The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. During this transition time, a woman's ovaries start making less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This leads to irregular periods, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, mood changes, and other symptoms. After menopause occurs, the symptoms often become more severe due to the continued decline in hormone levels. While menopause is inevitable, women do not have to suffer through debilitating symptoms. At WelnessTreatment Pro, we offer individualized menopause treatment plans to help women balance their hormones and find relief. Our compassionate and knowledgeable staff provides cutting-edge hormone therapy to reduce menopause symptoms and enhance quality of life.
The fluctuating and declining hormone levels of perimenopause and menopause can produce a variety of symptoms. Here are some of the most common:
While lifestyle changes like proper nutrition and more exercise can help alleviate some menopausal issues, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective treatment for relieving symptoms.
HRT replaces hormones that decline during menopause. It can:
In addition to relieving symptoms, research indicates HRT provides anti-aging benefits that can add years to a woman's life. Hormone therapy helps slow cellular aging and the onset of age-related diseases.
The foundation of successful treatment at WelnessTreatment Pro is always comprehensive hormone testing. We use cutting-edge diagnostic testing to get a full picture of a woman's hormone levels, including:
| Hormone | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Estrogen | Measures estradiol, estrone, estriol to assess ovarian function |
| Progesterone | Checks hormone fluctuations related to menstrual cycle |
| Testosterone | Loss of testosterone contributes to low libido |
| DHEA | Key marker of aging that declines in menopause |
| Thyroid | Low thyroid function exacerbates menopause symptoms |
| Vitamin D | Deficiency associated with increased menopause symptoms |
| Metabolism | RMR and cellular metabolism impacted by hormone decline |
Testing is done at baseline to identify imbalances and continually monitored throughout treatment to ensure optimal hormone levels. We also check for nutritional deficiencies that may worsen menopause and test biomarkers of health like inflammation and oxidative stress.
WelnessTreatment Pro provides access to the latest and most effective hormone therapy protocols to meet each woman's individual needs:
| Therapy | Description |
|---|---|
| Bioidentical hormones | Made from plant sources, bioidentical estrogens, progesterone and testosterone are identical at the molecular level to our body's own hormones. This makes them safer and better absorbed. |
| Compounded hormones | We work with specialized pharmacies to offer customized combinations, doses and delivery methods of bioidenticals based on the patient's needs. |
| Transdermal hormone delivery | Hormones absorbed through the skin avoids the liver bypass and potential side effects. We offer creams, gels, sprays, pellets, and patches. |
| SERM therapy | Selective estrogen receptor modulators provide estrogenic benefits while reducing risk of breast cancer and heart disease. |
| Testosterone | Testosterone therapy can greatly improve libido, energy, mood, cognition, muscle mass and strength. |
| Vaginal estrogen | Localized low-dose estrogen effectively treats vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex. |
| Nutraceuticals | We often recommend supplements to support hormone therapy, like DHEA, melatonin, and targeted botanicals. |
To get the most out of HRT, we counsel patients on lifestyle habits that support hormone balance and reduce menopause symptoms:
At WelnessTreatment Pro, your health, wellbeing and satisfaction are our top priorities. We are passionate about using the latest medical research and technology to provide individualized care that enhances quality of life.
Our clinic was founded by dual board certified physicians with over 25 years of experience successfully treating hormone imbalances. We stay up to date on the latest advancements in hormone testing and therapies.
We take time to listen to patients, answer all questions, and ensure treatment plans meet each woman's needs and preferences. Your HRT regimen will be continually monitored and adjusted to keep your hormone levels optimized.
In addition to our medical expertise, we understand the emotional aspects of menopause and provide compassionate support. We partner with mental health providers, nutritionists, acupuncturists, and fitness trainers to address all aspects of health.
If you are struggling through perimenopause or menopause, contact us today to see how our individualized hormone therapy programs can help you feel like yourself again. We are here to listen and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
While hormone therapy is the most effective option for relieving menopause symptoms, some women may want to try alternatives first. These include supplements like black cohosh, vitamin E, and chasteberry. Acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and clinical hypnosis may also provide some relief. Making positive lifestyle changes is also recommended. However, if these do not adequately manage symptoms, hormone therapy should be considered.
There are some potential health risks depending on the type of hormones used, dosage, and duration of treatment. Using bioidentical hormones at the lowest dose needed to relieve symptoms is ideal for minimizing risks. We carefully monitor patients for any potential side effects and make adjustments as needed. The benefits of hormone therapy usually far outweigh any risks when hormones are expertly balanced by an experienced clinician.
There is no standard length of time for hormone therapy. Some women only need it for 1-2 years until menopausal symptoms subside while others may benefit from staying on it longer term. We generally recommend continuing hormone therapy as long as the benefits outweigh any potential risks. These decisions are made collaboratively with patients based on their individual needs and health status. The goal is to use the minimum effective dose for symptom relief.
Coverage for hormone therapy varies among different health insurance plans. Many plans do cover FDA-approved bioidentical and synthetic hormone therapy that is deemed medically necessary. We advise patients to check their specific health insurance policy for coverage details and work with them if prior authorizations are required. For innovative compounded hormone preparations, coverage is less consistent. In that case, we work to provide affordable options.
Hormone therapy with estrogen alone is generally considered safe for survivors of estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer after 10 years of cancer-free status. For women with a history of breast cancer, we partner closely with your oncologist to determine if hormone therapy can be done safely based on your specific cancer details and current health status. Additional monitoring and medications may be needed to lower breast cancer risk when using HRT.
