Menopause:
Understanding the Transition and Managing the Symptoms
Menopause marks the permanent end of menstruation, typically occurring around age 51, as the ovaries cease hormone production. While this transition is natural, its effects are far-reaching, driven primarily by the dramatic decline in estrogen. Symptoms range from the well-known hot flashes and night sweats to less obvious issues like joint pain, cognitive changes, and mood swings. In addition, the loss of estrogen increases the risk for long-term health issues like osteoporosis and heart disease.
The Metabolic Shift: Why Weight Gain Happens
One of the more frustrating aspects of menopause is weight gain, especially around the abdomen. Estrogen plays a key role in regulating how the body stores fat, and its decline leads to a shift towards more visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs and raises the risk for metabolic syndrome. This type of fat gain is linked to insulin resistance, which can make it difficult to manage weight, even with a healthy lifestyle.
Estrogen also helps regulate cholesterol levels, so after menopause, many women see an increase in LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides, further elevating the risk of cardiovascular disease. The hormonal changes also slow down the body’s metabolic rate, making it harder to burn calories and maintain previous weight.
The Psychological Landscape: Mood, Memory, and Self
While the physical effects of menopause are often the focal point, the psychological and emotional toll can be just as profound. Estrogen influences neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in regulating mood and cognition. As estrogen declines, women may experience mood swings, anxiety, or even depression. These changes can be particularly disorienting for those who’ve never struggled with mood disorders before.
Cognitive changes, too, are common. Many women report "brain fog" or difficulty focusing—a phenomenon that is increasingly recognized as a part of the menopausal transition. While the cognitive shifts are often temporary, they can still be alarming in the moment, especially when combined with the other physical changes happening simultaneously.
How Dr. Hasan Helps Manage Menopause
At Chia Endocrinology & Wellness, Dr. Hasan offers tailored solutions to manage both the immediate and long-term effects of menopause. With a focus on evidence-based treatments, Dr. Hasan provides hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including FDA-approved bioidentical hormones when appropriate, to help alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain. His approach combines hormonal optimization with personalized lifestyle adjustments, including practical strategies for weight management and improving metabolic health.
Dr. Hasan also helps patients navigate the broader health risks associated with menopause, including bone density loss and heart disease. By addressing these issues early, he helps women take control of their health during and after this transition.