Menopause

Approaching menopause may bring hot flashes, mood swings, poor sleep, or brain fog. At Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine, naturopathic wellness doctor Stefani Hayes, ND, LAc, and the team offer holistic treatments for menopause symptoms that provide lasting relief and improve quality of life. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office in Portland, Oregon, or using the online booking feature today. 

What is menopause?

Menopause is a time in a woman's life when she hasn’t had a period in 12 consecutive months and can no longer become pregnant. 

The transition period leading up to menopause is called perimenopause and often begins in women in their 40s (sometimes earlier). Perimenopause can last several years or more, and many women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. 

Early menopause occurs in some women before age 40. This can happen because of things like cancer treatment, surgery to remove the ovaries and uterus, or unknown causes.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Symptoms of perimenopause and/or menopause may include:

• Longer or shorter periods
• More or less time between periods
• Irregular periods
• Periods that are heavier or lighter than usual
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Trouble sleeping
• Fatigue
• Memory problems
• Brain fog
• Vaginal dryness
• Irritability 
• Mood changes
• Depression
• Weight gain
• Anxiety
• Pain during sex
• Urinary incontinence 
• Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Reduced bone density and osteoporosis

These and similar symptoms may appear as your ovaries produce less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Your risk of high cholesterol, heart disease, and stroke may also increase. 

Am I in perimenopause or menopause?

Dr. Rachel meets with you to review your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle to learn if you may be in perimenopause or menopause. She completes a physical exam and might order blood tests, a pelvic ultrasound, or additional diagnostic tests. 

How are perimenopause and menopause symptoms treated?

The Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine team takes an integrative approach to treating perimenopause and post-menopause symptoms. They specialize in naturopathic medicine and may recommend one or more of the following options:

• Chinese medicine
• Acupuncture
• Moxibustion
• Evidence-based supplementation
• Herbal medicine  
• Lifestyle medicine
• Laboratory assessments
• Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Medical weight loss
• Metabolic support
• Nutrition counseling
• Stress management
• Maya abdominal therapy

Menopause isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Your treatment reflects the unique and dynamic hormonal physiology occurring at each stage of reproductive aging. This includes the late reproductive years, early perimenopause, late perimenopause, and post-menopause.

Using comprehensive functional lab testing and a whole-person approach, Dr. Rachel identifies underlying contributors to negative symptoms while supporting long-term brain, bone, cardiovascular, metabolic, and pelvic health. 

Menopause symptom treatment can optimize your well-being and help you feel resilient, vibrant, and supported through every stage of your hormonal transition.

Relieve menopause symptoms naturally with the experts at Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.