What is menopause?
As the ovaries gradually reduce estrogen & progesterone production in the ovaries, hormone fluctuations can cause a whirlwind of symptoms from hot flashes to brain fog, and new or worsening depression. Integrative medicine has many options to help women manage the many symptoms, including diet and lifestyle changes, bioidentical hormone therapy, herbs & supplements, Eastern medicine, and others. For some women, hormonal shifts can begin as early as the late 30s, and continue for up to ten years.
Common menopause symptoms that may begin during perimenopause and worsen as menopause progresses:
- Hot Flashes
- Missed or irregular periods
- Painful or tender breasts
- Brain fog
- Weight gain
- Vaginal dryness
- Excess urination
- New or worsening depression
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Low libido
- Acne
- Hair loss
- Joint pain
Don’t suffer another day with troublesome hormone symptoms — contact a patient care coordinator now!
The Integrative Medicine Approach to Menopause
With the right approach, you and your functional medicine provider can alleviate many of the symptoms associated with hormone fluctuations during menopause. With the support of an integrative team at CentreSpringMD, you can expect:
Personalized Care:
Integrative practitioners take a personalized approach, considering an individual's unique hormone balance, genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Treatment plans are tailored accordingly.
Comprehensive Testing:
Integrative medicine employs a wide range of tests, including hormone panels, thyroid function tests, adrenal function assessments, gut & liver function tests, and nutrient deficiency screenings. This thorough evaluation helps identify the root causes of menopausal symptoms.
Hormone Balancing:
Rather than relying solely on synthetic HRT, integrative medicine explores holistic ways to balance hormones.
Nutritional Guidance:
Integrative practitioners emphasize the importance of diet in managing menopausal symptoms. They recommend whole foods, and supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and B vitamins.
Lifestyle Modifications:
Stress reduction techniques, exercise, and sleep optimization play crucial roles in managing menopause. Integrative medicine addresses these factors to improve overall well-being.
Bioidentical Hormones:
Integrative practitioners may use bioidentical hormones—which are molecularly identical to those produced by the body—as an alternative to synthetic HRT.
Integrative providers may also use traditional Eastern & herbal remedies, as well as mind-body therapies like acupuncture in their approach
Want to learn more?
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for Menopause
For women going through menopause, hormone replacement therapy remains an important part of maintaining optimal health. Administered correctly, HRT can protect brain volume, hair and skin, libido, cognitive function, joint health, bone health, and energy levels.
However, there is a distinct difference between prescription hormones that exist only in standard doses (such as Premarin) and bio-identical hormones. Bio-identical hormones are chemically identical to the structure of our body’s own hormones, and they can be tailored for your individual needs.
Explore the most up-to-date treatment approaches for menopause and HRT today — virtual appointments are available!
Changing the Conversation About Hormonal Shifts
The intersection of life & lifestyle choices, environment, and genetics makes each woman’s experience with menopause unique, and also provides many options to improve symptoms and feel more vibrant.
Conventional Western medicine has historically offered very little to women experiencing menopause symptoms, providing synthetic hormones, limited testing, and a modest amount of symptom management. This one-size-fits all approach falls short of addressing your needs.
Rather than viewing menopause as a disease-state, we can support your mind & body as you transition from one chapter of life to the next — providing you purpose, power, and better health.
