35 Signs & Symptoms of Menopause Doctors Can Treat – Prosperity Health | Functional Medicine Doctor

Symptoms of Menopause Doctors Can Treat with Hormone Therapy

Between the ages of 40 and 60, most women encounter a variety of sudden and unfamiliar physical, mental, sexual, or emotional symptoms. While these strange symptoms may remain unexplained, or may be attributed to various illnesses, there’s a good chance that they may signify the onset of menopause or perimenopause (“pre-menopause”).

While menopause typically commences around the age of 51, the onset can vary widely among women, with some experiencing symptoms earlier and others later in life. And because of the wide range of symptoms that effect every woman differently, navigating the complex landscape of menopause can often feel like you’re in uncharted territory. Between the ages of 40 and 60, women may find themselves grappling with sudden and bewildering physical, mental, sexual, or emotional symptoms that seem to emerge out of nowhere. However, what many may not realize is that these symptoms could be the telltale signs of menopause or perimenopause. It’s not uncommon for women to mistake these symptoms for signs of pregnancy, hormonal imbalances, or even mental health disorders.

This is why it’s so important for women to consult with a qualified and specialized menopause doctor, like Dr. Nishath Hakim, MD at Prosperity Health in the Troy, MI area. Dr. Hakim can conduct comprehensive evaluations and diagnostic tests to determine whether your symptoms are due to menopause or the result of other underlying health issues. Then she can put together a customized treatment plan to restore balance to your body, so you can eliminate troublesome symptoms and live life with health and vitality at every age.

In this article, specialized menopause doctor Nishath Hakim, MD at Prosperity Health in the Troy, MI area shares 35 symptoms of menopause.

Early Symptoms of Menopause: Age 40 to 45

Although only one percent of women undergo premature menopause before age 40, experiencing a missed period in your early 40s might prompt you to believe you’re pregnant when it could actually indicate the onset of menopause.

Symptoms of perimenopause during this phase include the following.

Missing three or more periods in a row could be an early sign of menopause.
Periods that become heavier or lighter than usual might signify hormonal changes.
Sleep problems, such as insomnia or difficulty staying asleep, can be linked to hormonal fluctuations.
Unexplained weight gain, especially around the abdomen, can be a symptom of shifting hormone levels.
Hot flashes (sometimes called “hot flushes”) are sudden sensations of heat that can cause sweating and discomfort.
Vaginal dryness and itching may occur due to decreased estrogen levels.

Symptoms of Menopause Age 45 to 50

During this phase of perimenopause or menopause, production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone slows down significantly. These are some of the symptoms.

Mood swings, characterized by abrupt changes in mood and emotional stability.
Night sweats, which are episodes of intense sweating during sleep that can disrupt rest.
Decrease in sex drive, also known as libido, can occur due to hormonal changes.
Trouble concentrating, or “brain fog,” may result from hormonal fluctuations affecting cognitive function.
Hair loss/thinning, particularly on the scalp, may be observed due to changes in hormone levels.
Increased or irregular heart rate may occur as a result of hormonal imbalance.
Urinary infections (UTIs) can become more frequent due to changes in the urinary tract and vaginal flora.
Difficulty getting pregnant may be experienced as fertility declines with age and hormonal changes occur.
Irritability, characterized by feelings of agitation and annoyance, can be a symptom of hormonal fluctuations.
Fatigue, or feelings of tiredness and exhaustion, may be more prevalent due to disrupted sleep patterns and hormonal changes.

The Final Transition: Symptoms of Menopause Age 50 to 60

Typically, by age 50, a woman’s ovaries are no longer releasing eggs or producing much estrogen. In addition to symptoms #1 through #16 above, the following problems also become more common.

Urinary incontinence, characterized by the loss of bladder control, may occur more frequently as pelvic muscles weaken.
Anxiety, manifested as feelings of worry or nervousness, can be exacerbated by hormonal changes during menopause.
Decreased bone density (osteoporosis) may occur due to declining estrogen levels, increasing the risk of fractures and bone-related problems.
Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, can occur due to hormonal fluctuations affecting breast tissue.
Changes in breast tissue, including lumpiness or texture changes, may be observed as estrogen levels decrease.
Sagging or wrinkling skin may become more pronounced due to decreased collagen production and loss of skin elasticity.
Decreased orgasms, or difficulty reaching orgasm, may occur as a result of changes in hormone levels affecting sexual function.

Less Common Symptoms of Menopause

While symptoms #1 through #23 are the most common signs of hormone decline, there are a number of less frequently experienced symptoms of menopause.

Bloating, characterized by feelings of fullness or swelling in the abdomen, may occur due to hormonal fluctuations.
Brittle nails, which may become weak or easily breakable, can be a result of hormonal changes affecting nail health.
Dizzy spells, or episodes of lightheadedness or vertigo, may occur as a result of hormonal fluctuations affecting blood pressure regulation.
Panic disorder, characterized by sudden feelings of intense fear or anxiety, may be triggered or exacerbated by hormonal changes during menopause.
Depression, marked by persistent feelings of sadness or loss of interest, can be linked to hormonal fluctuations and changes in brain chemistry.
Allergies, such as hay fever or skin reactions, may worsen or become more frequent during menopause due to changes in immune function.
Frequent headaches, including tension headaches or migraines, may be more common during menopause due to hormonal fluctuations affecting blood vessels.
Digestive issues, such as indigestion or changes in bowel habits, may occur as a result of hormonal changes affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
Muscle tightness, or muscle stiffness and tension, may occur as a result of hormonal fluctuations affecting muscle function and relaxation.
Joint pain, characterized by discomfort or stiffness in the joints, may be exacerbated by hormonal changes during menopause.
Changes in body odor, such as increased sweating or changes in scent, may occur due to hormonal fluctuations affecting sweat production and composition.
Tingling or pins & needles sensations, known as paresthesia, may occur in the extremities due to changes in nerve function associated with menopause.

How Menopause Doctors Treat Symptoms with Hormone Therapy

Once a diagnosis of menopause has been confirmed, specialized menopause doctors like Dr. Nishath Hakim, MD employ a variety of treatment strategies to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being. One of the most effective approaches is hormone therapy, which involves supplementing the body with missing hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, to restore hormonal balance and alleviate symptoms.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) at Prosperity Health in the Troy, MI area replaces the body’s missing hormones, helping to alleviate most of the symptoms above, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.

Furthermore, hormone therapy can also help reduce the risk of certain health conditions associated with menopause, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, by maintaining bone density and supporting heart health.

Menopause Doctor | Troy, MI, Area

Experienced menopause doctor Nishath Hakim, MD works closely with each patient to develop a personalized hormone therapy regimen tailored to their test results, unique needs, individual symptoms, and medical history. Regular monitoring and adjustments are made as needed to ensure optimal effectiveness and safety. By addressing the root cause of menopausal symptoms and restoring hormonal balance, hormone therapy can significantly improve quality of life and empower women to navigate the challenges of menopause with confidence and vitality.

If you’re experiencing any of these thirty-five symptoms and they’re affecting your quality of life, consulting with menopause doctor Dr. Nishath Hakim, MD at Prosperity Health in the Troy, MI area, can help you with the treatment options, including hormone therapy, that will alleviate your symptoms and improve overall health, well-being, and quality of life.