What is Menopause?
Menopause marks the official end of a woman’s reproductive years and is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. It typically occurs between ages 45 and 55, though the exact timing varies.
While menopause is a natural process, the hormonal shifts it brings—especially the decline of estrogen and progesterone—can cause significant changes in how you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Many women assume these changes are simply part of aging. But the reality is, it’s not just aging, it’s your hormones. Understanding menopause allows you to take control of your health and navigate this transition with confidence.
Common Symptoms of Menopause
- Hot flashes and night sweats – Sudden feelings of heat, flushing, and excessive sweating.
- Sleep disturbances – Trouble falling asleep or frequent waking throughout the night.
- Mood swings and anxiety – Increased irritability, depression, and heightened stress levels.
- Brain fog and memory issues – Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or feeling mentally sluggish.
- Weight gain and metabolic changes – Slower metabolism leading to weight gain, especially in the midsection.
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort – Leading to pain during intercourse or increased risk of urinary tract infections.
- Bone loss and muscle decline – Decreased bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
- Reduced libido – A decline in sexual desire and changes in responsiveness.
What Menopause Symptoms Can Be Mistaken For
Because menopause affects multiple systems in the body, its symptoms can be misdiagnosed as:
- Heart disease – Palpitations, hot flashes, and fatigue can sometimes mimic heart conditions.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome – Low energy, brain fog, and muscle weakness may be mistaken for other chronic conditions.
- Mental health disorders – Mood swings, depression, and anxiety can be misdiagnosed as standalone mental health issues rather than hormone-related.
- Thyroid imbalances – Similar symptoms, including weight gain and energy fluctuations, can make it difficult to pinpoint the cause.
While these conditions may contribute, hormonal shifts are often at the core of these changes.
How Aligned Modern Health Supports Menopause
At Aligned Modern Health, we take a holistic, evidence-based approach to menopause care, recognizing that every woman’s experience is unique. Instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, we focus on personalized care plans that address your specific symptoms, lifestyle, and health goals.
Our functional medicine providers specialize in hormonal health, working to identify the root causes of your symptoms through advanced lab testing and comprehensive evaluations. Whether you’re dealing with sleep disruptions, mood changes, brain fog, or weight fluctuations, we go beyond symptom management to help restore balance and vitality.
If you’re experiencing frustrating changes and wondering why, the answer is clear: it’s not just aging, it’s your hormones. You don’t have to settle for feeling “off”—Aligned Modern Health provides expert-led, science-backed solutions to help you feel like yourself again.
