Menopause is a natural transition that all women experience as they reach middle age. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years and is defined as occurring 12 months after a woman's last menstrual period. The average age of menopause is 51, but it can happen anywhere between the ages of 45 and 55.
Menopause occurs because a woman's ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This causes periods to stop and brings an end to fertility. But the changes associated with menopause start several years earlier in a phase known as perimenopause. This transitional time can last up to 10 years!
During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate and begin to decline. This often causes unpleasant symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, and mood changes. Many women find they need treatment to manage these symptoms and get relief.
Hormone therapy (HT), also called menopausal hormone therapy, is the main treatment approach for relieving moderate to severe menopause symptoms. It works by replacing the hormones that the body is no longer making. The goal is to supplement them at the lowest possible levels to provide symptom relief.
There are two main types of hormone therapy:
Many women are hesitant to take HT due to outdated fears about risks like breast cancer. But when started at the appropriate time, hormone therapy is actually quite safe for most women.
Research shows that hormone therapy has significant benefits when used for less than 5 years. These include:
The skilled practitioners at Balance Hormone Center take an individualized approach to hormone therapy for each woman. Treatment plans are tailored based on a woman's symptoms, medical history, risk factors, preferences, and lifestyle.
Key factors considered when developing a hormone therapy protocol include:
Balance Hormone Center practitioners spend extensive time consulting with each woman to fully understand their unique situation. They use this information to create a customized hormone regimen using bioidentical hormones to match what the body makes naturally.
Bioidentical hormones are plant-derived and molecularly identical to human hormones. This allows the body to recognize and utilize them more efficiently.
Common bioidentical hormones used include:
These hormones are available in many different forms like pills, patches, gels, implants, and creams. This allows dosing and delivery methods to be adjusted as needed over time.
The first step is to schedule a new patient appointment for an evaluation. This will include:
After the evaluation, the practitioner will discuss recommendations for hormone therapy based on the unique needs and goals of each woman. If hormone therapy is advised, the protocol will be carefully explained including:
It is important not to start hormones on your own before being evaluated. Balance Hormone Center practitioners have advanced specialized training to provide safe and effective hormone therapy. Starting inappropriate treatments without medical supervision can put a woman's health at risk.
Many women are unaware that cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown in studies to significantly reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. CBT helps women change thought patterns and behaviors related to menopause, reducing anxiety and stress that can exacerbate symptoms. Mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle changes are often part of a CBT program for menopause.
The practitioners at Balance Hormone Center are uniquely qualified leaders in menopause treatment and hormone therapy:
Patients benefit from their unmatched expertise in the nuances of female hormonal balance.
You can feel confident in the skill, experience, and care you will receive for your menopause and hormone therapy needs.
In addition to the customized prescription, Balance Hormone Center provides guidance on lifestyle measures that support hormone health and menopause relief.
Recommendations may include:
Due to Arvada's cool climate and low humidity, hormone therapy tends to be most effective during warmer weather here. Late spring through early fall are ideal times to start treatment.
Benefits of starting therapy in spring/summer:
Of course, treatment can be started year-round as needed based on a woman's symptoms. But adjusting therapy for better comfort during Arvada winters may be required. Follow your Balance Hormone Center practitioner's recommendations closely for your specific situation.
In addition to hormone therapy from Balance Hormone Center, we recommend the following establishments to support overall wellbeing during menopause:
Convenient blood testing center providing hormone panels and other essential lab work.
Luxurious spa offering therapeutic massages, facials, and relaxation packages.
Women-focused gym providing group classes, personal training, and community.
Charming local inn perfect for a rejuvenating weekend escape.
Farm-fresh restaurant using local ingredients. Perfect for nourishing home-cooked style meals.
Menopause can present many challenges. But with individualized treatment from the experts at Balance Hormone Center, relief is within reach. We empower women through this transition with safe, effective hormone therapy and compassionate care.
To learn more and schedule your initial evaluation, visit our website or call our office today. Here's to embracing menopause and the exciting opportunities ahead!
