Menopause is a natural biological transition that every woman experiences as she ages. While often associated with hot flashes and night sweats, menopause involves a complex hormonal shift that affects nearly every system in the body. Understanding the phases of menopause, its symptoms, and how to manage them can help women navigate this stage with confidence and improved well-being.
At Metromed, we provide bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) in Memphis, TN, and via telemedicine in IA, ND, VT, WA, CO, UT, NJ, FL, MA, ME, MD, and DE, offering personalized solutions to help women feel their best through all stages of menopause.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is officially diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period due to declining ovarian function. This transition typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age of menopause in the U.S. being 51.
However, menopause is not a sudden event—it is a gradual process that unfolds over several years and consists of three distinct phases:
Perimenopause – The transition leading up to menopause, where symptoms begin.
Menopause – The official cessation of menstruation for 12 months.
Postmenopause – The years following menopause, when symptoms may continue but typically stabilize.
When Does Menopause Start? The STRAW Criteria
The Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop (STRAW) criteria is the gold standard for defining the stages of menopause and reproductive aging. It categorizes the transition into three major stages based on menstrual cycle patterns and hormone levels:
1. Reproductive Stage (Before Menopause Begins)
Regular menstrual cycles.
Normal estrogen and progesterone production.
2. Menopausal Transition (Perimenopause)
Begins in the mid-to-late 40s.
Cycles become irregular, shorter, or longer.
Progesterone declines first, causing PMS-like symptoms, mood swings, and poor sleep.
Estrogen fluctuations cause hot flashes, night sweats, and brain fog.
3. Menopause & Postmenopause
Official menopause: No period for 12 months.
Postmenopause: Estrogen and progesterone levels remain low.
Symptoms may continue but typically become less severe over time.
Understanding the STRAW criteria helps women and healthcare providers identify where they are in the menopause transition and determine the best approach for symptom management.
Common Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause symptoms vary from woman to woman but are primarily caused by fluctuating and declining estrogen and progesterone levels. Some women experience mild symptoms, while others find them disruptive to daily life.
1. Hot Flashes & Night Sweats
Sudden feelings of heat, usually in the face, neck, and chest.
Can last a few seconds to several minutes.
Often accompanied by red flushing and sweating.
Night sweats can disrupt sleep and lead to fatigue.
2. Irregular Periods & Heavy Bleeding
Skipping periods, shorter cycles, or heavier flow.
May experience clotting and prolonged bleeding before periods stop completely.
3. Mood Swings, Anxiety & Depression
Irritability, sadness, or anxiety caused by hormonal fluctuations.
Increased stress sensitivity and difficulty managing emotions.
Higher risk of depression in women with a history of mood disorders.
4. Brain Fog & Memory Issues
Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and mental fatigue.
Estrogen affects neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which impact cognitive function.
5. Sleep Disturbances & Insomnia
Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Poor sleep due to night sweats, anxiety, or hormonal imbalance.
Progesterone naturally promotes relaxation, and its decline can lead to sleep problems.
6. Weight Gain & Slowed Metabolism
Fat storage shifts to the abdomen due to lower estrogen levels.
Decreased muscle mass and increased insulin resistance make weight management harder.
Many women experience a sudden increase in belly fat despite no changes in diet or exercise.
7. Vaginal Dryness & Painful Intercourse
Loss of estrogen causes thinning and dryness of vaginal tissues.
Leads to pain during intercourse, decreased libido, and increased risk of infections.
8. Joint Pain & Muscle Loss
Estrogen has anti-inflammatory properties, so its decline can lead to joint aches and stiffness.
Loss of muscle mass contributes to weaker bones and increased fracture risk.
9. Increased Risk of Osteoporosis & Heart Disease
Estrogen protects bones, and its decline accelerates bone loss, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Cardiovascular risk increases after menopause due to rising cholesterol levels and changes in blood vessel function.
How Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Can Help
At Metromed, we offer personalized BHRT plans to help women manage menopause symptoms safely and effectively. Unlike synthetic hormones, bio-identical hormones (BHRT) are molecularly identical to those naturally produced by the body, offering a safer, more natural approach to hormone balance.
Benefits of BHRT for Menopause
✔ Reduces hot flashes and night sweats
✔ Improves sleep and reduces insomnia
✔ Enhances mood and mental clarity
✔ Supports weight management and metabolism
✔ Improves libido and vaginal health
✔ Strengthens bones and reduces osteoporosis risk
✔ Protects against heart disease and cognitive decline
We offer customized BHRT solutions, including:
Pellets for long-lasting hormone balance.
Creams & gels for easy daily application.
Oral & injectable options based on individual needs.
BHRT in Memphis, TN & Telemedicine for 12 States
At Metromed, we specialize in bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for menopause and serve patients in Memphis, TN, and via telemedicine in IA, ND, VT, WA, CO, UT, NJ, FL, MA, ME, MD, and DE.
📅 Schedule a consultation today to get a personalized menopause management plan!
📍 Serving Memphis, TN & Telehealth Patients in IA, ND, VT, WA, CO, UT, NJ, FL, MA, ME, MD, DE
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