Menopause care Oklahoma City, OK

Introduction

Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through as they age. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can occur anytime between the ages of 45-55. During this time, women experience changes in hormone levels that can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and trouble sleeping. While menopause is a normal part of aging, it's important to seek proper medical care to manage symptoms and maintain good health.

At The Hormone Hub in Oklahoma City, our caring and experienced staff specialize in menopause management and hormone therapy. We understand this transition can be difficult to navigate, which is why we're dedicated to providing comprehensive menopause care tailored to your unique needs.

Menopause Symptoms and Changes

The hallmark of menopause is when menstrual cycles stop completely for 12 consecutive months. This marks the end of a woman's reproductive years.

In the years leading up to menopause, periods may become irregular as hormone levels fluctuate. Common symptoms include:

• Hot flashes - sudden feelings of warmth spreading through the body, along with sweating and rapid heartbeat
• Night sweats - episodes of extreme sweating at night
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort - decreased estrogen can cause thinning of vaginal tissues
• Mood changes - irritability, anxiety, depression
• Trouble sleeping - due to hot flashes, night sweats, or restlessness
• Fatigue and memory issues
• Weight gain and slowed metabolism
• Thinning hair and dry skin

Estrogen levels decline rapidly during perimenopause and menopause. This hormone is important for heart, bone, and brain health. Lower estrogen puts women at increased risk for conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease.

Proper treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term health consequences.

Benefits of Menopause Hormone Therapy

Menopause hormone therapy (MHT), also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), can provide relief by replacing the hormones that the body is no longer making. The main types used are estrogen and progesterone.

Potential benefits include:

• Reduced hot flashes and night sweats - Estrogen is excellent at treating these disruptive vasomotor symptoms. Women report a significant reduction in frequency and severity.
• Vaginal symptom relief - Local, low-dose estrogen treats vaginal dryness, discomfort, and pain during intercourse. This promotes better vaginal health.
• Increased energy and mood - Estrogen has positive effects on neurotransmitters like serotonin that influence mood and sleep. Many women report improvements in mood, memory, focus, and energy levels.
• Bone protection - Estrogen therapy reduces bone loss and risk of fractures. It can even increase bone mineral density.
• Heart benefits - Starting estrogen therapy around the time of menopause has been shown to reduce risks of cardiovascular disease.
• Urinary health - Estrogen keeps tissues in the urethra and bladder healthy and reduces risks of incontinence.

MHT works to restore balance by replacing the hormones your body needs. Treatment options can be tailored based on your symptoms and health profile.

Menopause Testing and Treatment Approach

At The Hormone Hub, we perform thorough testing and evaluation to uncover any hormone imbalances or health issues. Recommending hormone therapy is a complex process that requires looking at your entire health picture.

Here is an overview of our menopause care approach:

• Initial consultation - Discussion of medical history, symptoms, lifestyle, family history to understand needs
• Physical exam - Assess blood pressure, body measurements, breathing, heart, abdomen
• Blood and urine tests - Check hormone levels, cholesterol, blood sugar, thyroid, and more
• Pelvic exam - For any gynecologic abnormalities
• Bone density test - Measures bone loss and fracture risk
• Risk assessment - Evaluate personal and family risk factors like heart disease, breast cancer, etc.
• Treatment options - Hormone therapy, medications, lifestyle changes based on your profile
• Follow-up care - Ongoing monitoring of treatment effectiveness and tolerance

We take the time to listen to your concerns and goals for treatment. Therapy plans can include:

• Systemic estrogen progesterone - Oral tablets, patches, gels, implants
• Localized estrogen - Vaginal creams, tablets, rings
• Bioidentical hormones - Compounded to match natural hormones
• Non-hormonal medications - For specific symptoms
• Nutraceuticals - Herbs, vitamins, supplements

Treatment is customized to your needs and preferences. We find the optimal balance of hormones while minimizing risks.

Lifestyle Recommendations for Menopause

Making healthy lifestyle choices can also help manage menopausal symptoms. Here are some tips:

• Stay active - Exercise helps reduce hot flashes and improves sleep, mood, and bone strength. Aim for 30 minutes per day.
• Healthy diet - Choose whole foods high in phytoestrogens like beans, nuts, seeds. Avoid excess sugar, salt, alcohol.
• Manage stress - Try yoga, meditation, deep breathing. Make time for relaxing activities.
• Quit smoking - Smoking worsens hot flashes and has multiple health risks.
• Supplements - Ask us about beneficial supplements like vitamin D, magnesium, and black cohosh.
• Vaginal care - Use lubricants or moisturizers to ease vaginal dryness and discomfort.

We provide comprehensive lifestyle guidance paired with hormone therapy for optimal menopause management.

Why Choose The Hormone Hub for Menopause Care

When you choose The Hormone Hub in Oklahoma City for menopause care, you get compassionate, specialized treatment from experts who understand this transition.

Benefits of our clinic include:

• Specialized menopause providers - Our physicians and nurse practitioners have advanced certification in menopause management.
• Personalized care - We take time to understand your unique situation and needs.
• Comprehensive testing - Thorough lab work helps optimize and adjust therapy.
• Hormone treatment expertise - We have extensive experience prescribing MHT, bioidentical hormones, and compounding.
• Collaborative approach - We work alongside your other healthcare providers for coordinated care.
• Ongoing support - Your care continues beyond the initial consultation with follow-up, education, and support.

Our goal is to provide Oklahoma City women with evidence-based, compassionate menopause care. We're here to listen and develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at improving your symptoms and long-term health.

Conclusion

Menopause is accompanied by many changes, but support and effective treatment is available. The providers at The Hormone Hub have specialized expertise in perimenopause, menopause, and hormone therapy. We take a comprehensive approach focused on your unique needs, whether that's relieving hot flashes, improving mood, or protecting your bones and heart. Our individualized care plans, ongoing monitoring, and lifestyle guidance empower women to thrive through menopause. To learn more about our Oklahoma City menopause clinic and treatment options, please .