Menopause

Menopause represents a natural and empowering transition in a woman’s life, yet it often comes with physical and emotional changes that can feel overwhelming. For women in Santa Monica seeking expert menopause care, Derm & Rejuvenation Institute offers compassionate, personalized support tailored to your unique needs. Led by Dr. Tanya Kormeili, we are trusted for our expertise in dermatology and rejuvenation, providing solutions that address the root causes while enhancing your natural beauty and vitality.

What is Menopause?

Menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop producing eggs, and menstrual cycles permanently end. It is typically diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period and around the age of 51, though it can happen earlier due to surgery, chemotherapy, or genetics. This phase signals the close of reproductive years, driven by declining ovarian function. Santa Monica women experiencing menopause symptoms can find relief through our specialized care, where we focus on both immediate comfort and long-term health. Menopause is not an illness but a biological shift that affects hormone levels, metabolism, and skin health, making professional guidance essential for smooth navigation.

Stages of Menopause

Menopause develops in stages with gradual, and often worsening, symptoms. Each stage requires tailored support to maintain skin radiance and hormonal balance.

Perimenopause

Perimenopause, the transitional phase before menopause, often begins in the mid to late 40s and lasts an average of 4-8 years. Cycles become irregular, with heavier or lighter flows, skipped periods, or spotting. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances emerge as estrogen levels fluctuate. Patients frequently report increased skin sensitivity and dryness during this unpredictable time. Recognizing perimenopause allows for early intervention to treat symptoms and ease discomfort.

Menopause

Menopause is officially reached after 12 months without menstruation, marking the end of ovarian egg production. Symptoms like hot flashes may peak here, alongside vaginal dryness, joint pain, and cognitive fog. Estrogen drops consistently, accelerating skin thinning and collagen loss. Weight distribution shifts toward the abdomen, and metabolism slows.

Post-Menopause

Post-menopause encompasses all years after the final period, often lasting decades. Symptoms may lessen, but risks for osteoporosis, heart disease, and persistent skin dryness rise. Hair thins, and pelvic health concerns, like urinary incontinence, may develop. Treatments during this stage focus not only on improving menopausal symptoms, but ensuring optimal health as you age.

How Hormone Changes Affect the Body

When estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate, many body changes and emotional symptoms occur. Estrogen supports bone density, heart health, and skin collagen, so its drop accelerates wrinkles, sagging, and dryness while raising cardiovascular risks. Progesterone reduction disrupts sleep and mood regulation, exacerbating stress and further impacting skin barrier function. These changes slow metabolism, promote abdominal fat storage, and alter hair growth cycles. We address menopause through targeted dermatology and rejuvenation therapies to help you sustain energy, skin glow, and physical resilience to confidently move through this period of life.

Common Menopausal Symptoms Women Experience

Some of the most common symptoms that menopausal women experience include:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Brain fog and decreased cognitive function
• Vaginal dryness and painful sex
• Weight gain that does not respond to diet and exercise
• Sensitive or dry skin along with hyperpigmentation
• Hair thinning and female pattern baldness

How Menopause Impacts Skin, Hair, Pelvic Health, and Metabolism

Menopause reduces hyaluronic acid and collagen production by up to 30% in the first five years, causing fine lines, laxity, dryness, and an aged appearance. Hormone shifts also impact the hair growth cycle, causing thinning and dry hair. Pelvic floor muscles weaken, resulting in urinary incontinence or prolapse from tissue thinning. Metabolism slows with muscle loss, contributing to dull skin and weight gain. Our team specializes in each of these areas and offers customized treatment plans to help you look and feel your best self, supporting overall health and well-being.

Treatment Options and Support

We offer a wide range of treatments to support skin quality, hair growth, pelvic health, and metabolism, including:

When to See a Specialist

If you notice unexplained weight gain, severe hot flashes, skin changes, or other symptoms of menopause that are disrupting your daily life, our dermatology team or a menopause specialist can help. We encourage you not to wait, even if you are experiencing early symptoms like irregular periods, so that we can quickly address your concerns and help you move through menopause more comfortably.

Schedule a Consultation for Menopause Treatment in Santa Monica, CA

If you are seeking menopause support in Santa Monica, we invite you to book your consultation at Derm & Rejuvenation Institute today. Dr. Kormeili and our team create personalized plans for skin, hair, and hormonal health and will discuss your treatment options and specific needs in detail.