Treating Menopause

Menopause typically occurs between 49 and 52 years of age. Although the end of menstruation is the prime marker of menopause, many women experience symptoms well before they stop having periods. This time is known as peri-menopause. It can occur anytime between the ages of 40 and 50 with an average onset of 47.5 years of age. Peri-menopause can last up to 8 years.

Menopause itself is often defined as having occurred when a woman has not had any menstrual bleeding for a year. It is associated with a decrease in estrogen and progesterone production by the ovaries. While every woman eventually goes through menopause and it’s entirely natural and normal, many women must deal with symptoms that can be very disconcerting. These are due to the decreasing levels of estrogen, progesterone, and even testosterone. (Contrary to what you might assume, testosterone is present in women, though in lesser amounts than in men.)

These symptoms can include hot flashes, irregular periods, depression, mood swings, irritability, fatigue, low energy, difficulty sleeping, night sweats, weight gain, difficulty focusing and concentrating, osteoporosis, decreased muscle strength, heart disease, vaginal dryness, painful sex, decreased sexual drive or libido, loss of skin elasticity, and even atrophy of genitalia. Fortunately, there is a lot we can do to minimize or alleviate these symptoms and greatly improve women’s quality of life in their middle years and beyond.