Menopause

Menopause is defined as occurring 12 months after your last menstrual period and marks the end of menstrual cycles. Menopause can occur in your 40s or 50s. In the United States the average age is 51.

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Menstrual changes
Vaginal discomfort
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Sleep abnormalities
Mood swings
Weight gain

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Your doctor may recommend blood tests such as:

Folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen (estradiol)
- FSH levels increase and estradiol levels decrease as menopause occurs
Thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH)
- An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause symptoms similar to those of menopause

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Hormone therapy

Depending on a patient’s personal and family medical history, a doctor may recommend low dose estrogen to provide symptom relief.For patients with a uterus, progestin is added to estrogen therapies. Additionally, estrogen helps prevent bone loss. Cyclical hormone replacement is also an option. Learn more about the Wiley Protocol here.

Lowdose antidepressants

Antidepressants related to the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also decrease menopausal hot flashes.

Gabapentin (Neurontin)

Gabapentin, a drug approved to treat seizures, has also been shown to help reduce hot flashes.

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Plant estrogens (phytoestrogens)

These estrogens occur naturally in certain foods. There are two main types of phytoestrogens — isoflavones and lignans. Isoflavones are found in soybeans, chickpeas and other legumes. occur in flaxseed, whole grains, and some fruits and vegetables. Both have little or weak effect on estrogen receptors.

Bioidentical hormones

Bioidentical hormones are molecules identical to hormones produced by the human body. Compounded bioidentical hormones are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are many FDA-approved bioidentical formulations available in a variety of strengths. Patients have found symptom relief from this type of hormone replacement.

Yoga

Some studies have shown that yoga may decrease the number of hot flashes in perimenopausal women.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may have some benefit in helping to reduce hot flashes.

Meet the Doctor

Dr. LaShay is a board-certified practicing gynecologist with specific interests in the areas of hormone balancing, metabolism, nutrition, and functional medicine.

She has special training in laparoendoscopic surgery and the treatment of endometriosis by completing a fellowship at Stanford under the direction of Camran Nezhat.

She also has extensive experience in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain from working at Kaiser Permanente. She believes in approaching each patient as an individual.