The holiday season is all about family, gatherings and celebrations, but for many women, it can also bring stress, endless to-do lists, and exhaustion. On top of the holiday hustle, navigating menopause can make this time of year seem unbearably overwhelming.
During the season of giving, it can be hard to prioritize your health and well-being.
Read on for helpful tips for managing this menopause transition during the holidays and how Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can help.
Understanding the Menopausal Transition and Its Stages
The menopausal transition, often referred to as perimenopause, marks a significant phase in a woman’s life where the body begins its natural progression towards menopause.
Understanding this transition and its stages can empower women to better prepare for the changes they will likely experience.
1. Perimenopause
Perimenopause is the preliminary stage that occurs years before menopause, typically starting in a woman’s 40s, though it can begin as early as her 30s.
During the early menopause stage, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen, leading to changes in menstrual patterns. A woman may experience irregular periods — either more frequent or less so, and the flow may become lighter or heavier.
Common symptoms women experience during this stage include sudden feelings of heat, trouble sleeping, mood changes and vaginal dryness. These symptoms are due to the fluctuating hormone levels and can vary widely in duration and intensity.
2. Menopause
This transition signals the end of a woman’s reproductive years and typically starts for women between the ages of 45 and 55 and can span several years. The average age at which women in the United States reach menopause varies, with the average being 52 years old.
How do I know when I enter menopause?
Natural menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period. According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), “Symptoms related to menopause can last for between two and eight years, though the timing and symptoms are highly variable among women.”
Consult your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and to discuss management options for menopause-related symptoms.
3. Postmenopause
Postmenopause refers to the years following the time of menopause. During this stage, menopausal symptoms may ease for many women.
However, due to lower levels of estrogen, postmenopausal women are at increased risk for several health conditions, including osteoporosis and heart disease.
Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor health and manage any long-term symptoms or risk factors associated with decreased hormone levels are essential.
Every woman’s journey through menopause is unique. By understanding what to expect, you can take proactive steps to manage your health during this significant phase.
How Holiday Stress (and Winter Weather) Affects Your Hormones
A study published in the Plos One journal found that “Stress increases the frequency of VMS [vasomotor symptoms commonly known as hot flashes and night sweats].” Menopausal symptoms include:
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Emotional changes, such as anxiety and irritability
- Hot flashes and/or night sweats
- Dry skin
- Vaginal dryness
- Headaches
- Decreased sex drive
- Inability to focus
- Joint pain
- Increased body odor
- Itchiness
- Memory lapses
- Oral burning sensations
- Dental issues
- Electric shock sensations
- Osteoporosis
How Winter Weather and Seasonal Shifts Intensify Menopause Symptoms
Multiple outside factors besides holiday stress can make the symptoms of menopause worse this time of year, including the shift to winter weather.
According to the Study of Women Across the Nation (SWAN) Menstrual Calendar Substudy, changing seasons impact women’s periods and onset of menopause, “including a significant increase in hot flashes and night sweats being a strong predictor of the approach of the final menstrual period.”
Additionally, the study found “a link between seasons and menstrual symptoms, with cooler, darker months being associated with the start of menopause. It appears menopause pain points may be worse in winter and the darker, colder months can bring about the start of menopause in many women.”
Another study published in the American Journal of Biological Anthropology found that “Women reported fewer hot flashes in warmer temperatures and more hot flashes with increasing seasonality.”
Colder temperatures and reduced daylight exposure can lower vitamin D production, potentially worsening the severity of symptoms. People are also generally less active in the winter, which can also impact hormone production and hormone imbalance.
Luckily, there are ways to ease your symptoms and stress during this busy time of year.
Don’t Sweat the Holidays! Effective Strategies for Navigating Seasonal Stress and Menopause Symptoms
The holiday season can be a challenging time, especially when navigating the unpredictable waters of menopause. Here are some suggestions to help manage stress and menopause symptoms effectively:
Reflect on Past Successes
Start by recalling how you managed previous holiday seasons. Remembering that you’ve successfully navigated past challenges can boost your confidence and reduce anxiety about the upcoming festivities.
Develop a Stress Management Plan
Having a proactive plan to minimize stress is crucial. Consider techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation or yoga to maintain calmness. Scheduling downtime and setting realistic expectations for holiday activities can also prevent burnout.
Stay Active
Regular physical activity can alleviate menopause symptoms such as mood swings and weight gain. Even during busy times, incorporate light exercises like walking or stretching into your daily routine.
“Physical exercises can reduce menopausal symptoms and enhance HRQOL [health-related quality of life], independent of whether hormone therapy is taken,” according to a study published in Menopause.
Consider Dietary Adjustments
Certain foods can exacerbate menopause symptoms, while others might alleviate them. The NIH suggests avoiding alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods.
A study published in Menopause found that “The combination of a low-fat, vegan diet and whole soybeans was associated with reduced frequency and severity of hot flashes and improved quality of life.”
Stay Connected
Social support is vital. Spend time with friends and family who uplift you. Sharing your experiences with others who are going through similar challenges can provide comfort and insights.
Seek Professional Advice
Don’t hesitate to consult healthcare professionals — whether for managing symptoms through lifestyle changes or discussing various treatment options like BHRT.
Implementing these strategies can help you enjoy the holiday season with fewer disruptions caused by menopause and more joy. Remember, your mental and physical health should always come first.
Understanding Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
BHRT for women is a personalized treatment that can effectively manage menopause symptoms by providing hormones identical to those the body naturally produces.
The North American Menopause Society’s position statement states, “Hormone therapy remains the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and the genitourinary syndrome of menopause and has been shown to prevent bone loss and fracture.”
How does BHRT work?
Hormones are special chemical messengers created by glands in the body’s endocrine system. Although the body has many different hormones, certain types play a more significant role in health and well-being.
At KC Medical & Wellness Center, we primarily focus on the hormones that most directly impact sexual health, including:
- Estrogen: For women, estrogen is the primary sex hormone.
- Progesterone: Progesterone is similar to estrogen but is not considered the primary sex hormone. Like estrogen, it assists with the menstrual cycle.
- Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men. It increases bone density and promotes muscle mass growth and strength.
Hormone Therapy Benefits for Women’s Health
Since our treatment comprises the identical chemical and molecular structure your body naturally produces, it has numerous benefits over synthetic hormones.
A study published in Postgraduate Medicine concluded, “Bioidentical hormones are associated with lower risks, including the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease and are more efficacious than their synthetic and animal-derived counterparts.”
Plus, the hormones and BHRT treatment are Food and Drug Administration-approved, so you can rest assured that they have been rigorously tested and are safe.
Different Types of Treatment
BHRT can be administered in various forms, depending on the patient’s needs and the specific symptoms being treated. Here’s a look at the different types of BHRT treatments available:
1. Hormone Therapy Pills
Oral administration is one of the most common forms of BHRT. Pills are effective for overall hormone replacement and are typically used for managing systemic symptoms like hot flashes, mood fluctuations and sleep disturbances.
They must be processed by the liver, which can be a consideration for those with liver issues or concerns about cholesterol levels.
2. Hormone Therapy Creams and Gels
These are applied topically and absorbed through the skin directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the liver.
This can provide a more consistent hormone level throughout the day. Creams and gels are particularly effective for targeting specific symptoms such as vaginal dryness or skin elasticity issues.
3. Hormone Therapy Patches
Patches are another form of transdermal hormone therapy that provides a consistent dose of hormones absorbed through the skin.
They are convenient and maintain steady hormone levels, reducing the risk of highs and lows associated with other administration forms. Patches are typically applied once or twice a week.
4. Hormone Therapy Pellets
Pellet therapy slowly releases hormones throughout 3 to 6 months. It is known for its ability to provide stable hormone levels, which can improve overall effectiveness and patient satisfaction.
The pellets we use at KC Medical & Wellness Center are tiny — about the size of a grain of rice — and made from organic plant materials.
Pellet therapy is particularly effective because the pellets are placed under the skin, and the specific dosage of hormones needed is administered directly into the bloodstream.
5. Hormone Therapy Injections
Hormone injections are typically administered in a clinical setting every few weeks. This option is ideal for those who prefer not to take daily treatments or for those who have issues with other forms of therapy.
Injections deliver a quick, concentrated dose of hormones directly into the bloodstream.
6. BHRT Sublingual Drops or Troches
These small lozenges or drops are placed under the tongue, allowing hormones to be absorbed directly into the blood through the mucous membranes in the mouth.
This method avoids liver metabolism and can be easily adjusted to change dosage levels.
Choosing the Right BHRT Form
The best form of BHRT depends on several factors, including lifestyle, the specific symptoms being treated, personal preference and medical history.
Work closely with a healthcare provider who specializes in hormone therapy to determine the most effective and safest form for your individual needs.
Regular monitoring and adjustments may be necessary to ensure optimal results and minimize side effects. Each type of BHRT has benefits and considerations, making personalized medical advice essential in choosing the right therapy approach.
Put Yourself First This Holiday — Treat Yourself to BHRT with KC Wellness Center in Kansas City!
Just like the stress of the holiday, most women face the changes that menopause brings with some trepidation.
Once a woman has reached this stage, her body no longer produces the same estrogen or progesterone hormones. Because of these hormonal changes, menopause is often accompanied by a host of physical, emotional and sexual health problems.
Our Customized Approach
When you visit KC Medical & Wellness Center, we will set aside time to discuss your overall health, including your medical history, and the physical changes you’ve experienced since the onset of menopause.
Then, we will conduct a comprehensive medical exam and blood tests to create your personalized treatment plan.
This plan is designed for your body and may include various levels of natural estrogen and progesterone.
Once your treatment begins, we’ll schedule follow-up appointments at our center weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.
We’ve helped many women regain their physical and emotional health and well-being through BHRT.
Contact us today and take the first step towards a healthier, more vibrant you.