Have you found yourself in front of a computer doing searches about menopause after enduring another night of hot flashes and little or no sleep? It's a common story we hear from women. We also hear statements such as:

Why am I so tired all the time?

It seems like I keep gaining weight. It's like my metabolism has just stopped working.

I've got this weird brain fog.

My hair is thinning and my skin feels so dry!

My emotions are all over the place.

I have awful vaginal dryness.

My breasts feel like they've deflated!

And according to the Mayo Clinic, all these symptoms are, indeed, symptoms of menopause. In the United States, the average age of menopause onset is 51 years of age. Some women experience menopause sooner while in their 40s. Women who reach menopause before the age of 40 are considered to have premature menopause. This is rare with only 1-2% of women experiencing early menopause.

Some suggest that the age of menstrual onset could help predict the age of menopause. Others suggest looking at family history.

But no matter the age or family history, menopause is defined as the end of your menstruating era, marked by 12 months without a menstrual cycle.

Many women determine they've hit menopause simply by the unpleasant side-effects and lack of menses while others rely on hormone tests to confirm it. Looking at TSH and estrogen levels can be a good indicator of menopause.

Whether you're sure you've hit menopause or are just beginning the process, our Hormone Health and Wellness providers are here to help answer your questions, alleviate unpleasant side effects, and help you feel your best. Our office is equipped for lab work, customized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy plans, and guidance from a caring team of professionals to assist you.