Understanding Menopause:
Signs, Diagnosis & Treatment
Vital Advanced Medical Center – Tampa, Florida
INTRODUCTION
• Menopause is a natural biological transition in a woman’s life
• Often misunderstood due to vague or fluctuating symptoms
• Early recognition and proper care can significantly improve quality of life
This presentation explores how a woman can identify menopause or perimenopause, the limitations of common testing methods, and how Vital Advanced Medical Center, Menopause Specialist in Tampa offers support and treatment.
WHAT IS MENOPAUSE?
• Defined as 12 consecutive months without a period
• Marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years
• Average onset: late 40s to early 50s
While the age may vary, menopause is officially confirmed only after 12 months without menstruation. Anything before this is considered a transitional phase.
WHAT IS PERIMENOPAUSE?
1 Irregular periods
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Hot flashes
• The transition phase before menopause
• Typically begins in the late 30s to 40s
• Lasts 4 to 7 years
Perimenopause is when the body begins to slow hormone production. The symptoms vary from woman to woman and may mimic other health conditions.
3 4
Mood swings
Vaginal dryness
5 6 7
Sleep issues
Anxiety
Difficulty concentrating
HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS
MAKE DIAGNOSIS CHALLENGING
• Hormone levels vary throughout the cycle
• Testing during perimenopause often yields inconsistent results
• Birth control and hormone therapy distort test results
Because hormone levels can spike or dip throughout the month, it’s difficult to pinpoint menopause through testing alone, especially during perimenopause.
COMMON TESTS –
ARE THEY HELPFUL?
1. Saliva Testing:
- Not reliable
2. FSH Blood Test:
- Only useful after 12 months without a period
- FSH ≥ 30 mIU/mL is an indicator
3. Over-the-Counter Urine Tests:
- Measure FSH
- Affected by hormonal fluctuations and external hormone use
Many women try at-home solutions like urine tests or saliva testing, but these are not dependable. The only confirmation is through time and symptoms.
To confirm menopause:
• No menstrual cycle for 12 months
• FSH blood level of 30 mIU/mL or higher
This is the only accurate clinical definition. Before this point, doctors Monitor symptoms and medical history to assess the transition phase.
SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE
• Hot flashes (lasting 1–5 minutes)
• Mood swings • Vaginal dryness
• Anxiety • Poor memory • Insomnia
These symptoms can be life-altering. Some women struggle significantly and may not even connect these changes to menopause.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO SUFFER
• Many women experience severe symptoms
• There are safe, effective treatments available
• Early consultation helps reduce long-term discomfort
It’s important to remember that these symptoms are treatable. No woman should have to “just deal with it.”
HOW VITAL ADVANCED MEDICAL CENTER HELPS
Menopause Treatment Tampa, Florida
• Specializes in menopause and perimenopause care
• Serves women in their late 30s to 50s
• Offers personalized exams and symptom management
We work with women at every stage of this journey— from the first signs of perimenopause to full menopause—offering compassionate, customized care.
OUR TREATMENT OPTIONS
1
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4 Hormonal therapy Lifestyle and dietary recommendations Sleep and mood management strategies Vaginal health support
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Treatment is not one-size-fits-all. We create plans based on individual needs and symptoms for best results.
CONCLUSION
• Menopause is a natural but challenging transition
• Testing alone isn’t enough – symptoms matter most
• Vital Advanced Medical Center offers supportive care and effective treatment
Recognizing menopause early can lead to faster relief. At Vital Advanced Medical Center, we ensure our patients are informed, cared for, and supported every step of the way by our certified Menopause Specialist Tampa.
