Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through as they age. The average age for menopause onset is 51, though it can occur anytime between the ages of 40-58. Menopause officially begins when a woman has gone 12 full months without a menstrual period. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years.
The lead up to menopause is a stage called perimenopause. This transitional time can last up to 10 years as the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone. As these hormones decline, women start experiencing symptoms associated with menopause. Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, trouble sleeping, and mood changes are all common during perimenopause.
Once menopause is reached, the symptoms often become more severe due to the sharp drop in estrogen levels. Women may also be at higher risk for certain health conditions after menopause, like osteoporosis and heart disease. This is why many women consider using hormone therapy to help manage troublesome signs and symptoms.
Hormone therapy (HT), also known as menopausal hormone therapy or hormone replacement therapy, supplements the body with estrogen and progestogen. Estrogen is responsible for maintaining bone density, regulating the menstrual cycle, and keeping tissues like the vagina healthy. Progestogen is added to therapy to help prevent uterine cancer in women with a uterus.
At Hormone Harmony Clinic in Gilbert, we offer bioidentical hormone therapy to our patients. These hormones have a molecular structure identical to the estrogen and progesterone made naturally in a woman's body. Brand name HT drugs often contain synthetic hormones that can produce side effects.
Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources and are biologically equivalent to human hormones. Our bodies recognize these hormones and use them just like our own. Clinical studies show that bioidentical HT is safe and effective for treating menopause symptoms.
The key factors we evaluate when considering a patient for HT include:
Hormone Harmony Clinic takes a very individualized approach to find the optimal hormone therapy regimen based on the patient's health history and needs. We utilize the lowest doses necessary to achieve symptom relief. Ongoing monitoring helps ensure treatment safety and efficacy.
There are many advantages to undergoing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for menopause:
The most common reason women seek HT is for relief of symptoms like:
Clinical research shows bioidentical estrogen and progesterone can effectively treat these problematic menopause symptoms when used at appropriate doses. Symptoms may recur if HT is stopped.
Estrogen plays a key role in building and maintaining healthy bone density. During and after menopause, bone loss escalates due to declining estrogen levels.
Studies show women who take hormone therapy after menopause have higher bone density and reduced fracture risk compared to those who don't take HT. However, this protective effect seems to wane after treatment is discontinued.
For many women, menopause symptoms can significantly disrupt daily life. Hot flashes and night sweats often disrupt sleep. Memory and concentration problems can affect productivity at work. Painful sex and vaginal dryness can strain relationships. Mood swings and irritability take a toll on emotional well-being.
Relieving these symptoms through bioidentical HT often translates into an improved overall quality of life. Restful sleep, balanced moods, active sex life, and clear thinking lead to feeling like yourself again.
In addition to symptom relief, some research suggests HT may provide other health benefits when started in early menopause:
Of course, risks and benefits must be carefully weighed on an individual basis when considering hormone therapy for health promotion. But the potential is promising.
While HT is considered safe for most healthy women under 60, there are some potential risks and side effects to consider:
Many potential risks can be mitigated by: using bioidentical over synthetic hormones, taking the lowest effective dose, administering therapy transdermally when possible, discontinuing use after 5 years, and getting regular breast exams and pelvic ultrasounds.
The first step is to schedule a comprehensive consultation at our Gilbert clinic. We take an in-depth medical history and evaluate risk factors. Lab tests help identify any hormone imbalances.
Once a need for treatment is established, we determine the optimal bioidentical hormone regimen based on the lab results and the patient's symptom profile.
There are a few different forms bioidentical hormones can take:
We tailor the dose, hormone ratio, and delivery method to match each woman's needs. Patients using pellets or creams will come in every few months to re-evaluate symptoms, get bloodwork, and adjust the dosage if needed.
Most women start seeing an improvement in symptoms within a few weeks. Ongoing monitoring ensures optimal treatment outcomes and safety.
Many women going through menopause find relief from symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings through cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT helps women change thought patterns and behaviors related to menopause, reducing distress. Research shows CBT can be as effective as hormone therapy for some women, without side effects.
While hormone therapy can provide great relief of troublesome menopause symptoms, lifestyle measures can also be very helpful. Here are some healthy habits we recommend to our patients in Gilbert:
Healthy lifestyle measures combined with bioidentical hormone therapy provide a robust solution for managing menopause symptoms and beyond.
Here are some local establishments in the Gilbert, AZ area that can support women undergoing hormone therapy for menopause:
We hope this guide provides a helpful starting point for women in the Gilbert area looking to optimize their menopause treatment and overall health during this transition. Reach out anytime to Hormone Harmony Clinic with your questions!
You are officially in menopause when you have gone 12 full months without a menstrual period. Irregular cycles and missed periods during perimenopause can make it tricky to determine. Lab tests of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels can confirm menopause.
Changes in your period are often the first perceptible signs of perimenopause. Cycles may shorten or lengthen. Flow may become lighter or heavier. PMS symptoms may intensify. Ovulation may get irregular but you can still get pregnant until menopause starts.
Every woman has a different experience, but menopause symptoms typically last around 4 to 5 years. Some symptoms like vaginal dryness often persist long-term. Hormone therapy can provide relief during the menopausal transition.
The FDA approves of the use of bioidentical hormones. However, since each woman's dose is customized to her needs, the therapy itself is not a standardized product subject to FDA approval. All hormones from our high-quality compounding pharmacy are rigorously tested for purity and potency.
The cost depends on the dose, delivery method and duration of treatment. Oral capsules tend to be most affordable at $30-75 per month. Creams cost about $90-150 per month. Pellets run $350-500 every 3-6 months. Many expenses may be reimbursed by insurance plans.We strive to make hormone therapy accessible and affordable for the women who will benefit from it. Please reach out for current pricing details.
Most organizations recommend taking the lowest effective hormone therapy dose for the shortest time necessary to manage menopausal symptoms, generally around 5 years. Pellets may only need replacement annually after the first year of therapy. Your provider will guide you on the appropriate duration based on your needs and health status.
We hope this overview has provided a helpful understanding of what menopause involves, the wide range of symptoms that can occur, the safety and effectiveness of bioidentical hormone therapy, and how treatment can be customized to meet every woman's individual needs.
The experienced practitioners at Hormone Harmony Clinic are compassionate professionals dedicated to helping women navigate the changes of menopause smoothly and comfortably. We take the time to listen and craft integrative treatment plans suited to your symptoms, health history, risks, lifestyle and priorities.
You don't have to struggle through menopause alone. We understand this transition can be challenging both physically and emotionally. At our welcoming Gilbert clinic, you'll find the support, education and effective therapies you need to continue thriving in the second act of life.
We would be honored to partner with you on your path to hormonal wellness and vibrant health. Please reach out anytime to schedule a consultation to discuss your menopause concerns. We are readily available to answer your questions and provide guidance. This next life chapter awaits your meaningful contribution - let's begin it from a place of balance and vitality!
