Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy
Menopause is one of the most dreaded words in the English language for women. The word is typically used as a derogatory term to describe women who are past their prime, yet nothing could be further from the truth.
Perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause are natural stages in the female reproductive cycle and are not associated with any decline in productivity or ability to enjoy life to the fullest.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, which means women stop ovulating and haven’t had their monthly period for at least 12 consecutive months, and can no longer become pregnant naturally.
Menopause can start as early as the mid to late 40s, but the average age in the United States is 52.
Stages of Menopause
Reaching menopause is a gradual process. As you age, your reproductive cycle starts slowing down. There are three stages to menopause:
Perimenopause: This is the early stage which typically starts eight to ten years before menopause happens.
Menopause: As mentioned before, this is when you stopped having your period for a minimum of twelve consecutive months.
Postmenopause: As its name suggests, this is the stage after menopause
What Causes Menopause?
As your reproductive cycle starts to wind down, your ovaries decrease their production of a hormone called estrogen.
When estrogen levels decrease, your menstrual cycle or period begins to change, becoming irregular and eventually stopping.
Menopause Symptoms
A decrease in female hormone levels also brings about other physical changes, which can be rather uncomfortable and disruptive.
Common menopause symptoms include:
- Hot flashes or flushes
- Vaginal dryness
- trouble sleeping
- Behavioral changes including anxiousness, mood swings, irritability
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Reduced libido, or sex drive
- Dry skin, mouth, and eyes
- Headaches
- Memory problems
- Decrease in muscle mass
- Painful or stiff joints
- Thinning hair and hair loss
- Reduced bone mass (Osteoporosis)
Hormone Replacement Therapy in The Treatment of Menopause
Menopause is a natural transition and not a health problem. However, because low hormone levels are involved, there are ways to counteract its effects.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has proven to be an excellent ally in rebalancing hormone levels during menopause.
Rejuvenation Laser Med Spa and Weight Loss offers the best BHRT solution to help you live your best life. BioTE® uses bioidentical hormones that have the same chemical structure as the hormones your body produces naturally. Because of this, your body has no problems absorbing and using the hormones when needed.
BioTE® uses small pellets inserted under the skin, which delivers a steady stream of hormones according to your body’s needs. This time-release function works similarly to how our bodies produce and distribute hormones, therefore, lowering the risk of adverse side effects.
The pellets can last anywhere from three to six months, with most women needing to replace them every four months.
The placement of the pellets only takes a few minutes; it involves minimal discomfort and doesn’t require any downtime.
