Women’s Hormone Health

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It is officially diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without menstruating. Menopause typically occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being around 51.

During menopause, the ovaries cease to release eggs, and the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones declines significantly. This hormonal shift can lead to a variety of physical and emotional changes.

It's important to note that menopause does not signify the end of a woman's health or vitality. With proper healthcare, lifestyle adjustments, and support, women can lead fulfilling lives during and after menopause.

The symptoms of menopause can vary from woman to woman, but here are some common symptoms experienced during this stage:

1. Absent periods: Menopause is characterised by the absence of periods for 12 consecutive months, but prior to that, women often experience irregular periods, which may be shorter or longer than usual.

2. Hot flashes: A sudden feeling of warmth, often accompanied by flushing of the face, neck, and chest. Hot flashes can be mild or severe and may be accompanied by sweating, rapid heartbeat, and a feeling of anxiety.

3. Night sweats: Similar to hot flashes, night sweats are episodes of intense sweating that occur during sleep, often leading to disrupted sleep patterns.

4. Mood changes: Many women experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression during menopause. Hormonal changes can contribute to these emotional fluctuations.

5. Vaginal dryness: Decreased estrogen levels can lead to thinning and dryness of the vaginal lining, resulting in discomfort, itching, and pain during intercourse.

6. Sleep disturbances: Menopause can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing poor-quality sleep.

7. Fatigue: Many women report feeling more tired or fatigued during menopause, which can be due to hormonal changes, sleep disturbances, or other factors.

8. Decreased libido: Fluctuating hormone levels can impact sexual desire or arousal, leading to a decreased interest in sex.

9. Urinary problems: Some women may experience changes in urinary frequency or urgency, as well as an increased risk of urinary tract infections.

10. Changes in body composition: Menopause can contribute to weight gain, particularly around the waist and abdomen. It may also lead to a redistribution of fat and loss of muscle mass.

11. Bone loss: Estrogen plays a role in maintaining bone density, and its decline during menopause can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

It's important to remember that not all women will experience all of these symptoms, and their severity can vary.

The key to reducing your symptoms and working towards hormone optimisation is to create an individualised treatment plan that is tailored for just you. There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution to menopause and your hormone health, so we don’t treat you as if there is one. We consider your whole body and lifestyle and not just your hormones in isolation in creating your treatment plan.

During menopause, the levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones decline, leading to various symptoms. Alpha BHRT aims to optimise your hormone health by supplementing the body with bioidentical versions of these hormones.

BHRT can be administered in various forms. The specific dosage and delivery method are determined based on bespoke individual needs and personal preferences.