Menopause Treatment: Understanding the Journey From Diagnosis to Relief

Discover effective menopause treatment options, from traditional methods to natural remedies, and empower your journey with informed choices.

Navigating the complex landscape of menopause treatment can often feel overwhelming for many women. As symptoms emerge and evolve, understanding the best course of action for relief and well-being becomes paramount. 

Whether you’re drawn to conventional menopause treatments or are curious about the benefits of lifestyle changes and natural remedies, this post aims to empower you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your health and to navigate this transition with confidence and support.

Although I start with medical interventions first in this article, there are so many lifestyle modifications that work better or at least in tandem with medications and Hormone Replacement Therapy. Ultimately, a healthy lifestyle should be a priority during menopause and then, when needed, getting support from healthcare providers.

Common Indicators of Menopause

Understanding menopause is crucial to navigating this significant stage in a woman's life. Typically, this transition occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, but the exact timing can vary from one individual to another.

Common indicators of menopause include hot flashes (sudden and brief sensations of heat) and night sweats, which often disrupt sleep. Symptoms don't stop at these physical sensations - many women also experience mood fluctuations and changes in their sleeping patterns. It's important to acknowledge that menopause impacts both the body and mind and each woman's experience can be quite different.

Acknowledging the diversity of symptoms is essential to understand that the journey through menopause is highly personal. This variation underscores why you need individualized attention and care when it comes to a diagnosis. Recognizing the particular signs your body is manifesting is the first step toward finding the right kind of support.

From Diagnosis to Management

Obtaining a diagnosis for menopause is a process that focuses on evaluating symptoms and medical history, often without the need for extensive testing. Here is a straightforward approach…

Monitor Symptoms

The first step involves self-observation. Common menopause symptoms include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. Tracking these symptoms can provide critical insights for your healthcare provider.

Consult a Healthcare Provider

Once you've noticed symptoms suggestive of menopause, the next step is to schedule a visit with your family doctor, gynecologist, or Naturopathic Doctor. The truth is that most conventional medical practitioners know very little about menopause, so women are seeking more support and getting better information through Naturopathic Doctors. Be prepared to discuss the nature and duration of your symptoms, your menstrual history, and any other health changes you've noticed.

Review Medical History

Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, including any conditions that may impact hormonal balance, such as thyroid disorders. They'll consider your age, as menopause typically occurs between 45 and 55 years of age in Canada.

Blood, Urine & Saliva Tests

While not always necessary, blood, urine, and saliva tests measuring hormone levels, like Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Estrogen, can help in some cases, especially if you're experiencing symptoms at an earlier age. High levels of FSH and low levels of Estrogen can indicate that your body is transitioning towards menopause.

It’s important to note that blood tests are not accurate until well into menopause and are dependent on where a woman is in her cycle when the test is taken. 

Decision and Discussion

Based on your symptoms and any test results, your healthcare provider can diagnose menopause. Further discussion may include potential menopause treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and strategies for managing symptoms.

Remember, menopause is a natural phase of life, and getting a proper diagnosis can help in managing symptoms effectively. If you're experiencing changes that you suspect may be related to menopause, educating yourself and finding support either through a healthcare professional or menopause specialist (like me) is a vital first step.

Conventional Menopause Treatments

The reality is that the Western medical model does a very sad job of caring for women and they get gaslighted all the time. A physician maybe gets 30 minutes of menopause information in their curriculum. 

There is so much evidence and research for support of Hormone Replacement Therapy and only 8% are given this but approximately 80% are given antidepressants. This is a sad state. Antidepressants do not support menopause symptoms - they mask it. 

Menopause is not a mental health crisis. Doctors treat it this way because they don’t know any different and they don’t have time to educate themselves. I feel so passionate that women be able to get the help they need but that help usually lies within Naturopathic Doctors who come with a high cost that not everyone can afford. Three-quarters of the population are women in menopause so the medical model needs to step up considerably.

Conventional menopause treatment options form the cornerstone of managing symptoms for many women. 

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Did you know that often women don’t need estrogen until menopause because of estrogen mimickers in our diets? If we carry more weight, our fat creates more bad estrogen but our body cannot decipher that. An educated healthcare professional will be able to assist with the hormone replacement your body needs.

HRT works to replenish estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels to alleviate many of the common symptoms of menopause. HRT can offer relief from hot flashes, night sweats, and it may also help with vaginal dryness and bone density preservation.

However, HRT is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is advisable to weigh the benefits against the potential risks, which can include an increased chance of specific health conditions. Decisions regarding HRT often involve a detailed discussion with a physician or naturopathic doctor about your health history and possible side effects.

The forms of HRT range from pills and patches to gels and creams (bio-identical or synthetic options). Each delivery method has its own set of advantages and determining the most suitable one depends on your circumstances and preferences.

Prescription Medications

Approximately 85% of women are treated with antidepressants for menopause and this isn’t always the right course of action. Menopause is not treated by prescription medications but if you are experiencing deep sadness or suicidal thoughts, antidepressants are a way to help. Getting help with sleep, body image and mood changes is the right course of action, and most times that is lifestyle and maybe Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Importance of An Informed Decision

It's vital to gather up-to-date, evidence-based information on these conventional treatments. Doing so enables you to make well-informed decisions regarding your menopause management. 

As with any medical intervention, consulting with a healthcare professional is essential to ensure that the chosen treatment aligns with your overall health goals and condition.

Holistic and Alternative Approaches to Menopause Relief

Menopause is both a physical transition and an emotional journey. Therefore, it's no surprise that many women are seeking holistic and alternative approaches to their menopause treatment. These methods often emphasize natural ways to manage symptoms, focusing on enhancing overall wellness rather than merely addressing the symptoms.

Establishing Crucial Lifestyle Changes

A crucial component of this strategy involves lifestyle changes. Tweaking daily habits can contribute a lot to reducing symptom severity. Adopting a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and good fats can set the stage for healthier hormonal balance. Also, regular exercise can provide enormous benefits, including weight management, improved mood, and better sleep.

Natural Dietary Supplements

Another key area of natural management involves dietary supplements. There are many supplements out there but they are specific to your needs and biology. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider to find the right supplements for you.

The Power of Community and Support Groups

The role of community and support groups in navigating this transitional phase. Connecting with others experiencing the same transition can provide emotional support and practical advice so you don’t feel alone on this journey.

Delving Into Mind-Body Practices

Mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation can help manage stress levels which can, in turn, lessen symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. 

Likewise, acupuncture has been recognized for its potential benefits in managing sleep disturbances and hot flashes attributed to menopause.

Another key component of our holistic treatment for menopause is reflexology. This ancient practice, focusing on specific pressure points on the feet, hands, and ears, promotes healing and relaxation. For women navigating menopause, reflexology provides a non-invasive option to help alleviate symptoms like stress and insomnia, thereby enhancing overall well-being.

Begin Your Journey to Wellness

Overall, integrative and holistic approaches to menopause hold the potential to not only manage symptoms but also enhance overall wellness during this significant life transition.

At Meraki Integrated Wellness, our menopause support programs are rooted in the philosophy of whole-person care. Our approach is highly individualized, drawing on a mix of personal coaching, customized nutrition, fitness plans, and community.

Join us in transforming this time of transition into a chapter of personal growth and positive health transformations.