It’s completely understandable to have questions surrounding menopause as you start the transition. Although menopause is a universal experience (the average age women start menopause is 51 in the United States), there’s still a lot we don’t know about it. Part of that stems from a stigma concerning menopause and its associated symptoms such as hot flashes or night sweats, but there’s also a concern that not enough doctors are being trained to treat it, and therefore shed light on everything we need to know.
But Dr. Maria Sophocles, MD, FACOG, NCMP, a Flow Advisory Council member and board-certified OB-GYN with more than 25 years of medical experience, is changing that, sharing the questions women should be asking as they start this new phase of their lives. Whether you’re wondering about symptoms, hormones, or what exactly it means to be perimenopausal, bringing these questions to your next doctor’s visit is guaranteed to help you better navigate your changing lifestyle.
What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?
Perimenopause and menopause are both part of the same overall transition and indicate an end to women’s reproductive years. However, there is a major difference between the two. Menopause officially occurs after a woman goes 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period whereas perimenopause is the months or years leading up to menopause. Perimenopause often begins between the ages of 45 and 55 with an average duration of three to four years.
How do I know where I am in the menopause journey?
According to The Menopause Society, there is no simple test to predict or confirm menopause or perimenopause. That said, when a woman suspects she’s in perimenopause, whether through noticing changes in periods or hot flashes, it’s highly suggested to speak with a healthcare professional so they can conduct a complete medical examination. The diagnosis of perimenopause can usually be made by reviewing a woman’s medical history, her menstrual history, and her signs and symptoms.
What does hormonal imbalance mean?
A hormonal imbalance happens when you have too much or too little of one or more hormones. This can happen during menopause because your ovaries make less of hormones called estrogen and progesterone as menopause nears. It is the big drop in estrogen levels that causes most of the symptoms of menopause such as mood changes, hot flashes, irritability, etc. Talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options and natural practices such as exercise that can help balance your hormones.
What are bio-identical hormones? Are they better or safer?
The term “bioidentical” means the hormones in the product are chemically identical to those your body produces. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, the hormones marketed as “bioidentical” and “natural” aren’t safer than hormones used in traditional hormone therapy. There’s also no evidence that they’re any more effective. Today, there are several hormone therapy products approved by the FDA and prescribed by doctors that contain bioidentical hormones.
Can I use hormones if I have a family history of breast cancer?
Everyone is different, however, it is estimated that only about 10% of the breast cancers that are diagnosed every year have a genetic or familial cause. That being said, women with a family history of breast cancer should discuss it with their doctor if they are considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve menopause symptoms.
Is weight gain related to menopause?
Menopause weight gain is common due to the hormonal changes of menopause that make it more likely that women will gain weight around the abdomen, rather than the hips and thighs, according to Mayo Clinic. However, hormonal changes alone don’t necessarily cause weight gain, meaning that you can minimize it by paying attention to healthy eating habits and leading an active lifestyle.
Does menopause cause joint pain?
Osteoporosis, a multifactorial systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mineral density resulting in bone fragility, is one of many health concerns for midlife women as menopause significantly speeds up bone loss due to low estrogen. The best way to get ahead of this disease and associated joint pain is to exercise daily, limit alcohol consumption, and eat foods that support bone health such as leafy green vegetables, fish, and grains.