Menopause Health & Wellness
Managing PCOS Through Menopause & Midlife with Dr. Sonia Dudeja
Navigating Your Health Journey with PCOS in Midlife
For many women, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a lifelong health journey. From managing irregular periods and acne in your younger years to fertility challenges, you’ve likely spent decades navigating its complexities. But what happens when you enter perimenopause and menopause? This new hormonal transition can feel like uncharted territory, bringing a fresh set of questions and concerns about how PCOS will affect your midlife health.
At MyMenopauseSupport.org, Dr. Sonia Dudeja has a special interest and deep expertise in managing PCOS, particularly as it intersects with the menopausal transition. We understand that women with PCOS have a unique physiological profile that requires a proactive and knowledgeable approach. Our goal is to empower you with a clear strategy to manage not only your menopausal symptoms but also the long-term health implications of PCOS.
The Science
How Menopause Interacts with PCOS
PCOS is a complex endocrine (hormonal) and metabolic disorder. Its hallmark features include insulin resistance, higher levels of androgens (like testosterone), and ovarian cysts. As you enter perimenopause, the hormonal landscape shifts again, creating a unique interplay with your underlying PCOS.
Changes in Symptoms
For some women, the transition can bring welcome changes. As ovarian function declines, androgen levels may fall, which can sometimes lead to more regular periods (for a time) and a reduction in acne or excess hair growth
Exacerbated Metabolic Risks
This is the most critical area of focus. Women with PCOS already have a higher baseline risk for metabolic issues due to insulin resistance. The changes of menopause—such as a natural tendency toward weight gain (especially abdominal fat) and unfavorable shifts in cholesterol—can significantly compound these risks.This means women with PCOS face an even greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease in their postmenopausal years.
Hormonal Complexity
Diagnosing the menopausal transition can be trickier in women with PCOS, as irregular periods are already a baseline symptom. Understanding the nuances of your hormonal health is key to effective management.
Your Path Forward
A Proactive Strategy for Lifelong Health
Managing PCOS in midlife requires a forward-thinking approach that goes beyond just managing symptoms. Dr. Sonia Dudeja’s strategy is focused on proactive risk reduction and optimizing your metabolic health for the long term.
Comprehensive Medical Consultation
- Your care begins with a thorough evaluation of your hormonal and metabolic health. This includes advanced lab testing to assess your insulin resistance, cholesterol levels, and hormone profile to get a clear picture of your specific risks.
Evidence-Based Medical Treatments
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT can be a beneficial option for women with PCOS, as it helps manage classic menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and protects bone health. The choice of HRT is important, and we often use body-identical progesterone and transdermal estrogen (patches or gels), which have a more favorable metabolic profile.[4]
Integrated Wellness & Lifestyle Support
- Medical Weight Management: Given the increased metabolic risks, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. As a SCOPE Certified specialist, Dr. Dudeja provides expert, realistic guidance on weight management that is tailored to the hormonal and metabolic realities of women with PCOS in midlife.
- Personalized Nutrition: This is a non-negotiable pillar of care. We provide guidance on a low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory diet that helps manage insulin resistance, support a healthy weight, and reduce cardiovascular risk.
- Targeted Exercise: A combination of regular cardiovascular exercise and, crucially, strength training is recommended. Building and maintaining muscle mass is one of the most effective ways to improve your body’s sensitivity to insulin.
