Menopause Causes

Introduction: Why Understanding the Causes of Menopause is Essential

Menopause is a natural transition in every woman’s life, marking the end of her menstrual cycles and reproductive years. However, many women experience disruptive symptoms during this phase, including hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep issues. At Patients Medical in New York City, we believe in understanding the root causes of menopause to provide the most effective treatments. Our approach combines conventional care with holistic, integrative solutions to manage symptoms and promote overall well-being.

We focus on understanding why menopause symptoms occur and how to address them effectively

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is defined as the cessation of menstruation for 12 consecutive months, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. It signifies the end of a woman’s reproductive years and is primarily caused by a natural decline in hormone production. Menopause can be classified into three phases:

  • Perimenopause: The years leading up to menopause, characterized by fluctuating hormone levels and irregular periods.
  • Menopause: Diagnosed when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months.
  • Postmenopause: The phase after menopause, where symptoms may continue but gradually subside.

Common Symptoms of Menopause

Root Causes: Why Does Menopause Happen?

Understanding the root causes of menopause can help address the symptoms more effectively. The primary cause of menopause is the natural decline in the production of hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Here are the key factors contributing to menopause:

  • Hormonal Changes: As a woman ages, her ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone, leading to the end of menstruation and the onset of menopause.
  • Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in determining when a woman will experience menopause. Early or late menopause can run in families.
  • Surgical Menopause: Women who undergo a hysterectomy or have their ovaries removed may experience menopause earlier than the average age.
  • Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy: Certain cancer treatments can damage the ovaries, triggering menopause.
  • Chronic Stress: Long-term stress can affect the endocrine system and contribute to hormonal imbalances that may accelerate menopause symptoms.
  • Obesity: Higher body fat can influence estrogen production, potentially leading to earlier onset menopause.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we offer comprehensive testing to better understand the underlying factors affecting your menopause experience. Common tests include:

Hormone Panels

Thyroid Testing

Cortisol Levels

Vitamin Deficiency Tests

Genetic Testing

Bone Density Testing

Conventional Treatments for Menopause

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

  • Estrogen Therapy (ET): Often used for women who have had a hysterectomy, estrogen helps alleviate hot flashes, prevent osteoporosis, and improve vaginal health.
  • Combination Therapy (Estrogen & Progesterone): For women who still have their uterus, combining estrogen with progesterone prevents the risk of endometrial cancer.
  • Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): A form of HRT using hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the body.

Non-Hormonal Medications

  • Antidepressants: SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) like fluoxetine can help alleviate mood swings and reduce the frequency of hot flashes.
  • Gabapentin: A medication used to treat nerve pain, gabapentin can help reduce hot flashes in some women.
  • Clonidine: A blood pressure medication that can also help with hot flashes.
  • Ospemifene: A non-hormonal medication that can treat vaginal dryness by mimicking estrogen’s effects on vaginal tissue.

Osteoporosis Medications

As estrogen levels drop during menopause, the risk of osteoporosis increases. Medications such as bisphosphonates help protect against bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures.

Real Case Study: Jane’s Path Through Menopause

Jane, age 50, came to us with persistent hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. After evaluating her hormone levels, we started her on a combination therapy of estrogen and progesterone. Additionally, we incorporated bone density testing and recommended calcium and vitamin D supplements for bone health.

Within six weeks, Jane’s hot flashes decreased by 70%, and her sleep improved significantly. After six months, her hormone levels were balanced, and she was feeling more energetic and balanced overall.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Menopause is primarily caused by a natural decline in the production of estrogen and progesterone, which leads to the cessation of menstrual cycles and the onset of symptoms.

Chronic stress can accelerate the onset of menopause symptoms by affecting hormone levels, particularly cortisol, and impacting the adrenal glands.

The average age of menopause is around 51, though it can occur anywhere between the ages of 40 and 58.

If you’re over the age of 40 and experiencing symptoms like hot flashes, irregular periods, sleep disturbances, or mood swings, you may be going through menopause. Blood tests and hormone panels can help confirm.

Menopause is a natural biological process, so it cannot be prevented. However, the symptoms associated with menopause can be managed through treatment options.

Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause, where women experience hormonal fluctuations and symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood swings.

It is still possible to get pregnant during perimenopause, as ovulation may still occur. However, fertility declines significantly during this time.

Treatment options for menopause include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), non-hormonal medications, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies such as acupuncture or herbal supplements.

Yes, as estrogen levels decline during menopause, the risk of osteoporosis increases. It’s important to monitor bone health and consider supplements like calcium and vitamin D.

Yes, hormonal changes during menopause can contribute to mood swings, anxiety, and depression. A combination of hormone therapy, stress management, and counseling can help improve mental health.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

Make an Appointment