Menopause

SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:

 

  • Memory decline

  • Anxiety

  • Insomnia

  • Weight gain

  • Vaginal dryness causing painful intercourse

  • Decreased libido

  • “Crawly skin”

  • Hot flashes

  • Hair loss/thinning

  • Weak bladder

  • Frequent urinary tract infections

 

Menopause

A woman is considered to have entered menopause once she has not had a menstrual period for more than one year.

Physiologically, menopause is associated with a reduction in estrogen, as well as a significant reduction in progesterone. For many women, this decline in ovarian function can be accompanied by a spectrum of symptoms in varying degrees of severity.

Hot flashes is the most frequent complaint, but many will experience memory decline, anxiety, insomnia, weight gain, vaginal dryness causing painful intercourse, decreased libido, ‘crawly skin’, and frequent urinary tract infections.

It is during the menopausal years that we see an increase in diseases associated with aging, such as breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Research indicates that the development of these disease processes actually begins during peri-menopause, as hormone production starts to decline and a relative imbalance arises. Restoration of hormone levels with bio-identical hormones to premenopausal physiologic levels can significantly reduce your risk of developing these conditions. This is the underlying premise of anti-aging medicine – that of treating the cause rather than just the symptoms.

 

Dr. Kristy Prouse MD, FRCSC on Treating Menopause

 
 
 

Treatment of Menopause Symptoms

The degree of the sex hormone imbalance dictates the choice of treatment.

 

Minor imbalances can often be corrected by addressing an underlying cortisol dysregulation or the use of essential oils or herbal remedies may also suffice.

Often bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is administered to restore hormones to premenopausal levels to significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms. And since the cause of urogenital tract symptoms are often a hormonal condition, replacement of these hormones can be of benefit for some woman. 

 

New urogenital (vaginal and bladder) restoration treatments are now available and are very effective in rejuvenating these tissues.

Symptoms can be reversed or greatly diminished using CO2 fractional laser therapy (MonaLisa Touch®). 

Photo-biomodulation therapy (vSculpt Pro®) is another effective option for treating these symptoms.

Micro-current point stimulation therapy can be utilized to effectively relieve pelvic pain.