Menopause
Menopause, defined as no menses for 12 consecutive months, occurs in the U.S. at an average age of 51. Because the ovaries are producing lower hormone levels, many women experience unwanted physical and psychological changes. The word comes from the Greek language;’menos’ meaning month and ‘pause’ meaning to cease. It is defined as no menses for 12 consecutive months. Menopause is not a disease and is a natural biologic process. With increasing life expectancy many women will spend up to 40% of their lives postmenopausal.
Early menopause can continue for up to eight years from the last menstrual cycle due to the decrease in estradiol and the increase in FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). 60-80% of women experience symptoms during this time. In general women who begin having vasomotor symptoms early in the transition have them the longest. Women are born with a finite number of eggs (1-2 million) within their ovaries that decline over a woman’s lifetime. The loss of eggs through ovulation and degeneration characterize reproductive aging.
When this happens the ovaries produce lower levels of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Because of this decline, many women will experience unwanted changes in their physical and psychological state of wellbeing. Examples include vasomotor symptoms, sleep and mood disturbances, cognition impairment, skin, hair and vulvovaginal changes as well as weight gain and sexual function disturbances. Some women may experience an increase in migraines, headaches, and musculoskeletal pain.
Along with these changes, some diseases are more prevalent, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, thyroid imbalance, central obesity, depression, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Within ten years of menopause, estrogen therapy is safe to use and relieves symptoms. Estrogen therapy can also prevent chronic disease such as dementia, coronary artery disease and bone loss. The goal is not to replace the level of estrogen to the level of the reproductive years, but to take enough to restore a woman to well-being. If a woman still has a uterus she needs to take progesterone to prevent cancer of the uterus. In terms of increasing the incidence of breast cancer the Woman’s Health Initiative in 2002 did show a slight increase with women treated with a combination of estrogen and progesterone. This increase was not demonstrated with women who only took estrogen. The recommendation is to individualize treatment based on a woman’s health and family history.
It is essential that a woman during perimenopause, early and late menopause have a qualified team of physicians and nurse practitioners to guide her deftly through these phases of life’s transitions.
Through Zen Medical Care you will receive a detailed, mutually-agreed upon treatment plan. Helpful resources about nutrition, bodywork, exercise, meditation and spiritual programs are provided. This is your chance to change, develop, grow, improve health, and shine from midlife and beyond.
Glowing Testimonials
“From the very first moment I walked into her office, I knew I’d made the right decision. I could instantly tell that Dr. Enzenbacher is a distinguished expert in women’s menopausal issues as she offered guidance and resources on everything discussed. I had long been suffering from hot flashes and night sweats, sleep deprivation, anxiety and embarrassment. Not only did she help relieve me of these issues, but she also made me feel included in my health journey along the way. Without her care and expertise I would not have been able to feel back to my normal self again.”
Irene H., Patient | Read More →
Dr. Enzenbacher is a Certified North American Menopause Society Menopausal Expert
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