Menopause marks the end of your reproductive years and occurs when you have gone 12 consecutive months without a period. It's diagnosed retrospectively after you've gone through that full year without a menstrual cycle. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can happen anywhere from 40-58.
The transition begins several years earlier in perimenopause as your ovaries start to make less estrogen. You may experience changes like:
Symptoms vary widely from woman to woman. While some sail through menopause easily, others deal with disruptive symptoms that significantly diminish their quality of life. Proper treatment can help minimize the impact for a smoother transition.
Figuring out the right treatment starts with comprehensive hormone testing. This gives our menopause experts insight into your unique hormonal picture so we can identify any imbalances contributing to symptoms.
We test levels of key hormones like:
Based on your lab results and symptoms, we can determine if hormone therapy, thyroid medication, or other treatment is warranted to help you feel like yourself again.
While some women choose to tough it out, prompt treatment provides immense benefits:
Don't settle for feeling off. With individualized care, you can thrive through menopause and beyond.
As Ames' leading menopause specialists, we offer a full range of therapy options tailored to your needs including:
We collaborate with you to develop a treatment plan to balance your hormones, ease symptoms, and help you feel your best physically and mentally.
Many women are surprised to learn that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective treatment for menopause symptoms. CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors related to hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Research shows that CBT significantly improves quality of life for menopausal women by teaching coping strategies like relaxation techniques, stress management, and shifting negative thought patterns.
Your treatment plan will include tailored lifestyle recommendations to support hormone balance and wellbeing during this transition:
Implementing healthy lifestyle choices, along with proper medical treatment, offers the most complete support through menopause.
Choosing an experienced menopause hormone specialist is crucial for optimal care during this transition. Look for the following:
At Hormone Harmony, our endocrinologists specializing in menopause offer all of these with a personalized, caring approach. We're dedicated to helping women thrive through menopause and beyond.
If you're a woman in Ames going through perimenopause or menopause, we encourage you to partner with us for specialized care. Here's how to get started:
Don't struggle through menopause alone. Call Hormone Harmony in Ames today to schedule your first appointment and get the high-quality, individualized care you deserve.
Ames offers a supportive environment for women going through menopause with top-notch medical care, recreational opportunities, and a vibrant community.
Our knowledgeable menopause doctors provide cutting-edge diagnosis and treatment at Hormone Harmony so you can find relief from symptoms. There are also excellent medical facilities in town like Mary Greeley Medical Center to address any other health needs.
The friendly, thriving college town atmosphere also makes Ames a wonderful place to live during this transition. The Ames Community Arts Council supports a rich arts and culture scene with music, theater, galleries, and events. Reiman Gardens offers gorgeous botanical gardens perfect for rejuvenating walks. There are also great parks and trails like the Skunk River Greenbelt for enjoyable outdoor recreation and fitness.
For specialized care during menopause, work with our exceptional endocrinologists at Hormone Harmony. For healthy living and enrichment, embrace all that the Ames community has to offer! We'll help make this transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
