Menopause clinic

Our clinic specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of menopause problems and osteoporosis (calcium leakage) associated with menopause.

Menopause typically starts in most women around the age of 40, as a gradual process resulting in decreased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play a vital role in maintaining the health of the vagina, uterus, menstrual cycles, and fertility. Estrogen also helps keep our bones strong and maintains healthy levels of cholesterol in the blood. 

The decrease in hormone levels can lead to various symptoms that may persist for several months or even years. Some women may experience these symptoms to varying degrees of discomfort, while others may not experience them at all. The main symptoms include:

Changes in the menstrual cycle: it starts with shorter cycles and later on, it transitions to longer ones. Additionally, the amount of menstruation can decrease initially and then increase. The frequency of bleeding between periods also increases.

Hot flashes: are sudden sensations of heat in the upper body, including the face, neck, chest, back, and arms, often accompanied by sweating. The duration of each episode can range from a few seconds to five minutes.

Changes in the vagina and bladder can result in thinning and fragility of genital tissue. This often leads to discomfort during intercourse and occasional bleeding. Additionally, the frequency of vaginal infections may increase, along with a higher likelihood of urinary tract infections for some women.

Sex: The frequency of sexual activity decreases as the decline in sex hormone levels impacts sexual desire, and vaginal dryness leads to discomfort during intercourse.

Sleep disorders: Some women going through menopause experience sleep disorders, such as trouble falling asleep or waking up frequently during the night. It can be challenging to fall back asleep after waking up at night. Additionally, hot flashes, which often occur at night, can also lead to early awakening.

Mood changes: As estrogen levels decrease, changes in mood and behavior may occur, often accompanied by fatigue. However, depression is not considered a symptom of menopause.

Changes in the body structure: Some women experience physical changes, like increased waist size, reduced muscle mass, muscle laxity, and changes in skin elasticity. Other women may report memory loss and decreased muscle and joint flexibility.

Osteoporosis: the body is constantly replacing old bone with new. The lack of estrogen during menopause causes more bone to be destroyed than to be built. This results in a decrease in bone mass and weakened bones that are prone to fractures.

What can you do?

There are several actions that can help you:

Quit smoking
 
Maintain a healthy diet by consuming low-fat, cholesterol-rich foods. Ensure your diet is high in fiber from vegetables and fruits, and enriched with vitamins, minerals, and calcium.
 
Lose weight
 
Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking or running, at least three times a week. 

For cases of vaginal dryness, use water-based moisturizers.
 
Schedule regular visits to a gynecologist for a gynecological examination, breast examination, pap smear from the cervix,  mammogram, and bone density test.

What about hormone therapy?

Hormone therapy aims to supplement hormonal deficiency, particularly when accompanied by menopausal symptoms or osteoporosis. If you don't experience menopause symptoms or if they don't significantly impact your quality of life, hormone therapy may not be necessary.

The hormones given during menopause originate from four hormonal groups:

Estrogen - recommended for women who have had a hysterectomy.

Estrogen combined with progesterone - For women who require estrogen and have a uterus, the progesterone hormone safeguards against the cancer-inducing impact of estrogen on the endometrium.

A hormone with estrogenic activity but without effect on the endometrium and breast tissue.

A synthetic hormone with combined estrogenic, progestagenic and androgenic activity without any effect on the endometrium or breast tissue.

Hormones can be administered through pills, patches, or ointments. However, there are several drawbacks to consider. These include an elevated risk of breast cancer and increased blood clotting, which can lead to stroke. On the positive side, hormone use has been associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer.