Peri-Menopause (Mid to Late 40's)

Menopause (Late 40's to Early 50's)

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Which Hormones Do I Test For If I Am Peri-Menopausal or Menopausal?

Due to the fact that peri-menopause and menopause affect the production of all sex hormones TestMyHormones.com recommends the following tests.

Basic Peri-Menopause/Menopause Saliva Hormone Test (Click To Buy) -Measures the main sex hormones Estradiol and Progesterone.  The cost of the kit is $60 and includes and explanation of your results and a recommendation for therapy by our hormone specialist.

Advanced Peri-Menopause/Menopause Saliva Hormone Test (Click To Buy) -Measures all of the sex hormones (Estradiol, Progesterone, DHEA, Testosterone, and Cortisol) and is the most comprehensive and recommended test available for peri-menopausal/menopausal patients.  The cost of the kit is $150 and includes and explanation of your results and a recommendation for therapy by our hormone specialist.

What is Menopause?

Menopause is defined the point in time which a woman has not experienced a menstrual cycle in 12 months due to natural causes.

 How can you tell women are in her menopause?

Since there are many factors that can effect the menstrual period such as, pregnancy, medication, and other health conditions, physicians cannot determine if menopause has truly occurred till a woman does not have her period for a year.  Lab levels such as a high FSH level can be an indicator that menopause is near or has occurred.

 What is Peri-menopause?

Perimenopause happens before menopause, it is considered a transition into menopause.

 What are some symptoms of menopause/perimenopause?

The severity of the symptoms can be different from women to women. Here is a list of of possible symptoms, however the list is not conclusive:  

·Hot flashes

·Depression

·Sleep disturbances

·Increase abdominal fat

·Night sweats

·Irregular menstrual flow

·Mood swings

·Vaginal dryness

·Decrease libido

·Changes in bleeding pattern

·Muscle pain

Are the symptoms related to hormonal changes?

Yes, the symptoms are related to hormonal changes during perimenopause. During a woman’s reproductive age, the hypothalamus (it is located in our brain) releases a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH stimulates the pituitary gland (it is located at the base of the brain) to produce luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Both LH and FSH can stimulate maturation of follicles and release of eggs. Wiith the maturation of follicles that occur each month, there is an increase in production of estrogen and progesterone. Both estrogen and progesterone can increase the thickness of the uterine lining which is important for fertilization. If fertilization does not occur, the uterine lining will be shed off and menstrual flow will start. However as women ages, her ovaries begin to shrink which can increase rate of follicle disappearance. Ultimately, age related changes to the ovaries will result in hormonal fluctuations.

 How about vaginal dryness?

Vaginal dryness is related to the hormone, estrogen. As woman ages, the level of estrogen production decreases, this can lead to vaginal dryness and decreased mucus production. As a result, some women will experience painful intercourse.

 Can I get pregnant during Peri-Menopause?

The answer is yes. It is because during perimenopause, the ovaries are still releasing follicles and eggs. However, it should be noted that the pattern of menstrual cycle is irregular and therefore it may be more difficult for a woman to detect if she is pregnant. It is recommended that those who do not wish to become pregnant to continue to use contraception at this time. 

Is there anything I can do to alleviate the symptoms?

Symptoms

Recommendations

Hot flashes
  • Dressing in layers
  • Bio-Identical (Natural) Hormone Replacement (Estrogens, Progesterone, & Testosterone)
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine and spicy food
  • Sleeping in a cool room
  • Drinking a cold water when you feel the hot flash is coming

Painful intercourse
  • Use water-based lubricant
  • Estriol Vaginal Cream

Loss of libido
  • Practice intimacy
  • Testosterone Supplementation
  • Talk to your partner

 What other types of medical condition one should pay attention to after menopause?

Osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease

 What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is defined as a loss in bony tissue resulting in bones that are brittle and liable to fracture.

 How does it happen?

Bones are continually breaking down and building up. As we age, the rate of break down is faster than the rate of build up. As a result, bone density will decrease and some bones can become too weak to support the whole body.

 Is there any way women can prevent osteoporosis?

·Get calcium and vitamin D supplements

·Increase the consumption of calcium rich foods

·Have a bone scan performed

·Engage in regular weight bearing exercise

 What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular diseases involve the heart and blood vessel in our body.It includes high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), heart attacks, strokes and atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of arteries).

 How should we deal with these problems?

  • Do not smoke
  • Follow a diet with high fiber, vitamin, and unsaturated fatty acids
  • Choose low-fat foods
  • Exercise

If you drink, drink moderately

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