WHAT IS MENOPAUSE? Menopause symptoms generally start to occur between the ages of 45 and 55 and are often called "the change of life" which is a normal part of aging. It is a time when a woman's body makes fewer of the hormones that regulate the monthly menstrual cycle including menstruation.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE? Some of the common symptoms of menopause are: depression, anxiety, night sweats, hot flashes, loss of libido, fatigue, weight gain, dizziness, vaginal dryness, incontinence, hair loss, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, headaches, panic attacks and joint pain.

WHAT IS PERIMENOPAUSE? The term Perimenopause describes the time of transition before actual menopause which can begin several years before menopause and last from between 6 months to up 10 years. Perimenopause symptoms are generally the same as menopause symptoms. Although menstrual periods may become erratic and ovulation can still occur which will make pregnancy still a possibility during perimenopause.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM IN MENOPAUSE OR PERIMENOPAUSE? To be sure a woman is going through menopause or perimenopause, most integrative doctors have discovered the most successful approach to dealing with a woman's menopausal symptoms is to begin with laboratory tests called a "hormone panel" (saliva samples). Other diagnostic testing commonly used by doctors can be conducted, including an estrogen or follicle-stimulating (FSH) level test, which should include a blood test.

CAN MENOPAUSAL HORMONE THERAPY (MHT) HELP TREAT MY SYMPTOMS? Your doctor can help you decide which menopause treatment option is right for you such as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), Bio Identical Hormones (BHRT), as well as other natural alternative remedies and life style changes.

ARE THERE ANY "NATURAL" TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR MENOPAUSE? The most common are herbal or other plant-based products to help relieve menopause symptoms such as: phytoestrogens, soy, black cohosh, wild yam, dong quai, red clover and valerian root.

DO I NEED TO BE IN MENOPAUSE IN ORDER TO HAVE MY HORMONES CHECKED? A woman does not need to to be going through menopause in order to have her hormones checked. Many women in their 30's suffer hormone imbalances. Overproduction of the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone can have negative effects on men and women , from depression, mood swings and fatigue to an increased risk for certain diseases. Get your hormone levels tested. Since testosterone, cortisol and progesterone are all present in blood, urine and saliva, your doctor can perform a variety of tests to determine if you are suffering from imbalances. By pinpointing the exact imbalance, you'll be in a better position to treat it.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TREATMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO ME MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS?

Ask your doctor about prescription medications to treat your hormonal imbalance. You may need to take pills that contain the specific hormones you are lacking. Your doctor can also administer hormonal injections if necessary. Consume a well-balanced diet as poor nutrition will exacerbate hormone imbalances. Also Exercise. Consistent exercise helps to regulate hormone levels, helping to correct imbalances.

Also consider herbal treatments. Various herbs such as dong quai, soy, black cohosh and nettles are regularly used to treat hormonal imbalances. Talk to your doctor before you begin any herbal treatment plan.

Overall, many menopause symptoms are very common, some are less common, and some are very serious and should not be ignored. By understanding the symptoms of menopause and hormone imbalances women can avoid any possible serious health risks or complications associated with menopause and hormonal imbalances.