Menopause Management And Osteoporosis Screening in Englewood, CO

What Is Menopause?

Menopause occurs when your ovaries stop producing estrogen and your menstrual periods end for good. It happens on average around age 52, and it is officially diagnosed once you have gone 12 months without a period. The years leading up to menopause, called perimenopause, often bring irregular cycles and the first noticeable symptoms. Once you reach menopause, you remain postmenopausal for the rest of your life.

Common Menopause Symptoms

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Irregular periods leading up to menopause
• Insomnia and disrupted sleep
• Depression, anxiety, and irritability
• Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse
• Decreased libido
• Brain fog and weight gain

Bleeding after menopause is never normal and should always be evaluated by your provider.

What Menopause Management Options Are Available?

At Cherry Hills Midwifery, Obstetrics, & Gynecology, we believe hormone replacement therapy with natural estrogen and progesterone is a safe and effective treatment for many women, relieving symptoms while also helping to prevent bone loss. As your body produces fewer hormones, hormone replacement supplements what has been lost.

Your options may include transdermal bioidentical hormones, long-acting BioTE pellet therapy, vaginal estrogen for dryness and discomfort, and non-hormonal medications for women who cannot or prefer not to use hormones. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and support for healthy weight through our medical weight loss program can also make a meaningful difference. Your provider will review your health history and screening, including breast health, to recommend the safest plan for you.

What Is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle, so even a minor fall or stress can cause a fracture. Bone density naturally declines with age, but women face a higher risk than men because the loss of estrogen during menopause accelerates bone loss. Natural estrogen replacement is one of the most effective ways to prevent this loss, along with adequate calcium, vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise.

How Is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?

Osteoporosis is diagnosed with a bone density scan, often called a DEXA scan, which uses low-dose X-rays to measure mineral content in key bones, usually the hips and spine. Because results from these sites reflect your overall bone health, not every bone needs to be tested.

The screening is quick and painless. You simply lie on a padded table while a scanner passes over your body. Routine screening is recommended for women 65 and older, and earlier for postmenopausal women with risk factors such as low body weight, smoking, family history, or prior fractures.

Menopause care is a natural continuation of your annual well woman exam. To discuss your symptoms with our providers, call (303) 788-0808.

Menopause & Osteoporosis FAQs