Menopause

Featuring Dr. Bal Pawa, BPharm, MD

Duration: 2 minutes, 11 seconds

Menopause is a natural transition that occurs in every woman as her ovarian function declines when she ages.

The natural age of menopause is 51, although a woman can go into menopause between the ages of 45 to 59, depending on her own medical history.

At the time of menopause, we do find that estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, all the female hormones are naturally declining. And because of this a lot of women start to experience many symptoms.

Those symptoms can be very uncomfortable, or for some women can be very mild. Some of the symptoms include hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, dryness of the skin including vaginal dryness. And those are the common ones.

Some of the other ones that women do find very disturbing or that can affect their quality of life are things like anxiety, low sex drive or low libido, heart palpitations, because they actually don't realize that this can also be part of the menopausal transition.

There are many different approaches to managing menopausal symptoms and we're lucky that we have a lot of choices these days. That can range from lifestyle modifications such as exercise, nutrition, and stress reduction, to natural solutions as well as using hormone therapy including bioidentical hormones.

All of these can be very effective and complementary in using many different approaches together. What is really important that we do know now is that lifestyle changes such as weight reduction, minimizing alcohol consumption, stress reduction, exercise, are very important key factors in optimizing hormonal balance and minimizing symptoms.

Hormone therapy remains the gold standard, including bioidentical hormones, in managing menopausal symptoms. But it's important to see your family physician or see your doctor in order to determine whether that's right for you, and whether your severity warrants any other treatment.

Menopause is indeed a natural transition that occurs as a woman's ovarian function declines with age. The average age of menopause is around 51, but it can occur anywhere between the ages of 45 and 59, depending on individual factors and medical history.

During menopause, the levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone naturally decline, leading to various symptoms that can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, skin dryness (including vaginal dryness), and anxiety. Other symptoms that can affect quality of life may include low sex drive or libido and heart palpitations.

Managing menopausal symptoms involves various approaches, and there are numerous choices available today. Lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress reduction techniques, and maintaining a healthy weight can be helpful in optimizing hormonal balance and minimizing symptoms. These lifestyle changes are important and can be beneficial for overall well-being.

Hormone therapy, including the use of bioidentical hormones, remains a widely used and effective treatment for managing menopausal symptoms. Bioidentical hormones are structurally similar to the hormones naturally produced in the body. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a family physician or gynecologist, to determine the most suitable treatment approach based on an individual's specific symptoms and medical history.

It's worth noting that hormone therapy, like any medication, has potential risks and benefits that should be carefully considered. The decision to pursue hormone therapy should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account factors such as the severity of symptoms, personal medical history, and individual preferences.

Overall, menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life, and there are various options available to manage its symptoms effectively. Seeking medical guidance can help determine the most appropriate approach to optimize well-being during this transitional period.

Presenter: Dr. Nishi Dhawan, Family Doctor, Vancouver, BC

Local Practitioners: Family Doctor