Menopause occurs at the end of woman’s reproductive years, and is marked by her last menstruation, (menstrual cycle, or period). The onset of menopause referred to as perimenopause (menopause transition) usually begins around ages of 45 to 55. During this time, a woman’s menstrual cycle becomes less frequent and she begins to experience symptoms such as:At this time in a woman’s life, her ovaries begin to shut down, they stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which cause a woman to be infertile. The average age of menopause is 50, although premature menopause can be brought on by removal of the ovaries, cancer treatments, and early menopause, which is a condition known as premature ovarian failure.
If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms your doctor can order the following tests, as certain symptoms of menopause maybe masking other conditions:
Hormone therapies (HT) are the common methods for relief of menopausal symptoms and for preventing osteoporosis. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of HT with you and develop a plan customized for you. The two basic HT therapies are:
Estrogen only therapy (ET),this type of therapy offers the most relief, but is only prescribed to women who have undergone a hysterectomy.
Estrogen plus progestogen therapy (EPT), this is when the hormone progestogen is added to ET to protect women with a uterus against endometrial cancer from estrogen alone.
Our Diabetes and Endocrinology Center recognizes that each patient has own her unique experience, and tailors every patient's treatment to suit her needs and lifestyle.