In this episode of The Dr. Rob Show, we continue talking about female hormone problems and discuss some of the issues associated with menopause.

Every woman is eventually going to go through menopause, which is an inevitable decline in female hormone production, specifically estrogen and progesterone.  However, DHEA and testosterone can also decline as well.

The average age of menopause starts at 51.5 and is usually diagnosed when a woman has not had a period in the last 12 months.  Also, a doctor might run a blood test to check the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) level, which will be close to 100 IU/ml when a woman is close to or already in menopause.

Symptoms of Menopause: 

Similar to PMS and Perimenopause, there are a wide variety of symptoms a woman can experience as she enters menopause.  Below is a list of some of the more common symptoms associated with menopause.

Hot flashes
Night sweats
Insomnia
Mood swings
Irritability
Weepy
Anxiety
Carb cravings
Weight gain
Vaginal dryness / atrophy
Pain with intercourse

Lab Testing for Perimenopause: 

In Perimenopause, the female hormones begin to decline, so there may actually be signs of this on a blood test.  It is also useful to assess the thyroid and adrenals as well.  Below is a list of blood tests that could be done for woman suffering with PMS.

Blood Tests:

CBC
CMP
CRP-HS
Estrogen
Progesterone
FSH
DHEA-S
Testosterone (free and total)
TSH
Free T3
Free T4
Anti-TPO (screen for Hashimoto’s)

Treatment Options for Perimenopause: 

Due to chronic stress, Below are lists to provide an idea of the many options that may help to minimize symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

Prescription Hormone Options: 

Estrogen (bio-identical, usually prescribe transdermal cream)
Estriol (E3) vaginal suppositories or cream (good for dryness)
Progesterone (bio-identical, usually prescribe oral capsule)
Testosterone (bio-identical, usually prescribe transdermal cream)
Thyroid medicaton (T4 and T3)
Hydrocortisone
DHEA
Pregnenolone

Supplement Options for Perimenopause:  

Black Cohosh 
Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry)
Adrenal 
DHEA 5 mg 
Pregnenolone (good for memory) 
Melatonin