In Detail
Menopause is a single point in time — the day twelve consecutive months have passed since a woman's last menstrual period. It marks the end of the reproductive years and the beginning of what is technically called postmenopause. The average age in the United States is around 51, though the normal range spans roughly 45 to 55.
What most people describe as 'menopause symptoms' — hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disruption, mood changes, joint pain, and cognitive complaints — are caused by the sustained decline in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone that follows. These symptoms can persist for years if left unaddressed.
Modern hormone therapy is safer and more individualized than the protocols studied two decades ago. At Atlas & Willow we evaluate each patient's history, risk profile, and goals before recommending a plan — which may include transdermal estradiol, micronized progesterone, low-dose testosterone, or non-hormonal options.