Menopause is a natural process marking the end of a woman's reproductive years, defined as occurring 12 months after her last menstrual period. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, sleep problems, weight gain, and thinning hair. Postmenopausal women face increased risks, such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, urinary issues, and cognitive decline.
A personalized treatment approach is crucial, as menopause affects each woman differently. Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) can help restore hormonal balance. Treatment plans include an initial consultation via video or phone, blood tests to determine hormone levels, and a holistic evaluation of lifestyle and medical history. This ensures effective management of symptoms. Explore our menopause treatment plans, from initial consultation to ongoing monitoring, for tailored symptom management. Learn more about reducing your risk of cardiac disease.

Stages of Menopause

• i. Perimenopause: Irregular cycles and symptoms.
• iI. Menopause: One year without a period.
• iii. Postmenopause: Years after menopause, with decreased symptoms.
  
  

Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause when the ovaries gradually lose function, leading to a decrease in reproductive hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Symptoms vary widely and can significantly impact quality of life. Common symptoms include irregular periods, low libido, mood swings, anxiety, PMS, anger, irritability, memory loss, fatigue, hot flashes, insomnia, weight gain, heart palpitations, vaginal dryness, night sweats, aches, painful joints, frequent headaches, and dry skin.

Perimenopause is characterized by fluctuating levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, causing hormonal imbalances. Maintaining optimal hormone balance is crucial for overall well-being, including brain function, cardiovascular health, bone health, and vaginal and urethral health. Bioidentical hormones can help restore these levels.

Bioidentical hormones, chemically identical to those naturally produced by the body, are used in BHRT to treat hormonal imbalances and alleviate symptoms of menopause, perimenopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and PMS. Derived from plant sources like soy and yams, they match human hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Key Hormones:

• i. Estradiol: Relieves menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.
  ii. Progesterone: Regulates cycles and counters estrogen therapy effects.
  iii. Testosterone: Addresses low libido and fatigue in both genders.
  iv. DHEA and Pregnenolone

BHRT Benefits:

• i. Symptom Relief: Reduces menopause symptoms and enhances energy and cognitive function.
  ii. Cardiovascular Health: Lowers heart disease risk by up to 50% when started early.
  iii. Bone Health: Prevents osteoporosis and maintains bone density.
  iv. Sexual Health: Improves libido and satisfaction.
  v. Overall Well-Being: Supports urethral health, reducing incontinence and infections.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder that disrupts menstrual cycles, causes infertility, and leads to symptoms such as excessive hair growth, acne, and weight gain. Although ovarian cysts are a symptom, they are not the cause of PCOS. The condition is influenced by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors and is commonly associated with insulin resistance, which can result in weight gain and elevate the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Common Symptoms:

• i. Irregular periods
  ii. Infertility
  iii. Weight gain
  iv. Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
  v. Acne
  vi. Dark patches on the skin (e.g., neck, underarms)
  
  

Treatment:
Effective management includes lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, alongside medications to balance hormones. Regular monitoring with pelvic ultrasounds and blood tests is essential. Personalized treatment plans can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. For tailored advice, consult a healthcare professional.

Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common condition affecting women in the one to two weeks before their period. It manifests through physical and emotional symptoms like breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, fatigue, mood swings, irritability, and increased appetite. These symptoms are often linked to low progesterone levels and hormonal imbalances post-ovulation. While many women experience mild symptoms, severe PMS can significantly impact daily life. Fortunately, PMS is treatable and doesn’t have to be endured.

Common Symptoms:

• i. Mood swings
  ii. Depression and anxiety
  iii. Irritability and anger
  iv. Abdominal bloating and cramping
  v. Breast tenderness
  vi. Headaches and fatigue
  vii. Back pain and weight gain
  viii. Food cravings

Treatment with Bioidentical Hormones:

• i. Evaluation: Comprehensive assessment and female hormone profiling.
  ii. Diagnosis: Identifies hormonal imbalances.
  iii. Prescription: Personalized plans with bioidentical hormones and
  supplements.
  iv. Outcome: Reduced symptoms and improved quality of life.

Note: PMS is less severe than PMDD, which involves more intense symptoms.

Endometriosis is a painful condition where endometrial-like cells grow outside the uterus, commonly affecting the pelvic peritoneum, ovaries, bladder, and bowel. It causes severe pain and inflammation as the tissue thickens, breaks down, and bleeds each menstrual cycle.

Symptoms:

• i.  Severe cramps
  ii. Pain in the back, abdomen, and pelvis
  iii. Heavy menstrual bleeding
  iv. Painful intercourse and bowel movements
  v. Spotting between periods
  vi. Infertility
  vii. Low mood
  
  

The cause is unknown, but factors may include retrograde menstruation, genetics, and immune issues. Diagnosis can be difficult, with many women undiagnosed for years.

Treatment:

• i. Hormonal Supplementation: Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
  (BHRT).
  ii. Nutritional Regimes and Supplements: To alleviate symptoms.
  iii. Surgery: May be needed in some cases.

Fertility is about how easy it is for a person or a couple to have a baby

Combining lifestyle changes with bioidentical hormones can enhance fertility.

Progesterone: Supports the menstrual cycle and pregnancy maintenance.

Estrogen: Regulates the menstrual cycle and uterine lining growth.

Testosterone: Small amounts support libido and reproductive health.

DHEA: Improves ovarian function, especially in women with low ovarian reserve.

Individualized Treatment: Tailor treatment plans based on specific hormone levels and fertility challenges for couples are designed depending on the issues and concerns. Dr Priyanka believes in holistic care with mind body approach and will suggest lifestyle changes, balanced diet plans, bespoke supplements like folic acid, Vitamin D omega 3 fatty acids which help optimize fertility. Sleep health stress reduction are essential for good outcomes.

Functional medicine is a systems biology-based approach that addresses the root causes of disease by analyzing underlying factors contributing to symptoms. It involves detailed history taking, timeline creation, and advanced laboratory testing to identify these causes, leading to personalized treatment plans for better health restoration.

Key Aspects:
i. Focuses on understanding the root causes of symptoms.
ii. Uses detailed history and advanced laboratory tests.
iii. Develops personalized treatment plans.

Functional medicine is particularly relevant as chronic conditions are prevalent:
i. 50% of adults have at least one chronic health condition.
ii. 25% of adults have two or more chronic health conditions.
iii. 86% of healthcare costs are attributed to chronic diseases ($3.2 trillion in2015 and rising).

Integrative medicine blends conventional practices, psychological therapies, lifestyle changes, and complementary treatments, offering a holistic approach to health issues. This method has shown high effectiveness in managing various health problems.