Menopause becomes “official” after 12 months of a woman no longer having her natural period, in other cases menopause can be abrupt via a  chemical or surgical induction.  In 75-85% of women, symptoms of menopause will occur and the vast majority go untreated. The absence of estrogen in the body affects more than just fertility, this hormone plays a critical role in women’s overall health by regulating cholesterol, protecting the heart and blood vessels, and supporting mood and healthy bones. Lack of estrogen can contribute to decreased sexual desire, pain and discomfort during sex, vaginal dryness, and painful urinary issues. Estrogen plays a huge role in women’s well-being!

Women on average experience natural menopause at the age of 51.4 years old. However, the transition into menopause, a time known as perimenopause, can last for years prior. Both perimenopause and menopause can be a time of significant suffering. Some women experiencing this transitional time and early into menopause opt for hormone therapy (HT), which can be effective and offer significant relief.  However, not all women are able to or want to begin hormone therapy.  Hormone therapy, like any therapy, is not risk-free and it doesn’t address all symptoms common with perimenopause and menopause like urinary incontinence, brain fog, and sexual dysfunction. Those with a history of cardiovascular disease, a history of breast or endometrial cancer, and blood clots are unable to use hormone therapy. HT may not be for everyone, and many women are looking for alternative or complementary therapies to treat their symptoms.