Menopause is one day
The Menopause Society defines menopause as your final menstrual period. It can only be confirmed looking back, once you have gone 12 months in a row without a period. When it happens on its own, the average age is 52 (The Menopause Society).
Perimenopause is the years before
The transition leading up to that last period is perimenopause, and it is often when women first notice changes. The symptoms women bring to Total Body Renewal include:
- Hot flashes
- Irritability and mood changes
- Irregular cycles
- Lower desire, or less interest in sex
- Weight that changed without a clear reason
- Fatigue
Not every symptom is hormonal, and that is the reason for testing. Thyroid problems, low iron or low vitamin D can look much the same.
What the visit looks like
A women’s health consultation at Total Body Renewal is complimentary. Dr. Wood talks through your symptoms and history, and the hormone panel — drawn in the office — looks at estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, a full thyroid panel and more.
Treatment options
Hormone replacement therapy is one of the answers Dr. Wood offers. Depending on your labs it can include estrogen, progesterone and, for some women, testosterone. The first recheck comes 8 to 12 weeks after you start, then every three months once you are steady.
The years around menopause can also weaken the pelvic floor. If leaking has started, Emsella treats it while you sit fully clothed.