of natural options:
- Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): Uses hormones identical to those the body naturally produces to restore balance and reduce symptoms.
- Herbal remedies: Natural options like black cohosh or red clover can help ease hot flashes, mood changes, and other menopausal symptoms.
- Acupuncture: An ancient practice that promotes balance and energy flow in the body, offering relief from discomfort.
- Nutritional counseling: Tailored advice on diet and supplements to support overall health during the menopausal transition.
- Stress management techniques: Practices like meditation, mindfulness, and yoga to help reduce stress and promote emotional well-being.
Empowering Women Through Integrative Medicine
Menopause is a natural life stage that brings both challenges and opportunities for growth. With the right support and personalized care, women can navigate this transition with resilience, confidence, and vitality.
At EVEXIAS Medical Centers, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our comprehensive, integrative therapies—such as hormone therapy, peptide therapy, and mind-body practices—are designed to alleviate menopause symptoms while improving your overall health. With a personalized approach that addresses your unique needs, we aim to empower you to thrive during menopause and beyond.
Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you feel your best. Find a location close to you, so you can experience personalized care that fits your needs. Begin your journey to a healthier, happier you!