Menopause Q & A

Introduction: Why Menopause Needs a Comprehensive Approach

Menopause is a significant life transition that affects every woman, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. While it’s a natural process, the symptoms can be disruptive, impacting physical, emotional, and mental well-being. At Patients Medical in New York City, we understand that menopause is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Our integrative approach combines conventional medicine with holistic, functional, and personalized care to address the root causes of menopause symptoms and help women navigate this phase of life with ease and vitality.

We focus on treating the whole person—not just individual symptoms.

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is defined as the cessation of menstrual cycles for 12 consecutive months. It marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and typically involves significant hormonal shifts, especially in estrogen and progesterone levels. These hormonal changes can lead to various physical and emotional symptoms that may disrupt daily life.

Common Stages of Menopause:

  • Perimenopause: The transitional phase leading up to menopause, characterized by irregular periods, hot flashes, and mood swings.
  • Menopause: The point at which a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months.
  • Postmenopause: The years following menopause, where symptoms may continue but typically begin to decrease in intensity.

 

Common Symptoms of Menopause

While menopause is a universal experience, the severity and types of symptoms vary greatly among women. Common symptoms include:

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek guidance and treatment to manage them effectively.

Root Causes: Why Do You Experience Menopausal Symptoms?

In functional medicine, we explore the root causes behind menopause-related symptoms rather than simply masking them. These underlying factors may include:

  • Hormonal Imbalance: Decreased estrogen and progesterone levels cause many of the typical symptoms.
  • Stress: Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can worsen menopause symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disturbances.
  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamin D, B vitamins, magnesium, and other essential nutrients can amplify symptoms.
  • Thyroid Imbalance: Hypothyroidism can mimic or worsen menopausal symptoms.
  • Gut Health: A compromised gut can influence hormone metabolism and contribute to mood swings, bloating, and weight gain.
  • Toxin Exposure: Endocrine disruptors in the environment can impact hormone balance.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we employ advanced lab tests to understand what’s driving your symptoms and tailor treatments accordingly:

Hormone panels (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA)

Thyroid function tests (TSH, Free T3, Free T4)

Cortisol and adrenal health panels

Nutrient deficiency panels (Vitamin D, B12, magnesium)

Gut health tests (microbiome, leaky gut testing)

Comprehensive blood work to assess inflammation and metabolic function

Integrative Treatments for Menopause

Nutritional Therapy

We believe in personalized nutrition plans that help balance hormones and ease menopause symptoms. These may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory Diets: Such as the Mediterranean diet or plant-based eating.
  • Low-Glycemic Nutrition: Reducing blood sugar spikes and balancing energy.
  • Phytoestrogen-Rich Foods: Foods like flaxseeds, soy, and legumes can naturally help balance hormones.
  • Elimination Diets: Identifying and removing foods that exacerbate symptoms.

 

Hormone Balancing

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can be part of the solution for women experiencing severe symptoms related to low estrogen and progesterone. We also optimize thyroid function to address potential thyroid imbalances contributing to menopause symptoms.

 

Stress Reduction & Mind-Body Therapy

Our integrative care includes stress-reducing techniques, such as:

  • Meditation and mindfulness
  • Acupuncture to reduce hot flashes and balance hormones
  • Adaptogens to support adrenal health and regulate cortisol levels

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

We recommend evidence-based supplements to help balance hormones and ease symptoms, such as:

  • Black Cohosh for hot flashes and mood swings
  • Maca Root for energy and libido support
  • Vitamin E and Magnesium for sleep and relaxation

Weight Management

As hormonal changes can lead to weight gain, we offer personalized weight management plans that promote healthy metabolism and balanced hormones.

Real Case Study: Sarah’s Journey Through Menopause

Sarah, age 48, came to us with severe hot flashes, night sweats, and chronic fatigue. After undergoing testing, we discovered that her estrogen levels were significantly low, and she had high cortisol levels due to stress. We created a customized 3-month treatment plan with:

  • Bioidentical hormone therapy
  • Anti-inflammatory meal plans
  • Stress management through acupuncture
  • Weekly nutrient IV therapy

Three months later, Sarah’s hot flashes had reduced by 80%, her sleep improved, and she felt revitalized without needing medication.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

While menopause is a natural transition, many symptoms can be managed or alleviated through holistic treatments. Lifestyle changes, balanced nutrition, stress management, and hormone balancing therapies can help reduce the intensity of symptoms.

Some women benefit from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), but many can manage symptoms through diet, supplements, acupuncture, and stress reduction techniques. Your treatment plan will be personalized based on your unique symptoms and health needs.

Yes, many women find relief from hot flashes through natural approaches like stress management, acupuncture, dietary changes, herbal supplements, and hormone balancing treatments. Lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes.

Certain foods, such as those rich in phytoestrogens (e.g., soy, flaxseeds), can help balance hormones naturally. Additionally, anti-inflammatory diets and nutrient-dense meal plans can reduce inflammation, improve mood, and support hormonal health during menopause.

Yes, we offer tailored treatment plans that address the root causes of your symptoms. Whether it’s hormone therapy, stress management, nutritional guidance, or acupuncture, we create a customized approach that meets your unique needs and lifestyle.

Absolutely. Chronic stress can exacerbate symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances by increasing cortisol levels. Stress management techniques such as meditation, acupuncture, and adaptogen herbs can help restore balance and reduce stress-related symptoms.

Sleep disturbances are a common symptom of menopause, often due to hot flashes or night sweats. Poor sleep can also worsen mood swings and fatigue. Improving sleep hygiene, using stress reduction methods, and balancing hormones can significantly improve sleep quality during menopause.

Yes, there are several non-hormonal treatments that can be effective. These include acupuncture, stress reduction techniques, herbal supplements (like black cohosh and maca root), and lifestyle modifications such as improving diet and exercise routines.

Diagnosis is typically based on your age, menstrual history, and symptoms. Hormone panels to measure estrogen and progesterone levels can confirm menopause and help guide treatment plans. Other tests, like thyroid function and cortisol levels, may be used to rule out other conditions.

Yes, some women continue to experience menopause symptoms well into the postmenopausal years. Symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness may persist. A personalized treatment plan can help manage these symptoms effectively.

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

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