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Menopausal Shift

Embrace Every Stage

The gradual decline in hormone levels after the age of 30 is a common and natural occurrence for many women. Women are born with approximately 1 to 2 million immature eggs, also known as oocytes, in their ovaries.

However, by the time they reach puberty, this number decreases to around 300,000 to 400,000 eggs. Throughout a woman's reproductive years, only a few hundred of these eggs will mature and be released during ovulation.

Pre-Menopause
Peri-Menopause
Menopause
Post-Menopause

Pre-Menopause
(Late 30's to Early 40's)

Pre-Menopause is the phase of a woman's life leading up to menopause. During this time, women typically have regular menstrual cycles and are in their reproductive years.

Hormone levels, including estrogen and progesterone, generally remain stable.

Common Conditions with Pre-Menopause

Some of the most common condition associated with Pre-menopause are:

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome):
A condition where elevated androgens may cause irregular periods and infertility.

Endometriosis
A painful disorder where the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it, often influenced by hormonal changes.

Infertility
Can be linked to various hormonal imbalances, including prolactin levels.

Irregular Periods
Often a sign of hormonal imbalances that can be assessed and managed with targeted treatments.

Are there pre-menopause symptoms?

Pre-menopause marks the period from the onset of a woman's menstrual cycle to the start of her menopausal transition. This phase often brings various symptoms due to hormonal changes leading up to and during the menstrual period. Ideally, these symptoms shouldn't disrupt daily life. If they do, it's important for women to consult their healthcare providers.

Pre-menopause Symptoms

Common physical and physiological symptoms that a woman experiences during pre-menopause.
Breast Tenderness
Acne
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Headaches
Fatigue
Mood Swings
Depression
Irritability
Lifestyle adjustments including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and effective stress management are key in navigating pre-menopause symptoms. Hormone therapy and alternative treatments can also provide relief and mitigate health concerns during this transitional period.

Treatment Intervention for Hormonal Health

Lifestyle Modification
Supplements and Nutrition
Hormone 
Therapy
Medical Prescription
Herbal 
Remedies 
Hormonal health is pivotal to overall well-being, influencing everything from metabolism to mood regulation. An effective treatment intervention for hormonal imbalances involves a multifaceted approach, tailored to individual needs and conditions.

Peri-Menopause

The Beginning of Menopause
(Mid to Late 40's)

Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, marked by fluctuating hormone levels and changes in menstrual patterns. 

During this time, women may experience varied symptoms as their bodies adjust to decreasing levels of estrogen and progesterone.

Peri-Menopause Signs and Symptoms

Hot Flashes
Sleep Disturbances
Mood Fluctuations
Irregular Periods
In perimenopause, a balanced diet rich in calcium and phytoestrogens, regular exercise for bone strength, and stress management through meditation are key.

For severe symptoms, hormone therapy and vitamins may help, while health screenings and alternative treatments like herbs and acupuncture support health and ease transition.

Treatment Intervention for Hormonal Health

Nutrition
Exercise
Stress Management
Health Screenings
Herbal 
Remedies 
In perimenopause, alternative therapies such as herbal support from black cohosh and red clover can naturally manage symptoms, while acupuncture has been shown to alleviate stress, enhance sleep quality, and lessen hot flashes.
Consistent consultations with healthcare professionals are vital for customizing these treatments, ensuring that each woman's journey through perimenopause is handled with the utmost care for her comfort and health.

Menopause

The Transition

Menopause is a natural life stage marking the end of menstrual cycles, typically occurring in the early to mid-50s. It's confirmed when a woman hasn't had a period for 12 consecutive months.

menopause pictorial representation

How will menopause affect me?

Menopause symptoms can vary widely; they might start suddenly or gradually, ranging from mild to intense. 

Less visible effects may include bone density loss leading to osteoporosis and increased risk of heart disease due to changing estrogen levels. If symptoms are bothersome, consult your doctor for treatment options.

Menopause Signs and Symptoms

Menopause can bring various symptoms due to hormonal changes, which may include:
Hot Flashes
Sleep Disturbances
Vaginal Dryness
Mood Changes
During menopause, diminished estrogen levels can reduce bone density, heightening osteoporosis
risk, and impact heart health, underscoring the importance of monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol.

Treatment Intervention for Hormonal Health

Nutrition
Exercise
Skin Care
Supplements
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and supplements like calcium and vitamin D offer relief from menopausal symptoms and support bone health, but should be pursued with medical guidance due to potential risks.

Post-Menopause 
(Mid 50's and Beyond)

Post-menopause is the stage following menopause, marking the rest of a woman's life after her periods have permanently ceased. 

The body continues to adjust to the lower levels of estrogen and other reproductive hormones, which can have long-term health implications.

post menopause pictorial representation
post menopause pictorial representation

What are the causes?

Hormonal changes cause postmenopausal symptoms as levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone naturally decrease, leading to imbalance and discomfort. 

These changes, beginning before menopause, can persist into early post-menopause. External factors can also trigger early post-menopause. For more details, see our article on post-menopause and hormones.

Post-Menopause Signs and Symptoms

People in post-menopause can feel symptoms such as:
Hot Flashes
Sleep Disturbances
Vaginal Dryness
Mood Changes
Depression
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Insomnia
Change in Sex Drive
Dry Skin icon on a transparent background
Dry Skin
In post-menopause, women face crucial health considerations such as an increased risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures due to lower estrogen levels, and heightened risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol and blood pressure.

Treatment Intervention for Hormonal Health

post menopause pictorial representation

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHT) can provide relief from menopausal symptoms and aid in maintaining bone health by using hormones that are chemically identical to those the body produces. 

However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider, as BHT carries its own set of potential risks and should be tailored to individual needs.

Dr. Linda Khoshaba is the Leading Integrative Health and Hormone Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona. She has extensive experience working in the field as a Hormone Specialist and Natural Endocrinologist.

7500 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Suite A 109
Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Mon: 8:30AM - 4:30PM
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