The key difference between menopause and climacteric is that menopause refers specifically to the point in time when a woman's menstrual periods permanently stop, while climacteric refers to the phase in a woman's life when she transitions into menopause.
- Menopause is defined as the permanent cessation of menstruation due to loss of ovarian follicular activity. This marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can occur anytime between 40-55 years of age.
- Signs and symptoms leading up to menopause are referred to as perimenopause. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, trouble sleeping, and mood changes.
- Menopause is clinically confirmed when a woman has no menstrual bleeding for 12 consecutive months (when not due to other causes).
- The reduction in estrogen levels causes these symptoms and also increases long-term health risks like osteoporosis and heart disease. Hormone therapy can help manage symptoms.
- Climacteric is a broader term that encompasses the transition time before and after menopause.
- It includes perimenopause (time leading up to menopause when hormone levels fluctuate) as well as postmenopause (years after menopause has occurred).
- This phase can last up to 14 years but most symptoms resolve within 5 years. The average duration is about 4 years.
Some key differences:
- Menopause is a distinct event, climacteric is an extended phase
- Menopause signals an end to fertility, climacteric encompasses changes leading up to and after this point
- The average age for menopause is 51, while climacteric commonly occurs between 45-55 years
- Menopause is diagnosed retrospectively, while climacteric is an ongoing phase
The natural drop in estrogen during
climacteric can cause uncomfortable symptoms. At
Horizon Hormone Therapy, we provide comprehensive
hormone therapy tailored to your individual needs. Our board-certified doctors and caring staff are with you every step of the way, to help ease this transition and improve your quality of life.
With offices across the state,
Horizon Hormone Therapy offers:
- Hormone consultation & testing: We assess your hormone levels and symptoms to create a customized treatment plan just for you.
- Estrogen & progesterone therapy: We offer oral tablets, skin patches/gels, vaginal inserts, creams & more. With the latest FDA-approved hormones and optimal dosing, we can relief hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, anxiety, low libido and other symptoms.
- Bioidentical hormones: Made from plant sources, these mimic the body's own hormones more closely than synthetic ones. More women find better comfort with bioidenticals.
- Compounded hormones: For women needing personalized doses or formats, we also offer customized hormone preparations to meet your unique needs.
- Nutrition & lifestyle counseling: Our experts provide nutritional advice and tips tailored for perimenopause and menopause. We also offer relaxation techniques to help manage stress.
- Free seminars: Join our free online events to learn more about menopause, long-term health, latest research, helpful products, and more. Gain insights you won't find elsewhere.
Our compassionate woman-centric approach focuses on empowering you with the knowledge and tools to thrive during the climacteric phase on your terms. Every treatment plan is individualized after considering your medical history, risk factors, preferences and goals.
With individualized care, optimal dosing, and the newest solutions available, we can help ease this transition and overcome the discomfort it brings - so you can continue living life uninterrupted!
Contact Horizon Hormone Therapy today to schedule a consultation with one of our menopause specialists!
