Menopause Specialist

What is menopause?

Menopause is the point at which you haven’t menstruated for 12 consecutive months, signaling the end of your reproductive years. The average age of menopause in American women is 51. 

Although there are some great things about menopause, including the end of worrying about birth control, several difficult symptoms typically occur on the road to menopause. 

Fortunately, menopause management can ease your symptoms and make your transition a comfortable one. 

When do I need to start menopause management?

Menopause management should start during perimenopause, the period before menopause. During this time, your hormone levels fluctuate. 

Perimenopause typically begins in your 40s but can start as early as your mid-to-late 30s. Typically, perimenopause starts around 8-10 years before menopause. 

As soon as you start having possible symptoms of perimenopause, reach out to Dr. Cardenas to learn how to balance your hormones and relieve your symptoms.

What are the symptoms of perimenopause?

When you start perimenopause, you may have erratic periods. You could skip a month or two before having regular menstruation again for many months. Every woman’s menstrual cycle is different, but most women have perimenopause symptoms such as:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Sleep problems
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Brain fog
• Reduced libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Weight gain

In addition to the physical symptoms, you can also have new health problems, such as osteoporosis and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. 

How does menopause management work? 

Dr. Cardenas customizes menopause management for you. Management options may include:

Lifestyle changes

Dr. Cardenas might recommend simple changes, such as wearing layers of clothing to prepare for hot flashes, exercising regularly, and placing moisture-wicking sheets on your bed. 

Hormone replacement therapy

For many women, hormone replacement therapy is a vital part of menopause management. Dr. Cardenas recommends bioidentical hormones because they’re plant-sourced duplicates of your natural hormones. 

Several forms of bioidentical hormones are available, including patches, creams, and BioTE® pellet therapy. With pellet therapy, Dr. Cardenas inserts tiny hormone pellets under your skin that slowly release the hormones you need for symptom relief. You typically need pellet replacement just three times a year.

Weight support

If you’re struggling with your weight since starting perimenopause, Dr. Cardenas offers weight loss support, including a ketogenic diet, pharmaceutical-grade nutritional supplements, and weight loss medications to help you safely return to a healthy weight.

Learn more about how menopause management can help you feel like yourself again. Call Carlos Cardenas, MD, or schedule an appointment today.