Menopause is the time in a woman’s life after she has gone 12 months without a menstrual cycle. Though the journey to menopause begins with PERIMENOPAUSE and can start up to 10 years prior to the transition to menopause.
During perimenopause and menopause, hormones begin to decrease including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
With these decreases in hormones, unpleasant physical symptoms are experienced AND an increase in health risks occur.
Physical symptoms of perimenopause/menopause:
- Hot flashes, night sweats and warm rushes
- Brain fog and cognitive decline- this is very real; the brain relies on estrogen!
- Fatigue
- Mood changes varying from irritability and mild anxiety to full blown depression, generalized anxiety and suicidal ideation or attempts
- Decreased libido and loss of intimacy with partners
- Night waking, loss of quality sleep which drives inflammation and disease
- Joint pains
- Vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse
- Skin changes
- Weight gain and body composition changes- more fat around the waist and loss of muscle tone
Health risks with a decline in hormones during menopause:
- Osteoporosis – fractures and poor mobility
- Cardiovascular disease – heart attack, heart disease, and stroke
- Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause – vaginal dryness/discomfort and urinary concerns
At The Teggatz Clinic, through Menopause Medicine, we work in a Functional Medicine capacity to support your body’s changes through perimenopause and menopause with support in:
- LIFESTYLE CHANGES: nutrition, stress management, movement, sleep, toxic load
- NUTRACEUTICALS: adaptogens, herbs, and supplements
- BIOIDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACLEMENT THERAPY
Menopause Medicine Patient Testimonial:
"I started seeing Dr. Teggatz in July of 2024. I started having health issues in November of 2023. I was having anxiety, panic attacks, depression, heart palpitations, nerve pain, brain fog, hot flashes, cold flashes and many sleepless nights. I felt like I was not in control of my body anymore and felt like a completely different person. I saw numerous doctors and had many tests done which included an mri, ct scans, x-rays, blood tests and on and on. I started seeing a psychiatrist and therapist and started taking an anxiety medication, but it never took away the symptoms I was having. Dr. Teggatz helped me figure out that it was perimenopause symptoms and I started BHRT in September of 2024. Since starting BHRT, I have been amazed at the results! I feel like myself again and can do the things I used to do. I have energy again and am able to focus at work. I am so thankful to have found Dr. Teggatz and her staff. Dr. Teggatz is patient and understanding and helps you figure out the root of the problem. I never feel rushed at my appointments, and she is always available if you have questions or concerns."
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I'm in menopause?
You know you are in menopause if it has been 12 months or more since your last menstrual period.
How does menopause make you feel?
Menopause can bring emotional and physical changes, like mood swings, fatigue, brain fog, irritability, a sense of loss, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, changes in libido, joint pain, and skin changes. These symptoms can be tough, but bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, stress management, exercise, diet changes, and talking to your healthcare provider can help manage them.
What does menopause do to a woman?
Over time, the decrease in estrogen and changes to hormones increase your risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures as well as cardiovascular disease in the form of heart attack, heart disease, and stroke. Starting a cBHRT protocol can decrease these risks.
