Menopause
Expert perimenopause and menopause treatment for hot flashes, brain fog, mood changes, weight gain, and hormone imbalance. Personalized care by Dr. Sue Zhou.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause is the natural biological transition that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. While it can occur at any age in the 40s or 50s, the average age of onset in the U.S. is 51. Perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause, can cause significant physical and emotional symptoms as hormones fluctuate.
Every woman experiences menopause differently. Some may move through this transition with mild symptoms, while others experience challenging changes that disrupt mood, sleep, metabolism, sexual wellness, or daily life. A physician can diagnose menopausal stage through symptoms and, when needed, hormone testing.
Symptoms of Menopause
Many women experience one or more of the following during perimenopause or menopause:
- Brain fog
- Irregular or missed periods
- Vaginal dryness
- Fatigue or sleep disturbances
- Hot flashes, chills, night sweats
- Changes in libido
- Bladder control problems
- Depression, anxiety, mood changes
- Insomnia
- Weight gain or slowed metabolism
- Racing heart
- Headaches, joint or muscle aches
- Thinning hair, dry skin, decreased breast fullness
Causes of Menopause
Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and produce lower amounts of estrogen and progesterone. This hormone shift leads to irregular menstrual cycles, estrogen decline, and the symptoms commonly associated with menopause. Menopause before age 40 is considered premature menopause.
- Hysterectomy
- Chemotherapy or radiation
- Autoimmune conditions
- Ovarian damage
