Hormones take women through many journeys in life. Puberty transitions us from children into fertile women, where we spend our young adulthood. Then, somewhere within a woman's mid-30s to early 50s, another transition occurs, taking us from a state of fertility to menopause, where we spend our late adulthood. Each year in the USA, 1.3 million women become menopausal.
Menopause is merely a new chapter in a woman's life. It is frequently associated with uncomfortable symptoms, although it doesn't have to be. Functional medicine may help identify specific imbalances and deficiencies that could be occurring at this time to create a holistic plan that might alleviate discomfort, allowing women to move through the transitional phase and fully enjoy the late adult years.
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What is Menopause?
Menopause is a phase in a woman's life that marks the end of her fertility, meaning that after menopause, women can no longer become pregnant. It starts after there have been 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. There are typically many years leading up to this point when the "menopause transition" starts to happen. During this transition, monthly cycles become irregular, and other hormonal symptoms, such as hot flashes, may occur. The transition is known as perimenopause.
Menopause can happen in a woman's 40s or 50s. However, in the United States, the average age is 51. It is a natural biological process that all women will go through. The loss of ovarian follicular function and a decline in estrogen levels causes it to start. It can also be induced as a consequence of a surgical or medical procedure.
Menopause Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of menopause typically begin during the transitional months or years leading up to it, known as perimenopause. The decrease in estrogen is typically responsible for most symptoms experienced. The most common symptoms are:
- Changes to the menstrual cycle, such as Irregular periods
- Vaginal dryness and low libido
- Temperature changes such as hot flashes, chills, or night sweats
- Sleep issues
- Mood changes
- Slower metabolism and weight gain
- Thinning hair and dry skin
- Changes in breasts, such as a loss of fullness
5 Functional Medicine Lab Tests for Your Menopause Patients
Comprehensive Female Hormone Panel
The DUTCH Complete test is a functional lab that may be considered for peri and postmenopausal women. It assesses the sex and adrenal hormones to gauge the menopause transition. It also tests for cortisol and melatonin to gain a better understanding of sleep quality as well as organic acids, which can assess the metabolism as well as some nutrient and neurotransmitter levels, which are associated with physical and emotional symptoms.
Micronutrient Testing
A more thorough look at nutrient levels might be warranted as well. During menopause, women may be more prone to certain deficiencies as their bodies and hormones shift. Osteoporosis and cardiovascular concerns are also at an increased risk, and the support of both requires adequate nutrients. The NutrEval® FMV panel by Genova Diagnostics provides an overview of the body's nutrient status and oxidative stress levels.
Comprehensive Stool Testing
Studies show that the gut microbiome is significantly different between premenopausal and postmenopausal women, and menopause is correlated to reduced gut microbiota diversity. These studies also show increased potential for gut permeability in postmenopausal women due to the drop in estrogen and progesterone. A thorough evaluation of the gut microbiota's makeup can give us insight into the diversity and permeability potential. The GI-MAP test analyzes the gut microbiota DNA to detect various strains. With this information, postmenopausal women could consider steps to support beneficial strains that are deficient for improved gut and overall health.
Lipid Panel
A Lipid Panel is another panel that may be considered for menopausal women. As hormones change, cholesterol levels may change, so monitoring them can be helpful.
Comprehensive Thyroid Panel
During menopause, thyroid function may become a concern since it is in communication with the other reproductive hormones. A full Thyroid Panel can screen the thyroid's health and function to ensure it is functioning optimally.
Functional Medicine Approaches for Menopause-Related Symptoms
As the body and its hormones change, certain lifestyle choices may also need to change.
Nutrition
When changes begin, and symptoms occur, it might be a good time to consider a perimenopause diet. This diet can include nutrients such as foods high in calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, plenty of protein, fibrous foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and probiotic-rich foods such as fermented foods. Once menopause is official, it may be beneficial to carry these dietary changes throughout late adulthood.
These nutrients have been shown to help support conditions that women may be more prone to post-menopause, such as bone health and cardiovascular wellness, and can help manage symptoms such as weight changes and digestive health.
Along with the diet, phytoestrogens have been shown to help support several menopausal symptoms, specifically mood changes. Phytoestrogens are a category of plant nutrients that can have estrogenic effects when eaten, and some food examples are soy, beans, grains, and some fruits and vegetables. Phytoestrogens come in supplemental form as well.
Complementary and Alternative Approaches
Along with addressing specific nutrient levels that come up on a NutrEval test, research suggests that vitamins C, D, K, and Calcium may be beneficial during menopause for the maintenance of bone health since bone density concerns are more likely.
Several herbs have been researched for their potential to support common symptoms of menopause. Black Cohosh has been studied for its potential to support temperature regulation and mood. Low libido is common during menopause, but Panax Ginseng is an option that may help support sexual desire and function.
Yoga is a gentle form of exercise, and it has been shown in research to help support menopausal wellness.
Acupuncture has also been shown to be a supportive modality in research to help manage vasomotor symptoms (night sweats and hot flashes) during menopause.
Summary
Menopause is not a condition or disease but a natural phase of life. All women will transition into menopause. While most associate this time with many uncomfortable symptoms as the hormones shift, a lot can be done to help minimize the discomfort, making the transition more manageable and enjoyable.
Functional medicine may help address some of the root causes of menopausal symptoms. Functional labs look beyond "routine bloodwork" to assess actual function. They are valuable tools that can be used to create holistic plans to help women feel healthy in this new chapter of life.
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