Introduction to Menopause and Hormone Changes

Menopause is a natural transition that all women experience as they age. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years and is defined as the permanent cessation of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months. This major life change is the result of waning hormone production in the ovaries, primarily the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

The lead-up to menopause is called perimenopause and can begin 8-10 years before menopause officially occurs. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate leading to various symptoms. Once a woman has reached 12 months without a period, postmenopause begins.

The average age for menopause in the U.S. is 51, but it can occur anywhere from 40-58. Genetics and lifestyle factors play a role in when this transition happens.

Menopause affects every aspect of a woman's health and wellbeing. The hormonal changes that happen during this time can lead to uncomfortable symptoms affecting mental, physical and emotional health. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort
• Mood changes like anxiety, irritability or depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Loss of breast fullness
• Thinning hair and dry skin

Furthermore, the declining estrogen levels lead to an increased risk for certain health conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease.

Luckily, hormone therapy can help alleviate many of the symptoms of menopause and also protect long-term health.

Benefits of Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy during menopause involves replacing the hormones that the body is no longer making through medications like estrogen, progesterone or testosterone.

There are several benefits of hormone therapy for women going through menopause:

• Relieves hot flashes and night sweats - Estrogen is excellent at reducing the severity and frequency of these very common menopausal symptoms. Many women find great relief within a few weeks of starting treatment.
• Protects bone health - Estrogen helps maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis. Women who take estrogen within 5 years of menopause have fewer hip and spinal fractures.
• Reduces vaginal dryness - Topical vaginal estrogen improves elasticity and moisture in vaginal tissues. This leads to less discomfort, pain or itching during sex.
• Decreases risk of colon cancer - Women who take estrogen plus progesterone have been shown to have a 30-40% lower risk of developing colon cancer.
• May improve cholesterol levels - Estrogen can raise HDL ("good" cholesterol) and lower LDL ("bad" cholesterol), reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
• Helps mood, memory and sleep - Estrogen deficiency is linked to mood changes, trouble concentrating, memory problems and insomnia. Hormone therapy can stabilize mood, thinking skills and sleep patterns.
• Relieves urinary symptoms - Estrogen keeps tissues in the urethra and bladder healthy, reducing urgency, frequency and infections.

The benefits of hormone therapy are significant, leading to an improved quality of life for many women during menopause and beyond. The key is starting at the right time and finding the optimal hormone regimen tailored to your needs.

Menopause Treatment and Protocols at Hormone Harmony Clinic

Here at Hormone Harmony Clinic in Shreveport, we specialize in individualized hormone therapy programs to treat menopause. Our clinic is led by Dr. Jane Doe, a board-certified endocrinologist with over 15 years of experience caring for women during this transition.

We perform comprehensive lab testing to evaluate your hormone levels and also consider your symptoms, health history and goals. From there, we work together to create a customized hormone regimen to help you feel your best.

Some key features of our menopause treatment protocols include:

• Bioidentical hormones - We use bioidentical estrogen and progesterone which are molecularly identical to the hormones made in the body. This leads to excellent symptom relief with fewer side effects.
• Multiple delivery methods - Hormones can be taken as pills, patches, gels, creams, vaginal inserts, pellets or injections based on your needs and preferences.
• Continuous monitoring - Our doctors analyze your hormone levels and symptoms every 3-6 months to adjust dosing if needed. This ensures optimal therapeutic effects.
• Nutrition and lifestyle guidance - We provide evidence-based recommendations on diet, exercise, stress management and supplements to support treatment.
• A team approach - Our nurses, nutritionists and mental health experts work closely with our endocrinologists to address all aspects of women's health during menopause.

We understand the life changes associated with menopause and want to provide compassionate care. Our goal is for patients to feel healthy, confident and empowered during this transition.

When to Seek Treatment for Menopausal Symptoms

If you are experiencing moderate to severe menopause symptoms, it is a good idea to consider hormone therapy. The sooner you start treatment after your final menstrual period, the greater benefits you will likely experience.

Symptoms that warrant an evaluation for hormone therapy include:

• Hot flashes and/or night sweats that disrupt sleep
• Vaginal dryness leading to painful intercourse
• New onset of mood changes like anxiety or irritability
• Trouble with focus, memory and concentration
• Persistent exhaustion, muscle/joint pains or other vasomotor symptoms

Additionally, all women should have a baseline bone density scan done at age 65 to check for osteoporosis. If bone loss is detected, hormone therapy is usually recommended.

Routine screening blood work can also identify hormone imbalances before major symptoms develop. Our endocrinologists recommend getting reproductive hormone levels tested annually during perimenopause.

We suggest making an appointment for a menopause consultation if:

• You are peri/postmenopausal with moderate to severe symptoms
• You were diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis
• Your lab results show declining estrogen/progesterone levels
• You have a family history of early menopause or heart disease
• You want to discuss pros/cons of hormone therapy

Finding the Right Hormone Therapy in Shreveport

The process of evaluating menopausal hormone changes and deciding on treatment can feel overwhelming for many women. At Hormone Harmony Clinic, we strive to provide exceptional, individualized care to women in the Shreveport area navigating this transition.

Here are a few tips on finding the right hormone therapy provider:

• Look for an endocrinologist or gynecologist that specializes in menopause management. They will be up to date on the latest research and treatment options.
• Confirm they use bioidentical hormones which mimic what the body naturally produces.
• Ask about testing - hormone levels, bone density, cholesterol and other labs should be done to inform treatment.
• Make sure they will collaborate with your other doctors like primary care, cardiologists, etc. to ensure a coordinated approach.
• Look for a provider that incorporates a holistic approach beyond just medications, including nutrition, fitness, mental health support, etc.
• Find out how often they monitor and adjust hormone dosing. Hormone needs change so ongoing fine-tuning is key.
• Choose a clinic where you feel heard, understood and respected. Addressing menopause requires an open, caring relationship with your provider.

We are proud to provide exceptional menopause care right here in Shreveport and look forward to helping women in our community navigate this transition. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a hormone consultation.

Tips for Managing Menopause Symptoms in Shreveport

Menopause symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and mood changes can disrupt day-to-day life. While hormone therapy is the most effective treatment, making certain lifestyle adjustments can also help women find relief during this transition.

Here are some tips for managing menopausal symptoms naturally while living in Shreveport's humid, subtropical climate:

• Stay hydrated and drink at least 64oz of water daily to cool hot flashes. Our humidity means extra sweating!
• Layer clothing so items can be shedded when hot flashes strike. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are best.
• Lower room temperatures at home and work if possible. Keep a fan or cooling neck wrap handy.
• Avoid triggers like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods and stress which can worsen hot flashes and insomnia.
• Take a walk outdoors in the early mornings or evenings when temperatures are cooler. Exposure to nature boosts mood too.
• Consider joining the YMCA or other local gyms which are air conditioned year-round when exercising.
• Practice meditation, yoga and deep breathing which are proven to reduce menopause symptoms like anxiety, irritability and racing thoughts. Local studios like The Breathing Room specialize in these techniques.
• Don't overlook vaginal dryness and discomfort. Use lubricants or topical estrogen to improve intimate relations.
• Connect with other women going through menopause by joining a menopause support group. Shared experiences help!

While Shreveport's long, humid summers can add challenges, taking proactive steps to stay cool, hydrated and relaxed alongside hormone therapy will help you thrive during menopause.