Menopause: What You Need To Know

Menopause Treatment: Science, Support, and Expert Care

Menopause is more than hot flashes—it is a profound biological transition that affects nearly every system in a woman’s body. Each year, over 2 million women in the United States enter menopause. Research shows that up to 85% of women experience symptoms as early as their late thirties or early forties.

Too often, these symptoms are dismissed or misattributed, leaving women feeling unsupported and unheard. Midwest Regional Health Services' sister clinic, Aislinn Medical Spa, believes women deserve clear answers, personalized treatment, and evidence-based care.

Shedding Light: The M Factor

Aislinn encourages every woman to watch The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause. Released in conjunction with World Menopause Day, this critically acclaimed film highlights the less-discussed aspects of menopause and perimenopause, helping millions of women understand their experience. It is available on YouTube and public television streaming platforms.

Hormones and the Brain

Our brains run on hormones from puberty through late life. Estrogen and testosterone receptors are highly concentrated in the brain, meaning declining levels during perimenopause and menopause affect mood, memory, and cognition. Women may notice:

• Depression, anxiety, or mood changes
• Memory issues and forgetfulness
• Sleep disturbances and insomnia

This neurological impact is significant: women make up two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients in the U.S. Hormones help facilitate interneural communication, and their decline accelerates cellular aging in both brain and body tissues.

Beyond Hot Flashes: The Full Spectrum of Symptoms

Hot flashes and night sweats are well-known, but they are just one small part of a broader picture. Menopause may also bring:

• Vaginal dryness and low libido
• Bladder irritation and recurrent urinary tract infections
• Weight gain, joint pain, and fatigue
• Dry skin, thinning hair, and changes to skin and blood vessels
• Shifts in bone density and gum/dental health (nearly 30% of women lose a tooth within 5 years of menopause)

Safe, Modern Hormone Therapy

Despite decades of fear stemming from early interpretations of the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative, today’s research supports the safe and effective use of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) when carefully prescribed.

The TRAVERSE Testosterone Safety Study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, is one of the largest double-blind, placebo-controlled hormone studies to date. Its findings confirm both safety and efficacy—providing strong scientific support for hormone replacement therapy in appropriately selected patients.

At Aislinn, we address the whole spectrum of hormones—estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and other peptides—to create a plan unique to each woman’s physiology and risk profile. With proper balance, women often see improvements in:

• Sleep, energy, and weight management
• Cognitive clarity and memory
• Libido and sexual health
• Bone strength, skin quality, and even dental resilience

A Whole-Person Approach

Not every woman wishes to pursue hormone therapy. At Aislinn, we also provide non-hormonal strategies to minimize symptoms and optimize health, including nutrition guidance, targeted supplements, exercise plans, sleep hygiene, and stress management techniques.

Expertise You Can Trust

Dr. Julie Waddell has more than 30 years of experience restoring hormone balance for women and couples, improving health and confidence with personalized treatment strategies. She is joined by Stacey Shinaut, APRN, who has advanced training in menopausal medicine and hormone balancing.

Women are complex individuals requiring a thoughtful approach. Together, our medical providers ensure each client receives science-backed care rooted in compassion, expertise, and the latest research.

Hormonal Care for Men

Hormonal decline does not affect women alone. Men experiencing low testosterone often report fatigue, poor sleep, mental fog, and weight changes. At Aislinn, we create customized hormone replacement plans for men. Restoring balance, energy, and clarity to their lives.

Menopause care is both science and art. With Aislinn’s decades of expertise and evidence-based, personalized approach, we empower you to navigate this transition with confidence and vitality.

Begin the path to recovery and restore your best self.
Visit www.aislinnmedspa.com or call 402-397-2300 today to schedule your consultation.