The end of a reproductive life in women can be disturbing for some women. However, menopause doesn’t necessarily have to be a dreaded curse of aging during which we can look forward only to hot flashes and hormonal mood swings. Menopause paradoxically often marks the beginning of a woman’s most passionate, creatively inspired, and professionally productive phase of life. A woman’s lifestyle, emotions, and beliefs are affected by menopause. With the right diet, attitude, and perhaps some supplements along the way, women can actually look forward to a resurgence of energy and a revolutionary opportunity for personal growth.
Women in their post-menopausal years sometimes complain of dryness in their vagina, skin and sometimes even a lowering of the pitch of voice. The dryness in the vagina could result in dyspareunia or pain on intercourse. The spine gets curved from wedge compression fractures.
Many women in menopause face issues such as changes in the brain, affecting memory, learning & emotions. We also need to discuss preventive long-term health of breasts, bones, and heart: and whether you should you be on hormones. Some women put on more weight because of metabolism shifts. Psychologically, some women have difficulty navigating the challenges of “the empty nest” and midlife marriage.
At the OPAL Medical Clinic, we hope to integrate our screening process to include advice on exercise and nutrition to counter the weight gain that so frequently plagues post-menopausal women. Our screening can include measurements of estrogen metabolism, gonadotrophins, bone density, heart integrity and cognitive screening. Hormones that we can measure include DHEAS, testosterone, progesterone, estradiol, estriol, estrone etc. Menopause and the aging process affect all these components. We also work with compounding pharmacists to prepare bioidentical hormones, progesterone cream, herbs, soy products etc. We correlate symptoms with levels of your hormones and customize replacement.