Menopause is a natural but complex transition that many women experience, typically between the ages of 45 and 55. While this life stage marks the end of reproductive years, the hormonal imbalances associated with menopause often lead to physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms that can affect a woman’s overall quality of life. Functional medicine for menopause takes a personalized, root-cause approach to diagnosing and treating these symptoms, offering women tailored care that targets their unique hormonal and lifestyle needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how functional medicine can help manage the menopausal transition and improve overall health and well-being.

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is defined as the point in a woman’s life when menstruation ceases for 12 consecutive months, signaling the end of fertility. Typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, menopause is accompanied by various physical and emotional changes as the body adjusts to decreasing hormone levels. Most women experience menopause between the ages of 45 and 55, but this transition can vary from person to person. Each year, about 1.3 million women in the United States transition into menopause.

Why Does Menopause Happen?

Menopause is the result of the natural decline in ovarian function. As women age, their ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone. This hormonal transition impacts numerous bodily functions, including bone density, cardiovascular health, and mental health. Functional medicine takes a systematic review approach, evaluating not just the decline in ovarian function, but how this impacts a woman’s metabolic health, liver function, and hormone metabolism.

The Three Stages of Menopause

Menopause unfolds in three distinct stages, each with its own challenges and considerations for treatment and management.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the first phase of the transition to menopause and can begin several years before a woman’s last period. During perimenopause, hormone levels fluctuate, often leading to common menopause symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, irregular periods, and sleep disturbances. Functional medicine practitioners often focus on lifestyle factors and nutritional support during this phase to help manage hormone imbalances.

Menopause

Menopause itself is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. By this time, estrogen and progesterone levels are significantly lower, and the body begins to adapt to these changes. Functional medicine doctors focus on addressing both the physical symptoms (such as bone health, sexual function, and temperature regulation) and psychological symptoms (such as anxiety, brain fog, and depressive symptoms). Hormone replacement therapy may be considered at this stage to alleviate severe symptoms.

Postmenopause

Postmenopause refers to the years following menopause. During this time, women are at increased risk for health conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease, and endometrial cancer. A functional medicine menopause doctor works to optimize long-term health by addressing the root causes of these risks, such as hormone deficiency and nutrient imbalances, often recommending lifestyle modifications like increasing intake of cruciferous vegetables, leafy vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids to support bone health and cardiovascular health.

Menopause Signs & Symptoms

Menopause brings a wide range of symptoms that can vary in severity and duration. These symptoms stem from hormonal fluctuations and changes in the body’s metabolism, mood regulation, and sexual health.

Irregular and missed periods: These are often the first signs of perimenopause.
Temperature fluctuations: Hot flashes, chills, and night sweats are common due to changes in the body’s thermoregulation.
Vaginal dryness: A decrease in estrogen affects sexual health, leading to discomfort during intercourse.
Low libido: Hormonal shifts can decrease sexual desire.
Sleep disturbances: Insomnia and poor sleep quality are frequently reported during menopause.
Mood changes: Many women experience depressive symptoms, anxiety, and mood swings during this time.
Weight gain: Hormonal changes, particularly in hormone metabolism, can lead to changes in weight distribution and difficulty maintaining a healthy weight.
Thinning hair: Dry skin, eyes, and mouth are common due to reduced estrogen levels.
Breast changes: A loss of fullness and tenderness may occur.
Urinary urgency and frequency: A weakening of the pelvic muscles can cause urinary symptoms, which can be addressed through pelvic floor exercises and other functional medicine techniques.

Approximately 85% of women report dealing with a range of menopausal symptoms, which vary in type and severity. Functional medicine takes a personalized approach to address the specific symptoms each woman experiences.

How to Identify Menopause

Menopause diagnosis involves understanding both symptoms and underlying hormonal changes. Functional medicine menopause focuses on a combination of patient history, diagnostic tests, and a comprehensive health screening to ensure accurate diagnosis.

Clinical Identification

Menopause is often diagnosed based on clinical symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances. A functional medicine menopause doctor may also evaluate lifestyle factors that could exacerbate these symptoms, such as stress or poor nutrition.

Hormonal Evaluation

In functional medicine, hormonal evaluation is a critical step in identifying menopause. Blood tests measuring sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), are conducted to understand hormone imbalances. Organic acids testing may also be used to assess liver function and detoxification pathways, as the liver plays a key role in hormone metabolism.

Comprehensive Health Screening

A full health assessment is important to rule out other conditions that might mimic menopause, such as thyroid disorders or mental health issues. Functional medicine often incorporates assessments of bone density, cardiovascular health, and liver function to give a full picture of how menopause is affecting the body.

Menopause Diagnosis

A key element of functional medicine menopause diagnosis is the use of lab testing to confirm hormonal status and overall health.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Estrogen (Estradiol)

As estrogen levels drop, FSH levels increase, which is one of the main markers of menopause. By tracking these levels, healthcare practitioners can determine whether a woman is entering or has reached menopause.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Since thyroid dysfunction can mirror menopause symptoms, measuring TSH levels is crucial. Functional medicine evaluates thyroid function to ensure that symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and depressive symptoms are not due to underlying thyroid issues.

Menopause Treatment

Managing menopause through a functional medicine approach means treating the entire person, not just symptoms. Treatment options are tailored to the individual’s hormonal transition, lifestyle choices, and overall health goals.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often used to restore hormone levels and alleviate severe symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. In functional medicine, bioidentical hormones may be recommended for a more natural approach, as they closely resemble the body’s own hormones.

Vaginal Estrogen

For women experiencing vaginal dryness or discomfort during intercourse, vaginal estrogen can help restore moisture and improve sexual health.

Prasterone (Intrarosa)

Prasterone is a DHEA-derived treatment that supports vaginal tissue health, helping relieve discomfort during sex for postmenopausal women.

Antidepressants

Low-dose antidepressants are sometimes used to manage depressive symptoms and mood swings, particularly for women who cannot or do not want to take hormone therapy.

Gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin)

Gabapentin, traditionally used to treat seizures, has been found effective in reducing hot flushes and improving sleep quality.

Clonidine (Catapres-TTS-1, Nexiclon XR)

Clonidine is another non-hormonal treatment option used to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

Fezolinetant (Veozah)

Fezolinetant is a newer, non-hormonal treatment that targets hot flashes without affecting estrogen levels.

Oxybutynin (Oxytrol)

For women experiencing frequent urination or urinary urgency, oxybutynin can help control these symptoms by improving bladder function.

Medications for Osteoporosis Prevention

As estrogen levels decline, women are at a higher risk for bone loss. Functional medicine doctors often recommend dietary supplements like calcium and vitamin D, along with weight-bearing exercises, to maintain bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.

Ospemifene (Osphena)

Ospemifene is another option for treating vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse, particularly for women who cannot use estrogen.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Lifestyle modifications are a central component of the functional medicine approach to menopause. Simple changes in daily habits can have a profound impact on menopausal women’s symptoms.

Cool hot flashes: Wearing lightweight, layered clothing and staying in cool environments can help reduce hot flushes.
Ease vaginal pain: Using water-based lubricants and practicing pelvic floor exercises can help maintain vaginal elasticity and comfort during intercourse.
Get enough sleep: Creating a consistent bedtime routine, avoiding screens before bed, and reducing caffeine intake can improve sleep quality.
Find ways to relax: Stress reduction techniques, such as mind-body therapies like meditation or yoga, can help manage mood swings and anxiety.
Strengthen your pelvic floor: Regular Kegel exercises help support bladder control and improve sexual function.
Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods, particularly leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, to support hormone balance and overall health.
Manage weight: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and balanced eating is essential for metabolic and cardiovascular health during menopause.
Don’t smoke: Smoking can exacerbate menopausal symptoms and increase the risk of serious conditions like endometrial cancer and blood clots.
Exercise regularly: Physical activity improves mood, maintains bone density, and supports heart health.

Alternative Medicine

In addition to conventional treatments, functional medicine for menopause embraces alternative medicine to provide a holistic, integrative approach.

Plant estrogens: These naturally occurring compounds, found in foods like soy and flaxseeds, mimic estrogen in the body and can help reduce symptoms like hot flashes.
Bioidentical hormones: A natural alternative to synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones provide a more personalized approach to hormone replacement therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help manage the psychological symptoms of menopause, including anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
Black cohosh: This herbal product is often used to relieve hot flashes and other menopause symptoms.
Yoga: Practicing yoga improves flexibility, reduces stress, and can help manage both physical and psychological symptoms of menopause.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture has been shown to alleviate hot flashes and improve overall well-being in menopausal women.
Hypnosis: Hypnosis can help reduce hot flashes and improve sleep quality.

How Vitality Functional Family Medicine Can Help with Menopause Treatment

At Vitality Functional Family Medicine, we specialize in providing personalized, integrative care for women navigating the challenges of perimenopause/menopause. Our approach focuses on addressing the root causes of hormonal imbalances through tailored treatment plans that promote overall well-being and long-term health. If you’re searching for functional medicine menopause near me, our clinic provides tailored care to address hormonal imbalances, improve mental health, and support sexual health, helping women navigate their menopause journey with confidence and improved well-being. With a combination of advanced diagnostic techniques, hormone therapy, and lifestyle recommendations, we empower women to take control of their menopause journey. To learn more about how we can help you feel your best during this transition, Contact Us today for a consultation.

Conclusion

Menopause is a natural phase of life, but it doesn’t have to disrupt your quality of life. With the functional medicine approach, you can address the root causes of your symptoms and take proactive steps to improve your health. From personalized hormone therapy to lifestyle modifications, this integrative approach offers a holistic path to thriving through and beyond the menopausal transition.

FAQs

What tests are involved in functional medicine to diagnose menopause?

Functional medicine practitioners use tests like blood panels to measure sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and FSH. They may also assess thyroid function, adrenal health, and organic acids to provide a complete picture of hormonal balance.

Can functional medicine prevent menopause symptoms from worsening?

Yes, by addressing hormonal imbalances and underlying health factors, functional medicine menopause treatments can help manage and reduce symptoms, preventing them from worsening. Key strategies include hormone balancing, lifestyle modifications, and the use of natural products like herbal supplements.

How long does it take to see results from functional medicine treatments for menopause?

The time to see results varies depending on the individual and the treatment plan. However, many women begin to feel improvements within a few weeks to months. Consistent follow-ups and adherence to recommended lifestyle choices, nutritional changes, and treatments are crucial for long-term success.