Menopause

Menopause is a term for the natural cessation of menstrual bleeding, which occurs in women on average in their early 50s due to the depletion of the egg supply in the ovaries. However, women can go through menopause as early as age 35 or as late as age 57. Perimenopause precedes menopause and can occur 8-15 years earlier, marking the start of the transition into menopause. This transition often produces symptoms that can include weight gain, mood fluctuations, fatigue, and decreased libido, among others. Such changes may or may not be accompanied by sweating or hot flashes. During this time, menstrual cycles become much more irregular. Many of these symptoms resolve within 6-8 months after menstruation ceases, however, 40% of women experience symptoms throughout their lifetime.

The end result of these changes is a decrease in production of the body’s primary estrogen. Concurrent with or sometime after menopause, testosterone production begins to decrease, which can further the previously mentioned symptoms. This is generally treated by the addition of molecular testosterone.

There are many treatments available to women that can eliminate or lessen the severity of symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause. They range from medications focused on maintaining bone stability and preventing osteoporosis, some of which may control hot flashes, to customized hormonal therapy. Other treatments include psychoactive agents; lifestyle modifications such as exercise and avoiding smoking, alcohol, and excessive caffeine; and relaxation therapy.