Menopause and Hormonal Management

Menopause occurs when 12 consecutive months have passed without a menstrual period. Changing levels of estrogen and progesterone, two female hormones made in the ovaries, can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Menopause is a natural part of aging and marks the end of the female reproductive years.  Menopause typically occurs in your late 40s to early 50s, however, people who have their ovaries surgically removed can undergo surgical menopause.

You may be transitioning into menopause if you begin experiencing some or all of the following symptoms:

• Hot flashes (a sudden feeling of warmth that spreads over the body).
• Night sweats and/or cold flashes.
• Vaginal dryness; discomfort during sex.
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
• Emotional changes (irritability, mood swings, mild depression).
• Dry skin, dry eyes or dry mouth.

People who are in the transition to menopause (perimenopause) may also experience:

• Breast tenderness.
• Worsening of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
• Irregular periods or skipping periods.
• Periods that are heavier or lighter than usual.

Some people might also experience:

• Headaches.
• Joint and muscle aches and pains.
• Changes in libido (sex drive).
• Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses (often temporary).
• Weight gain.
• Hair loss or thinning.

Menopause is a natural process that your body goes through. In some cases, you may not need any treatment for menopause. When discussing treatment for menopause, it’s about treating the symptoms of menopause that affect your quality of life. There are many different types of treatments for the symptoms of menopause. It is important to discuss with your healthcare provider while you are going through menopause to develop a treatment plan that works for you.  Every person is different and has unique needs.

 The main types of treatment for menopause are:

• Hormone therapy.
• Non-hormonal treatments.