How Can Menopause Affect Your Quality of Life?

Over time, our bodies begin to change as we notice that we look and feel different than we used to. Hormone production declines to a point of deficiency, resulting in decreased libido, energy levels, fatigue, and weight gain. These are all signs leading to, and a result of, menopause. This week we will be discussing how menopause affects not only your quality of life but those around you as well.

One of the most commonly discussed effects menopause has on the body, the impact on an individual’s sex life can be a direct result of physical changes onset by the loss of estrogen and testosterone. This includes a drop in libido, leading to a decrease in arousal as well as lowered sensitivity in certain areas. The lower levels of estrogen also create a drop of blood flow to sexual organs, resulting in lubrication issues. While the severity of effects changes from person to person, menopause often has a notable impact in this area, even if indirectly in the form of anxiety or other mood displacing effects.

It’s commonly known that menopause can have either a moderate or major impact on the overall quality of life of an individual, but regardless of severity, patient-based studies all show that there is a significant impact. While quality of life is hard to measure itself, the physical, economic, and emotional tolls it takes collectively lower it. These symptoms include exacerbated anxiety and depression, decreased libido and organ function, as well as insomnia and mild cognitive function – all of which are results of the cessation of the menstrual cycle.

Economic effects, according to the “Do Stage Transitions Result in Detectable Effects” (STRIDE) study, hot flashes could be linked to an average of over $1600 dollars in medical service increases per woman, per year. This is not including the increased use of over-the-counter medications, nor the cost associated with lost productivity and revenue.

Perimenopause, or the transition into menopause, usually occurs years before menopause takes full effect. This can start as early as a woman’s thirties. Starting Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) early has an even greater beneficial effect on combating the negative effects of menopause.

This is true for men, as well. Even though men do not experience menopause, they will begin to produce dwindling supplies of Testosterone, resulting in many similar side effects such as weight gain, lowered energy levels, and decreased libido. Men, too, can benefit just as well from early adoption of BHRT. Plus, it’ll allow them to keep up with their wives…

After beginning BHRT, patients report a higher degree of energy, improved sleep cycles, improved sex drive, better mood, a boost in concentration and memory, and just a general boosted feeling of wellbeing. Basically what many would describe as a return to a more youthful existence.

Are you age 30 or older and have noticed any of the following symptoms lately? If so, you should ask the friendly staff at Rejuvime Medical about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

For more information on hormone health, menopause, and to set an appointment, be sure to check out our website  or call to speak to our health care providers.

Rejuvime Medical

Baton Rouge, La Office:   (225) 960-1580

For more information on the effects on quality of life from menopause, check out this page from the National Center of Biotechnology Information.

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