As your menstrual cycles become irregular and eventually disappear, hormonal fluctuations can take a huge toll on your body and mind. The average age of menopause in the United States is about 51 years old. Typically, at least three years prior to menopause (total cessation of menstruation) menses become irregular and estrogen and progesterone levels can take huge swings. These changes often result in hot flashes that can be embarrassing, night sweats that can keep you up much of the night, mood changes that can affect you and your important relationships, as well as other less obvious changes, such as slowing of your metabolism and weakening of your bones. It is human nature to look for an easy fix. We all want to take that magic pill that will keep us young and feeling great. Pharmaceutical companies attempt to fuel this need by creating drugs (in this case, hormones) that make us feel good quickly. Unfortunately, the quick fix is not usually a good long-term solution. Hormone therapy (including bioidentical hormones) will make you feel good while you take them, but the symptoms usually return when you stop therapy and risks can be life-threatening (stroke, heart attack, breast cancer). As a practicing gynecologist, I am able to guide most of my patients to relieve their own bothersome menopausal symptoms with a system that avoids dangerous drugs (Hormone Therapy – HRT) and incorporates a lifestyle that will create health and longevity.
The keys to countering the symptoms and effects of menopause include making dietary changes, getting regular exercise, practicing yoga and ingestion of natural herbal products. Making these lifestyle choices is not easy, but it is the way to look and feel your best naturally!