The onset of menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can occur anytime between the ages of 40 and 55. As a woman approaches menopause, her ovaries begin to produce less of the key hormones estrogen and progesterone. This leads to irregular periods and eventually, the cessation of menstrual cycles altogether.
While some women transition through "the change" with ease, over 75% experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe that can significantly impact their quality of life. Let's explore the most common menopausal symptoms and the options available to treat them.
Hot flashes and night sweats are the most well-known menopausal complaints. These sudden feelings of intense warmth in the face, neck, and chest can last from 30 seconds up to several minutes. Night sweats often disrupt sleep. While less common, some women experience chills after a hot flash.
Hormone therapy containing estrogen and/or progesterone is the most effective treatment for relieving hot flashes. Certain antidepressants and gabapentin may also provide some relief. Lifestyle adjustments like dressing in layers, lowering room temperature, avoiding triggers like caffeine and alcohol can help as well.
As estrogen production declines, many women experience vaginal dryness, irritation, itching, and painful sexual intercourse. Over-the-counter water or silicone-based lubricants can help. However, prescription vaginal estrogen therapy is considered the gold standard treatment to relieve symptoms and prevent long-term vaginal atrophy.
Stress incontinence and overactive bladder become increasingly common around the time of menopause. This relates to the effects of lower estrogen on the muscles and tissues responsible for normal bladder control and support. Vaginal estrogen therapy can improve some urinary issues, along with pelvic floor physical therapy.
Insomnia and poor sleep quality often coincide with the onset of menopause. Night sweats and hot flashes play a role. However, hormonal fluctuations also affect a woman's natural circadian rhythm and ability to obtain deep, restorative sleep. Simple behavioral measures such as maintaining a steady sleep-wake cycle and avoiding electronics before bedtime can help manage insomnia. Hormone therapy also promotes better sleep for many women.
Many women report increased irritability, anxiety, sadness and trouble concentrating as they transition through menopause. The reasons are complex but at least partly related to shifting reproductive hormone levels influencing mood and cognition. Estrogen therapy, antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques may all help stabilize mood.
Some women develop symptoms like joint pain, headaches, weight gain, hair thinning, gum sensitivity and skin changes during perimenopause and menopause. For general health preservation, managing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, bone health and body composition also becomes increasingly important. We will explore specific treatment options for these concerns throughout the article.
The experienced practitioners at Butterfly Hormone Center specialize in the safe, effective treatment of all menopause-related concerns using cutting-edge therapies personalized to your needs. Keep reading to learn more about our services.
Recognizing the first signs of menopause approaching allows women and their healthcare providers to make proactive treatment decisions. Diagnosing menopause requires assessing menstrual cycle patterns along with testing blood levels of key hormones like follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (estrogen).
At Butterfly Hormone Center, we offer advanced hormone testing in our onsite lab. Monitoring your hormone balance over time is crucial for determining if and when you might benefit from hormone replacement or other therapies. The earlier you intervene to treat bothersome menopause symptoms, the more likely you are to find relief. Our practitioners will help interpret your lab results and explain your options.
We also check for medical conditions that necessitate special precautions before starting any hormone treatments. Thyroid disorders, cancers, blood clots, liver disease, heart disease and high blood pressure are some examples. Our experienced staff will collaborate closely with your other physicians to maximize safety.
If menopause occurs before age 40, it is considered “premature” and warrants a medical evaluation. Early menopause can increase risks for certain health conditions and often causes more severe symptoms. Hormone therapy assumes an even more vital role in this context.
After age 45-50, menopause falls within the anticipated timing. But “late” menopause (after 55) also merits assessment to rule out abnormalities involving the ovaries or pituitary gland. Our practitioners have specialty training to handle menopause at any age. We aim to guide each woman gently through this major biological transition.
Hormone therapy (HT), also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), corrects hormone imbalance to alleviate unpleasant menopausal symptoms. When initiated close to menopause onset, HT also provides anti-aging effects that can help women stay healthier in later years. Many misconceptions exist about HT safety and usage. Our goal is to clarify the facts so patients feel empowered about their choices.
Multiple clinical studies demonstrate HT effectively:
The risks of hormone therapy are very low when used appropriately under medical guidance. Our practitioners stay current on frequent updates in HT research and guidelines. We thoughtfully assess each woman’s individual situation to create fully personalized treatment plans.
Estrogen therapy is the foundation of most HT regimens. Estrogen exists in many natural and synthetic forms. The optimal preparation depends partly on your menopausal symptoms and medical history. Available estrogen options include:
With its targeted delivery, low-dose vaginal estrogen relieves urogenital tissue troubles effectively while minimizing systemic effects. However, symptoms like hot flashes often need complementary systemic therapy with higher estrogen concentrations. Progestogens prevent the small risk of uterine cancer associated with long-term sole estrogen use in women with a uterus.
Butterfly Hormone Center CLIA-certified laboratory: familiarize yourself with the capabilities of our advanced diagnostics lab where patients can get tested before and during treatment to ensure optimal hormone balance.
Bioidentical hormones feature an identical chemical structure to the estrogens, progesterone and testosterone made naturally in human bodies. They are synthesized from plant sources and available in multiple potencies and preparations similar to conventional HT agents.
Promising data suggests that bioidentical hormones potentially offer safety advantages and fewer side effects versus traditional synthetic versions. However, large studies directly comparing conventional HT and bioidentical hormone therapy are still lacking. Some patients report feeling better on one type of hormone versus another. We help guide you through the choices.
Compounded hormone therapy refers to custom-formulated prescriptions containing bioidentical hormones mixed at specific doses tailored to each woman’s needs. While some standard FDA-approved HT products permit flexible dosing, compounded preparations offer greater variety and personalization.
Butterfly Hormone Center collaborates with a specialized compounding pharmacy to access expanded bioidentical hormone options, innovative delivery methods like sublingual drops and pellets, and combinations targeting specific menopause concerns. Our experienced practitioners determine when custom compounded therapy represents the best approach.
Testosterone is not just a “male” sex hormone. In adequate levels, it plays vital roles regulating metabolism, mood, brain function and sexual health in both men and women. Declining testosterone during the menopause transition correlates closely with decreases in lean muscle mass, bone mineral density, mental sharpness and libido.
Testosterone therapy can effectively treat these concerns. Delivery methods for women include gels/creams, subcutaneous pellets, tablets, and injections. We thoughtfully prescribe supplemental testosterone alone or alongside other hormones when indicated to help patients look and feel their best during midlife and beyond.
Nutraceuticals like black cohosh, soy isoflavones and specialized nutraceuticals may ease menopausal discomforts and support well-being during hormone changes. Acupuncture and mind-body techniques help some as well. At Butterfly Hormone Center, we endorse an integrative approach combining hormone optimization with lifestyle measures for whole patient care.
Our practitioners have specialty training in hormone therapy protocols. We provide careful medical oversight because dosage needs and effects differ greatly between individuals depending on symptoms, metabolism and risk factors. Bloodwork helps us choose the best hormones and doses for you as a unique person.
The first step is an extensive new patient exam where we learn your health history and menopause concerns, perform a physical, review lab testing, and discuss therapy goals. After synthesizing the data and forming diagnoses, we will present you with personalized options. Some basic tenets of our hormone therapy approach:
Follow-ups at regular intervals enable fine-tuning until you feel your best. We also provide phone, email and telemedicine support between visits when needed. Our model prioritizes partnership - your input steers all clinical decisions.
Once symptoms improve, the option exists to continue maintenance therapy for general health preservation or attempt a supervised wean to see if your body can produce adequate hormones again naturally. Symptom recurrence signals the need to resume treatment which you can do seamlessly under our guidance. We stand ready to collaborate with you across the stages of your menopause journey and beyond.
"Did you know that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been scientifically proven to significantly reduce troublesome menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes? CBT helps women change negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies during this transitional life stage."
Perhaps you feel frustrated with unsatisfactory medical encounters about your menopause concerns thus far. Many healthcare providers have limited training in this subspecialty – but managing menopause properly requires expertise!
Fact: Less than 20% of physicians feel fully comfortable treating menopausal patients. Why risk getting outdated or ill-informed advice about such an important phase of life?
Our practitioners keep current with the latest advancements in women’s health science through continuing education and active engagement with renowned professional societies like the North American Menopause Society (NAMS). We adhere strictly to evidence-based protocols designed specifically around menopause issues.
At Butterfly Hormone Center, your relief from discomforts is our first priority. But we also aim to monitor your long-term health, screen for potential problems early, and help you thrive through midlife. Our comprehensive mindset positions us well to oversee all aspects of perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause care in alignment with your goals.
We also understand the sensitive nature of menopause difficulties. You can speak freely to our staff without shame or embarrassment. We create an environment of empowerment, compassion and support.
We hope reviewing the basics about menopause gave you greater insight into your options for feeling better fast. But information only goes so far. The time has come to take action!
Butterfly Hormone Center provides cutting-edge diagnostics paired with specialized clinical expertise so you can resolve frustrating menopausal symptoms once and for all. Our science-backed protocols can help you regain comfort, balance and vibrancy at this pivotal life stage.
Invest in yourself and your future vitality by scheduling a new patient appointment today. Our conveniently located Stillwater office offers early morning, evening and weekend visits to accommodate busy schedules.
Or explore our telemedicine services to consult instantly with a Butterfly Hormone Center practitioner via phone or video without traveling. Either way, we are easy to access and ready to guide you toward renewed health and wellness!
