Menopause Treatment in Raleigh, North Carolina
As you approach menopause, your body undergoes significant hormonal changes, often leading to disruptive symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and irritability.
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At FoundationMED in Raleigh, North Carolina, we offer comprehensive menopause treatment plans, including customized bioidentical hormone therapy, to restore your hormonal balance and overall well-being.
Understanding Menopause
In the United States, more than 45 million women are in some stage of menopause, with approximately 4 million more experiencing symptoms each year. Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of ovarian function, leading to a decline in estrogen and progesterone production. A woman is considered to have reached menopause after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
Perimenopause, the transitional period leading up to menopause, can begin as early as 15 years before menopause officially occurs. The drop in hormone levels during this time can cause a variety of symptoms, making menopause therapy an essential consideration for many women.
Symptoms of Menopause
Menopaue symptoms can vary in severity, impacting daily life and overall health. Common symptoms include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Weight gain and bloating
- Muscle mass loss
- Libido loss and sexual discomfort
- Depression and anxiety
- Irritability and mood swings
- Fatigue and lack of stamina
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
- Hair thinning or loss
Declining hormone levels also increase the risk of conditions such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline.
Menopause Diagnosis
Diagnosing menopause typically involves evaluating symptoms and medical history. In some cases, blood tests measuring hormone levels, including estrogen, progesterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), can confirm menopause. Our specialists at FoundationMED conduct comprehensive hormone assessments to develop personalized menopause therapy plans.
Menopause Treatment Options
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) is a natural treatment option designed to restore hormone balance. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to those produced by the body, reducing risks associated with traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Benefits of BHRT include:
- Reduction of hot flashes and night sweats
- Improved libido and vaginal health
- Increased muscle mass and bone density
- Enhanced mood, focus, and memory
- Lower risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease
Our specialists tailor BHRT to each patient, considering metabolic functions, detoxification efficiency, and environmental factors to ensure optimal results.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
In addition to hormone therapy, certain lifestyle adjustments can help manage menopause symptoms effectively:
- Balanced Diet: Consuming foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phytoestrogens can support bone health and hormone balance.
- Regular Exercise: Strength training and cardiovascular activities help maintain muscle mass, bone density, and emotional well-being.
- Stress Management: Mindfulness, yoga, and deep breathing techniques can alleviate anxiety and improve sleep quality.
- Adequate Sleep: Establishing a consistent sleep routine and limiting caffeine intake can enhance restfulness.
Preparing for Your Appointment
If you are experiencing menopause symptoms, scheduling an evaluation with a qualified specialist is the first step toward effective treatment. Before your appointment, consider keeping a symptom diary and noting any changes in menstrual patterns, mood, and sleep disturbances.
During your consultation, our doctors will assess your medical history, conduct necessary tests, and develop a customized menopause therapy plan that aligns with your needs and health goals.
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What Our have To Patients Say
FoundationMED always appreciates feedback from our valued patients. We’re thrilled to have an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Please read what others are saying about us below, and as always, we would love to collect your feedback.
BOOK APPOINTMENT“I was fortunate to have participated in a group coaching program with Sharon Fowler. The overall experience was enjoyable and insightful. I loved the group chats and individual assessments and learned a lot about vision and goal setting as well as making habit changes.”
“I was fortunate to have participated in a group coaching program with Sharon Fowler. The overall experience was enjoyable and insightful. I loved the group chats and individual assessments and learned a lot about vision and goal setting as well as making habit changes.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Menopause symptoms typically last between four to eight years. However, some women may experience symptoms for a shorter or longer duration, depending on individual health factors and treatment approaches.
Menopause usually begins between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being 51 in the United States. Perimenopause, the transition leading to menopause, can start in a woman’s late 30s or early 40s.
Postmenopausal bleeding is not always a sign of cancer, but it should always be evaluated by a doctor. Causes can include hormone therapy, vaginal atrophy, polyps, or, in some cases, uterine cancer.
Men do not experience menopause in the same way women do, but they can undergo a gradual decline in testosterone levels, known as andropause. Symptoms may include fatigue, mood changes, and decreased libido.
Menopause is considered complete when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. At this point, estrogen and progesterone levels stabilize at lower levels.
Once menopause is confirmed, natural pregnancy is no longer possible. However, women in perimenopause may still ovulate sporadically and should consider contraception until menopause is officially diagnosed.
