Hormone changes – most notably a reduction in estrogen production – can prompt a gradual or abrupt cessation of a woman’s menstrual cycles. Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive phase and is a natural milestone of midlife. Hormonal changes that come with Menopause can be the source of troublesome symptoms that can diminish a woman’s quality of life – and can profoundly impact a woman’s health.
Known for its life-changing symptoms like vaginal dryness, hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain and sleep problems, Menopause is something every woman must face someday, but no woman should have to confront it alone. We are here to help! Compile your list of symptoms and call One Agora at (952) 234-5898 or contact us online today.
Menopause is a naturally occurring mid-life transition out of a woman’s childbearing years. It typically has its onset between the ages of 40 and 60 – most often in your early 50s. You have technically entered Menopause when you have not menstruated for 12 months in a row, and it is defined as the stage of life when a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs and menstruation ceases.
Estrogen, estrogen, estrogen. It is when estrogen levels begin to fall that many of the telltale symptoms of Menopause emerge. Other hormones that may decline include progesterone and testosterone. These sexual hormones are the chemical messengers that play a key role as women age into midlife and transition from childbearing years into Menopause.
Menopause can also result from other causes, so it’s important to see a doctor when you experience symptoms. Some serious diseases – including cancer – can mimic the symptoms of Menopause. Other causes of Menopause can include damage to or removal of the ovaries, as well as a hysterectomy that includes removal of the ovaries. Primary ovarian insufficiency – with its low levels of hormone production – can also lead to premature Menopause.
If you are entering Menopause, you may experience a wide range of symptoms or a combination of symptoms that is unique to you. In perimenopause and menopause, common symptoms include:
There are certain health concerns that may arise because of the changes occurring in your body – particularly the reduction in estrogen. Post-menopausal women are at high risk for heart disease and osteoporosis. You should pay special attention to any evidence of bone loss (e.g., loss of height, low bone mineral density, or bone fractures) or any cardiac issues. Balancing your hormones could be helpful in preventing these diseases.
Collagen loss, hair loss or dry, brittle skin can all create cosmetic concerns during Menopause that are important to take into consideration. When it comes to symptoms, low self-esteem is just as concerning as hot flashes. Both the health concerns and concerns about changes in appearance experienced by post-menopausal women are important – and both can be addressed by a precise balancing of hormones as they shift. Addressing the issues that arise from Menopause requires a very specialized type of expertise, compassion and care.
We take your physical as well as emotional symptoms into consideration in order to create a treatment plan designed for you. As a first step, we recommend you compile a complete list of your symptoms, medical conditions and medications before your first consultation with us. The course of treating Menopause and its symptoms will vary with each individual patient.
A thorough Functional Medicine evaluation is always crucial to help us to better understand what you are experiencing – both physically and mentally. At One Agora Integrative Health, we can employ a customized variety of both conventional and alternative treatment methods.
One of the most important things we can do is to look for hormone imbalances which we can measure and then treat with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). It will be helpful to familiarize yourself with our comprehensive resources, including our articles covering:
At your first appointment, we will discuss your individualized BHRT protocol in detail, including treatment duration, possible side effects, dosing, and when you can expect to see results.
There is a myriad of changes in your body triggered by the onset of Menopause. Certain lifestyle modifications may be helpful, as well as a medical nutrition plan to optimize female hormonal balance. Herbal remedies and acupuncture may be good choices for you. Targeted vitamins, supplements or IV vitamin therapy may also be helpful.
A medical weight loss approach, together with a plan for heathy movement that is appropriate for your physical condition, could help counter the weight gain that is commonly experienced during Menopause. Certain cosmetic procedures are available that could combat the breakdown of collagen and sagging skin and wrinkles that come with Menopause. It’s important to know your options so you can choose what’s best for you.
Connecting with a team that understands the complexity of female reproductive health and changing hormones is your most important step. At One Agora, we can work together to bring freedom from the troublesome symptoms of Menopause.
Gather a list of symptoms related to Menopause and any history of your attempts to counter symptoms in the past, along with your treatment questions or special requests – and we’ll put together a customized plan to address Menopause symptoms until you are functioning at your mental, emotional and physical best again!
Begin your journey with us today into the next stage of your fabulous life. Call ☎ (952) 234-5898 or contact us online to make an appointment.
One Agora Integrative Health Clinic
9220 James Ave S.
Bloomington, MN 55431
Phone: (952) 234-5898
