The transition into menopause, often called perimenopause, starts for most women in their late 40’s or early 50’s. It is diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause itself is a natural event that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years.
The years leading up to menopause and the first year after a woman’s final period are a time of fluctuating hormone levels, specifically estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play many important roles in the body. When they start to decline during perimenopause and after menopause, women may experience unpleasant symptoms. Hormone therapy can help provide relief.
Many women have symptoms related to menopause that disrupt their quality of life. The most common include:
The onset of menopause symptoms stems from changes in reproductive hormone levels. Specifically, estrogen begins to decline leading up to and during menopause. Low or fluctuating estrogen is the primary culprit behind troublesome symptoms in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
Estrogen plays an important regulatory role in many areas of health including bone density, skin elasticity, cholesterol levels, body fat distribution, and temperature control. When levels drop or shift suddenly, women feel the effects through menopausal symptoms.
The good news is that hormone therapy (HT) can safely and effectively treat most menopausal symptoms when appropriately prescribed. There are excellent menopause specialists in Plantaion who can thoughtfully assess symptoms, order blood tests, consider health history, and design an individualized hormone therapy regimen to meet each woman’s needs.
Most hormone therapy treatments involve supplying the body with adequate levels of estrogen and often progesterone to restore balance. Therapy helps regulate fluctuating hormones to prevent symptoms from occurring. Options for hormone delivery include:
The Route of administration and types of hormones used will depend on a woman’s needs and preferences. Balance Hormone Clinic clinics offer both bioidentical and FDA-approved hormone preparations to best suit each patient.
Seeking care from a qualified menopause specialist is crucial for optimal treatment and safe use of hormone therapy. At Balance Hormone Clinic in Plantaion, we have a team of highly-trained endocrinologists specializing in menopause who can provide state-of-the-art care.
Our clinicians stay current on the latest research and recommendations regarding perimenopause, menopause, and hormone therapy:
When prescribed appropriately, hormone therapy offers women multiple advantages. The most significant benefits include:
The wide range of benefits offered through individualized hormone therapy makes it an excellent treatment choice for most women during the menopause transition.
A surprising new menopause treatment that is gaining attention is floating in an isolation tank of warm, buoyant water containing high levels of Epsom salt. Studies show just one hour-long session per week can dramatically improve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and anxiety by inducing deep relaxation.
Since hormone balance is unique for each woman, determining who will benefit from hormone therapy involves testing key indicators and thoughtfully assessing symptoms:
Testing estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and other hormone levels over time allows our clinicians to detect patterns and diagnose hormonal imbalances. Key tests include:
Keeping a daily log of the timing, type, severity, and impact of menopause symptoms helps our clinicians evaluate treatment priorities. Symptoms that disrupt work, relationships, sleep and quality of life indicate hormone therapy could help restore wellbeing.
The Balance Hormone Clinic network of menopause clinics offers women compassionate, evidence-based care from leading reproductive endocrinologists. We take time to listen and then craft tailored treatment plans to meet each patient’s needs.
We strive to optimize health during midlife and beyond throughaccurate diagnoses, thoughtful care, and optimal symptom relief.
In addition to hormone therapy, making certain lifestyle adjustments can help ease menopausal symptomsand support overall wellbeing:
While hormone therapy treats the root physiological cause of menopause symptoms, making positive lifestyle changes enhances a sense of empowerment and further boosts physical and emotional health during midlife and beyond. Our clinics offer resources and referrals to help support women each step of the way.
Hormone therapy is generally very safe when prescribed appropriately. However, as with any medication, there are some potential risks and side effects to consider:
Risks are lower with transdermal estrogen. Protocols can be adjusted quickly if any side effects occur. Our clinicians discuss risks/benefits thoroughly so patients can make educated decisions about treatment.
Exploring options for menopausal symptom relief starts with understanding what to expect and then connecting with knowledgeable, compassionate menopause specialists. The providers at Balance Hormone Clinic menopause clinics have advanced clinical education and extensive experience caring for women during the many transitions that accompany midlife hormonal fluctuations.
We offer accurate information, testing, diagnostics, and effective treatment plans tailored to address each woman’s changing needs. If you’re navigating frustrating, disruptive, or even debilitating symptoms associated with menopause, we encourage you to explore how hormone therapy might help you regain comfort, empowerment, pleasure and balance during this transitional life phase and beyond. Please contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation. We’re here to listen and help guide you toward renewed health and wellness.
