Menopause Specialist

What is menopause?

Menopause is a biological process that’s triggered by hormonal changes. It marks the end of your reproductive years, and after menopause, you can no longer get pregnant.

Your body begins producing less estrogen and progesterone — two female hormones responsible for ovulation and menstruation — when you’re in your 30s. Hormone levels continue declining, and most women enter menopause when they’re in their 40s or 50s.

Menopause is diagnosed when it’s been one year since your last menstrual period, but symptoms associated with menopause can start much earlier. Low hormone levels can begin affecting your body several years before in a period called perimenopause.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Menopause isn’t a disease to be treated, but fluctuating hormone levels can cause a range of symptoms that make life unpleasant. Women in perimenopause and menopause may experience bothersome symptoms like:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Mood swings
• Weight gain
• Low libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Insomnia

The symptoms of menopause and perimenopause are similar, so it isn’t always easy to know if you’re in menopause. The biggest difference is that women in perimenopause still get menstrual periods, even if they’re irregular. 

Some women find that menopause symptoms are mild or short-lived. But for others, symptoms are so severe that they interfere with daily life.

How can I manage symptoms of menopause?

If you’re bothered by severe menopause symptoms, medical intervention could help you feel better. The Cedar City Institute of Women's Health offers the latest menopause treatments along with full-service primary care for menopausal women.

Dr. Heath and the team start by reviewing your medical history and symptoms. They may recommend lifestyle adjustments, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, or herbal medicine to reduce menopause symptoms naturally.

The team specializes in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for severe menopausal symptoms. BHRT is a customizable treatment to balance hormone levels and reduce the negative effects of menopause.

If BHRT is appropriate for you, the team works with you to find the correct dose. Hormone replacement can be incredibly effective for reducing menopause symptoms, but it should be taken at the lowest possible dose for the shortest amount of time to minimize any side effects.

How can I maintain my health as I get older?

The Cedar City Institute of Women’s Health team offers comprehensive wellness care for menopausal women. The team works with you to preserve and extend your life through lifestyle and nutrition coaching.

They also offer medical services that include vaccinations, bone density scans, mammograms, and other cancer screenings. If you’re at risk for certain types of cancer, genetic screening for inherited cancers is available.

You don’t have to live with the bothersome symptoms of menopause. Partner with the team at The Cedar City Institute of Women’s Health, and start feeling like yourself again. Call or book an appointment online to get started today.