Menopause marks the natural end of a woman’s menstrual cycles, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. This transition happens when the ovaries reduce hormone production, especially estrogen and progesterone.
While menopause is a normal phase of life, the symptoms it brings — such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances — can significantly affect daily comfort and quality of life.
For many women, seeking treatment provides much-needed relief and long-term support for their health.
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine, a board-certified family medicine physician, and her team take a personalized approach that goes beyond symptom management. They work closely with each woman to restore balance and support long-term wellness.
Common Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause symptoms vary from woman to woman, but the most common include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Irregular or absent periods
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Sleep disruptions and fatigue
- Weight gain and slowed metabolism
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort
- Low libido
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Thinning hair or changes in skin health
Health Concerns Linked to Menopause
In addition to uncomfortable symptoms, declining hormone levels during menopause may increase the risk of certain long-term conditions, such as:
- Osteoporosis: Decreased estrogen levels accelerate bone loss.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Hormonal changes can impact cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
- Metabolic Changes: Shifts in body fat distribution and insulin sensitivity may increase the risk of diabetes.
Proactive care during menopause helps reduce these risks while improving daily comfort and energy.
How Menopause Is Diagnosed
Menopause is typically diagnosed based on symptoms and a history of missed periods. At Shine Health and Wellness, evaluation may also include:
- Blood Tests: Measuring hormone levels such as estrogen, progesterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
- Thyroid Testing: Ruling out thyroid conditions that can mimic menopause symptoms.
- Bone Density Screening: To assess risk for osteoporosis.
- Functional Assessments: Reviewing nutrition, stress levels, and lifestyle factors that influence hormonal balance.
Treatment Options for Menopause
Menopause care at Shine Health and Wellness is tailored to each woman’s needs and may include:
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): Restoring hormone balance with individualized dosing.
- Nutritional Counseling: Supporting weight management, bone health, and cardiovascular function.
- Lifestyle Guidance: Recommendations for exercise, stress management, and sleep optimization.
- Supplement Support: Vitamins and minerals that promote bone strength, heart health, and energy.
- Integrative Therapies: Functional medicine strategies to reduce inflammation and support whole-body health.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups to adjust treatment and ensure safety and effectiveness.
Why Choose Shine Health and Wellness?
By combining medical therapies with lifestyle and integrative support, Shine Health and Wellness provides comprehensive care for women during menopause. Kimberley Shine, MD, offers more than a decade of medical experience and a commitment to patient-focused care. With training in integrative and functional medicine, she emphasizes root-cause healing rather than short-term fixes.
In addition to Dr. Shine’s expertise, patients have access to a collaborative team that includes skilled nurses, a lifestyle coach, and a licensed acupuncturist. This multidisciplinary model provides women with the tools and support they need to manage menopause with confidence and improve long-term health.
Restore Balance and Wellness During Menopause
Menopause is a natural stage of life, but you don’t have to live with disruptive symptoms. At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine and her team provide personalized treatment plans that support comfort, energy, and long-term wellness. Call 626-317-0207 today to schedule a consultation.