Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s life journey, marking the end of menstrual cycles and the transition out of reproductive years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period. This transition happens as the ovaries gradually reduce the production of key hormones like estrogen, testosterone and progesterone, which can lead to changes in how you feel physically and emotionally.
Menopause is not a single event, but rather a process that unfolds over time in three distinct stages:
Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, typically beginning in the late 30s to 40s, marked by hormonal fluctuations that can cause changes in menstrual cycles, hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, anxiety, sleep disturbances, low libido, brain fog, muscle loss, and weight gain, among other symptoms. This phase can last anywhere from 4 to 7 years, but you don’t have to face it alone. Dr. Swanson is here to provide personalized support, offering hormone therapy and other treatment options to help you not just survive, but thrive during this transition.
Menopause
Menopause is defined as the point in time when you have gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle—an experience that can feel both ambiguous and retrospective. Let us support and guide you through this transition, so you can feel empowered and in control. Estrogen and progesterone have reached critical lows leading to symptoms and new disease. You are no longer ovulating. After menopause, you enter the postmenopausal phase.
Postmenopause
Postmenopause is the phase of life that follows menopause, when hormone levels are almost non existant. The problem with low hormones is that the entire body needs them to function at its best. Hormonal deficiency increases the risk of conditions such as metabolic diseases like insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attack and stroke. In addition to depression and osteoporosis which can lead to breaking a hip or a vertebra. Vaginal atrophy often occurs and is a condition where the lining of your vagina gets drier and thinner. Most women live a third of their life in this phase. With support you can modulate these disease processes.
We help women transition into what we call Menostart—a new chapter focused on reclaiming health and preventing these changes. Through hormone therapy, personalized fitness plans, targeted nutrition, and emotional support, we empower women to thrive in this phase of life and reach new levels of well-being and life satisfaction. Let us guide you toward becoming your best self!
