MENOPAUSE

What is Menopause?

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It occurs when the ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone, leading to the cessation of menstrual periods. Menopause typically occurs between 45 and 55, with the average age around 51. However, the age of onset can vary significantly among individuals.

The process of menopause has three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, during which hormone production fluctuates and decreases. Perimenopause can last several years and consists of irregular menstrual cycles and other symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. Menopause is when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. At this stage, the ovaries have stopped releasing eggs and producing most estrogen. Postmenopause refers to the years following menopause, during which symptoms may gradually decrease, and a woman's hormone levels stabilize at a lower level.

Menopause is a natural part of aging and is not considered a medical condition. However, the hormonal changes and symptoms accompanying menopause can be challenging for some women, and various treatments are available to help manage these symptoms.

What causes Menopause?

Menopause is caused by a decline in the production of hormones by the ovaries, primarily estrogen, and progesterone. This decline in hormone production occurs as women age and ovarian reserves decrease.

As a result of the hormonal changes, the menstrual cycle becomes irregular and eventually stops altogether. Menopause occurs when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. Factors such as genetics, smoking, and ethnicity can influence the age of onset.

While menopause is a natural part of aging, certain medical procedures or treatments can also induce menopause, such as surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy), chemotherapy, or pelvic radiation therapy. These procedures can lead to what is called surgical or induced menopause.

What are the symptoms?

Menopause is confirmed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. The time leading up to menopause, called perimenopause, can last several years and is characterized by many symptoms. These symptoms can vary in severity and duration depending on the person. Some common symptoms of menopause and perimenopause include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, weight gain, thinning hair, decreased bone density, and changes in skin elasticity. 

Research has shown menopause can be associated with changes in cognitive function, particularly in areas such as memory, attention, and processing speed. However, the extent and nature of these changes can vary significantly among women. Factors influencing cognitive changes during menopause include hormonal fluctuations, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and increased stress. 

Declining estrogen levels can affect the brain's neurotransmitter systems, influencing functions such as memory and learning. This decline may contribute to temporary cognitive difficulties during the menopausal transition.

Many women experience sleep problems during menopause, such as insomnia or sleep apnea. Poor sleep can significantly impact mental activities, including memory, concentration, and mood.

Anxiety, depression, and mood swings are expected during menopause and can also affect cognitive function. For example, depression is known to impair memory, concentration, and overall mental well-being.

Menopause can be very traumatic for women leading to symptoms of chronic stress. Treatment for chronic stress is essential, considering it has been linked to a decline in cognitive function.

How is it treated?

Some common treatments for menopause include hormone therapy, vaginal estrogen, antidepressants, medications, lifestyle changes, and psychotherapy.

Psychotherapy can be beneficial for women who are struggling with the changes and symptoms associated with menopause. The types of psychotherapy used to help women experiencing menopause include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapies, and psychodynamic therapy. These therapies can help women develop coping skills to manage symptoms better. They can also help women explore and process any emotional issues developing during this time, such as feelings of loss, grief, or anxiety about aging.

Additionally, therapy can provide a supportive and non-judgmental space for women to talk about their experiences and concerns related to menopause. It can also help women feel less isolated and alone and allow them to learn from others going through similar experiences.

How can Brain Frequency™ help?

The Brain Frequency™ AI system is an innovative therapeutic approach to improving brain health and wellness. We use proprietary science-based technology to promote optimal brain functioning across mental, emotional, physical, and social domains. Our diagnostic technology and individualized treatment protocols help decrease or eliminate trauma-related symptoms and various mental health disorders.

The Brain Frequency™ 3 Step Treatment Process consists of; first, performing a Baseline EEG and completing Psychometric Assessments; second, conducting a Brain Frequency Consultation; and third, Initiating Treatment.

An Electroencephalogram (EEG) analyzes brain waves and produces a brain map identifying current and optimal frequencies in 19 areas of the brain. Based on the individualized brain map, Brain Frequency™ will determine possible diagnoses of various mental health disorders or brain trauma for the provider to consider during treatment. Brain Frequency™ AI software provides clinicians with an "Approval Ready" treatment plan using personalized protocols based on each patient's needs.

Those suffering from menopausal symptoms can efficiently and effectively treat their conditions using the Brain Frequency™ AI system. Our innovative system drastically reduces the time needed to properly diagnose and construct treatment plans leading to a faster recovery and greater quality of life.