CLIMACTERIC MEDICINE
Climacteric Medicine is the integrated study of hormone (endocrine) changes that occur with the aging process as we transition from puberty to reproductive life, through menopause (women) or andropause (men) and beyond. This field addresses, in a comprehensive approach, the disruptions and imbalances that occur in all our endocrine systems as we get older: pituitary, parathyroid, thyroid, adrenal, endocrine pancreas, ovaries (women) and testes (men) as we get older.
Climacteric Medicine is more widely known and practiced in Europe and does not have a separate specialty designation in the USA. It is different from and broader in scope than Gynecology, or Endocrinology (that in the USA typically focuses on diabetes and thyroid disorders), or general Internal Medicine because Climacteric Medicine looks at the myriad ways that hormone imbalances affect all brain and body systems, and can lead to many physical changes or symptoms such as: mood swings, anxiety, depression, insomnia, memory loss, weight changes, bone loss, muscle loss, heart health, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
Defining Climacteric Medicine
Climacteric medicine focuses on the management of physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that occur from puberty to late life.
- Puberty and Adolescence: The transition from childhood leading to sexual maturity marked by physical, hormonal, and emotional changes.
- Reproductive Life: The span of time planning for having or not having children.
- Perimenopause: The phase leading up to menopause where hormonal fluctuations and symptoms begin.
- Menopause: Defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Symptoms can be moderate to severe but also silent as with loss of bone and increasing cardiac risk factors and metabolic conditions if left untreated.
- Andropause: In men – Is late-onset hypogonadism or testosterone deficiency syndrome characterized by low testosterone levels, low libido, erectile dysfunction low energy levels, loss of muscle mass, and weight gain.
- Late life:
Diagnostic Evaluation
Accurate assessment is crucial for personalized treatment. We do a comprehensive medical endocrine, metabolic and nutritional laboratory evaluation designed by Dr. Vliet tailored to each patient. We also examine your health risks and family history as well as look at your lifestyle and stress levels through several validated tools and self-assessments to evaluate climacteric status. Based on these objective measures, symptoms and personal goals we work with you to establish your individualized treatment plan.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Individualized Treatment Plan
- Comprehensive Lab Testing –hormone panels, metabolic markers, inflammation markers, nutrient deficiencies, and more that you are not getting in routine medical setting.
- Individualized Treatment Plans – Your care is tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and health profile. No one-size-fits-all.
- Hormone Optimization – Bioidentical hormone therapy when appropriate, with ongoing monitoring for safety and effectiveness.
- Lifestyle & Nutritional Support – Diet, exercise, supplements, and stress-reduction strategies built into your plan.
Take Control of Your Hormone Health Today
Don’t let hormonal changes disrupt your quality of life. Our team specializes in personalized care for women and men from puberty to late life.