Menopause Symptoms

Introduction: Why Menopause Symptoms Need a New Approach

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, but the symptoms associated with it—such as hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, and sleep disturbances—can significantly impact quality of life. At Patients Medical in New York City, we believe in taking a comprehensive, integrative approach to menopause symptoms. Our goal is not just to mask symptoms, but to address the underlying causes and provide holistic solutions that balance hormones, reduce discomfort, and promote overall well-being.

We treat the whole person—not just the symptoms.

What Are Menopause Symptoms?

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. During this transition, the body undergoes hormonal changes that can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Irregular periods or missed periods
  • Mood swings, irritability, and depression
  • Fatigue and poor sleep
  • Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex
  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  • Memory lapses and difficulty concentrating
  • Thinning hair and dry skin
  • Decreased libido

These symptoms vary from woman to woman, with some experiencing only mild discomfort and others struggling with more severe challenges. Understanding the root causes of these symptoms is key to developing an effective, personalized treatment plan.

Common Symptoms of Menopause

Many women experience a wide range of symptoms during menopause. Common menopause symptoms include:

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to understand the underlying causes and find the right treatment options.

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Menopause Symptoms?

Functional medicine focuses on uncovering the “why” behind menopause symptoms. While hormonal changes are the main cause, several other factors can contribute to the severity and duration of symptoms:

  • Declining estrogen and progesterone levels: These hormonal changes are at the core of menopause symptoms, affecting mood, sleep, metabolism, and sexual health.
  • Stress: Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which can exacerbate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
  • Poor diet: Diets high in processed foods and low in essential nutrients can worsen menopause symptoms, particularly weight gain and fatigue.
  • Hormonal imbalances: Imbalances in thyroid hormones and other hormones, such as cortisol, can affect metabolism and mood during menopause.
  • Poor sleep quality: Hormonal fluctuations and stress often interfere with sleep, leading to fatigue and further exacerbating other symptoms.
  • Inflammation: Systemic inflammation, which can be triggered by diet, stress, or other health issues, may make menopause symptoms worse.

At Patients Medical, we take an integrative approach to addressing these root causes and helping women manage menopause symptoms naturally.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we use advanced lab tests to understand the underlying causes of your menopause symptoms. Common tests include:

Hormone panels (estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid) to assess hormonal imbalances

Adrenal function tests to evaluate stress levels and adrenal health

Vitamin D and B12 levels to address deficiencies that can contribute to fatigue and mood issues

Gut health testing (stool microbiome analysis) to assess the impact of gut imbalances on hormone metabolism

Inflammatory markers to evaluate the role of inflammation in your symptoms

Sleep studies to assess the quality of your sleep and identify any underlying issues like sleep apnea

These tests help us design a personalized and effective treatment plan for managing menopause symptoms.

Integrative Treatments for Menopause Symptoms

Nutritional Therapy

A balanced diet plays a key role in managing menopause symptoms. We create personalized nutrition plans designed to:
  • Balance hormones: Including phytoestrogen-rich foods like soy and flaxseeds
  • Reduce inflammation: Emphasizing anti-inflammatory foods, such as leafy greens, berries, and omega-3-rich foods
  • Manage weight: A focus on nutrient-dense, low-glycemic foods to support a healthy weight
  • Support bone health: Ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake for strong bones

IV Vitamin Therapy

IV therapy provides a quick and effective way to replenish essential nutrients that may be lacking during menopause. We offer custom IV infusions that may include:

  • Magnesium to relax muscles and reduce hot flashes
  • B vitamins for energy and stress reduction
  • Vitamin D to support bone health and mood stability
  • Glutathione to combat oxidative stress and inflammation

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

We recommend evidence-based herbal supplements and nutraceuticals to support hormone balance and reduce menopause symptoms. Options include:

  • Black cohosh to alleviate hot flashes and night sweats
  • Ashwagandha to manage stress and improve mood
  • Vitex (Chaste Tree) to support hormonal balance
  • Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and support heart health
  • Evening primrose oil to help with hormonal symptoms like hot flashes

All supplements are dosed and monitored by our healthcare professionals for safety and effectiveness.

 

Stress Reduction

Managing stress is crucial for balancing hormones and reducing menopausal symptoms. We offer a variety of stress-reducing therapies, including:

  • Meditation and mindfulness to reduce cortisol levels and improve overall well-being
  • Acupuncture to balance energy and relieve hot flashes
  • Adaptogenic herbs like rhodiola and holy basil to support adrenal function and reduce stress

Hormone Balancing

Balancing hormones is central to managing menopause symptoms. We use bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to optimize:

  • Estrogen and progesterone to alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness
  • Thyroid hormones to regulate metabolism and energy
  • Cortisol management to reduce the impact of stress on your body

These treatments can help you feel more balanced and improve your quality of life during menopause.

Real Case Study: Emily’s Journey Through Menopause

Emily, age 48, came to us struggling with hot flashes, fatigue, and mood swings. After comprehensive testing, we discovered that her estrogen levels were low, and her cortisol levels were elevated due to stress. We created a personalized treatment plan that included:

  • Hormone balancing with bioidentical estrogen and progesterone
  • Nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet
  • IV vitamin therapy for energy and magnesium
  • Stress-reduction techniques such as acupuncture

Three months later, Emily’s hot flashes had decreased, her energy levels were restored, and she was able to manage stress more effectively.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, through a combination of hormone balancing, stress reduction, diet, and herbal supplements, many women experience significant relief from menopause symptoms naturally.

The most common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, vaginal dryness, mood swings, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can be an effective and safe option for women experiencing severe menopause symptoms. We tailor hormone treatments to your individual needs.

Yes, hormonal changes during menopause can affect metabolism and lead to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help manage weight during this transition.

Menopause symptoms can last for a few months to several years, with the average duration being around 4-5 years. Some women experience symptoms for a longer time, while others find relief sooner.

Yes, hormonal fluctuations during menopause can significantly impact mental health. Many women experience symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and even depression due to changes in estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones. Managing stress, adopting healthy lifestyle changes, and exploring natural mood-balancing therapies can help improve mental health during this time.

The timeline for symptom relief varies for each woman. Some women may experience relief within a few weeks of starting treatment, while others may take a few months to see significant changes. Hormone therapy, stress reduction, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments often work together to bring lasting relief over time.

No, menopause and perimenopause are different. Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, where hormonal fluctuations begin. It can last several years and cause irregular periods, hot flashes, and other symptoms. Menopause, on the other hand, is when a woman’s periods stop for 12 consecutive months, signaling the end of her reproductive years.

Yes, menopause can affect sexual health due to hormonal changes, particularly the decrease in estrogen, which can lead to vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and reduced libido. However, treatments like hormone therapy, vaginal moisturizers, and stress reduction can help improve sexual function and intimacy during menopause.

As estrogen levels decrease during menopause, collagen production in the skin slows down, leading to skin thinning and dryness. This can cause wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and dullness. However, proper skincare, a healthy diet, hydration, and supplements like omega-3 fatty acids can help support skin health and slow the aging process.

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.

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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

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