Menopause treatment Fair Haven, NJ - Hormone Harmony Clinic

Understanding Menopause

Menopause is a natural transition in a woman's life when her period stops permanently and she no longer can become pregnant naturally. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause.

Symptoms

Many women experience symptoms from hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause. Common symptoms include:

• Hot flashes - sudden sensations of heat in the upper body
• Night sweats - episodes of excessive sweating at night
• Vaginal dryness
• Changes in mood, like irritability or depression
• Problems with memory and concentration
• Insomnia
• Heart palpitations

Causes

Menopause occurs when a woman's ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This happens naturally as women age, usually in their late 40s or early 50s. In the U.S., the average age for menopause is 51.

Health Risks

The hormone changes of menopause can lead to some health risks, like:

• Osteoporosis - bone loss that increases risk for fractures
• Heart disease - lower estrogen is linked with higher cholesterol and plaque buildup

Managing symptoms and getting health screenings can help minimize risks during this transition.

Hormone Therapy Options

Hormone therapy can help relieve uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. The main types are:

Estrogen Therapy

• Taken as a skin patch, cream/gel, spray, tablet, or vaginal product like a ring or tablet
• Helps relieve hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness
• Should not be used long-term by women with a uterus due to cancer risks

Progestin Therapy

• Usually combined with estrogen for women with a uterus
• Progestin protects the uterus from developing cancer
• Can be taken as a pill, injection, implant, or intrauterine device

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

• Hormones structurally identical to those made naturally by the body
• Custom-compounded based on a woman's hormone levels
• Claims to have fewer risks than conventional hormones

Talk to your menopause specialist about what option may be best for your situation.

Lifestyle Changes

Making healthy lifestyle choices can also help manage menopausal symptoms:

Diet and Exercise

• Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains
• Choose lean protein sources like fish, beans, low-fat dairy
• Avoid processed foods high in fat, salt, and sugar
• Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days

Stress Management

• Techniques like meditation, yoga, deep breathing
• Get enough sleep and rest
• Make time for relaxing activities you enjoy

Not Smoking

• Smoking can worsen hot flashes and health problems
• Quitting improves symptoms as well as long-term health

Developing healthy habits can make a big difference during menopause.

Diagnosis and Testing

Accurately diagnosing menopause ensures appropriate treatment. Diagnostic tests may include:

Symptom Evaluation

• Tracking symptoms in a journal for your doctor
• Questionnaires about frequency/severity of symptoms

Hormone Level Tests

• Blood tests measuring hormones like follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Helps confirm menopause diagnosis

Bone Density Test

• Low estrogen increases osteoporosis risk
• Bone density scan assesses bone health

Test results help customize the right hormone therapy or other treatment approach.

Hormone Harmony Clinic Menopause Clinic

The Hormone Harmony Clinic specializes in caring for women through perimenopause and menopause. Our menopause experts provide personalized care including:

Hormone Therapy

• Bioidentical hormones custom-compounded
• Conventional FDA-approved hormones
• Vaginal estrogen products for symptom relief

Symptom Management

• Lifestyle counseling for hot flash relief
• Prescriptions to improve sleep, mood changes

Close Monitoring

• Follow-up visits to assess treatment efficacy
• Dose adjustments as needed

We understand this important transition and help women optimize their health during menopause. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

The Benefits of Seeking Treatment

Seeking proper treatment for menopause can provide many benefits:

Symptom Relief

Getting appropriate treatment relieves troublesome symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness so women can sleep and function better.

Health Protection

Managing the hormone changes helps prevent problems like osteoporosis and heart disease that increase health risks as women age.

Improved Quality of Life

Effectively treated women report higher satisfaction with their personal and sexual relationships and an overall improvement in quality of life.

Peace of Mind

Working with a knowledgeable menopause doctor gives confidence in managing this transition and continuing good health beyond menopause.

Don't struggle with menopause alone - seek professional care for the best results.