What is Menopause?


Menopause is the stage in a woman’s life when her menstrual periods stop.  This is a gradual process of decreasing levels of many hormones not just estradiol and progesterone, but Pregnenolone, DHEA, testosterone, Growth hormone, Melatonin, Serotonin and often thyroid hormones. Menopause is a syndrome of multiple hormonal changes eventually leading to the cessation of a woman’s menstrual cycle in addition to a number of well documented bodily changes. 


Menopause is also an increase in hormones...


While most hormones are decreasing, two hormones may increase during the menopausal years, namely Cortisol and Insulin leading to an increase in abdominal fat and the slow disappearance of the waistline. These hormones not only are responsible for  the weight gain but contribute to a number of important metabolic changes seen in menopause .

 

What are the symptoms?

 

  • Hot Flashes
  • Night Sweats
  • Irregular Periods
  • Loss of Libido
  • Vaginal Dryness
  • Mood Swings
  • Fatigue
  • Hair Loss
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Memory Lapses
  • Dizziness
  • Weight Gain
  • Incontinence
  • Bloating
  • Brittle Nails
  • Changes in Odor
  • Irregular Heartbeat
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Panic Disorder
  • Breast pain
  • Headaches
  • Joint Pain
  • Burning Tongue
  • Electric Shocks
  • Digestive Problems
  • Gum Problems
  • Muscle Tension
  • Itchy Skin
  • Tingling Extremities
  • Osteoporosis

Most women are familiar with some of the symptoms associated with this period of life, namely the hot flashes, sleep disturbance, foggy brain, and depression.  I recently had a new patient who was 60 years old when she first visited me.   She came to see me for  reasons other  than “hormone problems” because she was already “through with menopause.”  She did not suffer hot flashes or even sleep disturbances anymore.  It was surprising to her how her body had changed with an increase in fat even though her weight was the same.  She noticed she was much more intolerant, and had little patience for many situations.  Her skin was thin and dry and sexual pleasure was a thing of the past.  Even more surprising was the gradual increase in blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose intolerance.  The decline in her bone density was rapid and she suffered from embarrassing moments of not being able to hold her urine.  Small vertical lines were now noticeable on her upper lip and the pigment of her skin had changed.  Her once lustrous hair was now dry and damaged.  She even needed a nap in the afternoon.

 

You never get through menopause, but you reach a new balance in the body not conducive to good health.  All these hormones are important.  We all have a choice in how we want to age. To age with good health, living a vibrant passionate life, a balanced endocrine system is an essential piece of the puzzle. 


The job of your physician during perimenopause and menopause is to identify which hormones are contributing to your symptoms, changing your program as you continue to change. Your Antiaging doctor can assist you in knowing the proper nutrients to take, and recommending dietary and lifestyle changes. The transition to menopause is a time to reassess your health.

Partnering with a physician that understands the big picture can assist you in the realization of your health goals.