The transition into menopause, known as perimenopause, is a natural process that all women experience as they age. The average age for the onset of menopause is 51, but it can start anywhere between the ages of 45-55. Menopause is clinically defined after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
As estrogen levels begin to decline leading up to menopause, many women experience symptoms like:
Hot flashes affect 75-85% of women going through menopause. Managing hot flashes is a key treatment goal for improving quality of life.
With lower estrogen, blood flow decreases to reproductive organs like the vagina. Up to half of postmenopausal deal with painful intercourse and vaginal atrophy.
Hormone changes can impact neurotransmitters that affect mood and cognition. Managing mood symptoms is critical for emotional well-being.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help relieve short-term menopausal symptoms for an improved quality of life. But it also has long-term health benefits as well.
Treating hormone deficiencies is crucial for minimizing symptoms today and reducing future health risks that emerge after menopause.
Estrogen deficiency accelerates aging and leaves women prone to osteoporosis and heart disease. It also contributes to neurological decline and possible dementia. Managing healthy hormone levels is preventative care.
Yet only 5-10% women take hormone therapy (HT) in the US, according to leading menopause societies. Some women may not realize how significantly hormones impact long-term health outcomes. Others fear side effects from HRT.
But customized bioidentical hormone therapy (BIT) can provide safe, effective treatment with minimal risks. When managed by an experienced menopause specialist, BHT offers life-changing relief from debilitating symptoms and lasting protection for long-term health.
Hormone therapy comes in many forms, but the most common delivery methods are oral tablets and skin patches. The best option depends on the woman’s needs and preferences.
Oral tablets like conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) quickly absorb into the bloodstream. But they put more strain on the liver to metabolize hormones.
Transdermal skin patches deliver hormones directly into circulation while bypassing first-pass liver metabolism. But some women can develop skin irritation from adhesives.
Vaginal inserts provide localized relief by delivering low-dose estrogen directly to vaginal tissues. But they don’t address other systemic symptoms like hot flashes.
Bioidentical hormones structurally match hormones made naturally by the body. They bind more efficiently to hormone receptors with less genomic activity. Brand names like Estrace contain isolated estrogen only.
Finding the optimal HRT regimen takes some trial and error. It requires balancing symptom relief and side effect risks for the individual. This is where an experienced hormone specialist can navigate the choices to create a tailored treatment plan.
The compassionate providers at Vitality Balance Clinic offer customized care for Baytown-area women transitioning into menopause. Our goal is balancing hormones to resolve symptoms now while safeguarding long-term health.
Our clinic director, Dr. Jane Wells, is a board-certified OB-GYN and one of the area’s leading menopause practitioners. With two decades focused on midlife hormonal therapies, Dr. Wells brings compassionate care and clinical excellence.
Her expertise includes:
In addition to hormone balancing, we incorporate diet and nutrition counseling, fitness guidance, stress reduction techniques, and wellness coaching. Our goal is supporting women through every aspect of the menopausal transition.
We also coordinate care with mental health providers when needed. Menopause can trigger anxiety, depression and emotional volatility. Our integrative approach addresses mental health alongside hormonal therapies.
We want patients to understand all their options when considering hormone therapy. Dr. Wells offers in-depth consultation to explain:
We provide ongoing education so patients feel empowered about their treatment choices.
Every woman has a unique menopause experience based on genetics, symptoms, health history and risk factors. We tailor care to the individual through:
It takes time to balance hormones properly without overstimulation. We partner together throughout each phase of the menopause transition.
Studies show that regular aerobic exercise during menopause significantly improves physical and mental health, reducing hot flashes and fatigue, improving mood, memory and sleep. Yet only about 30% of women in menopause exercise regularly, missing out on this safe, accessible way to relieve symptoms without medication side effects.
The first appointment establishes baseline hormone levels, symptom profile, medical history and treatment goals.
Follow-up visits interpret lab results, hone in on optimal hormone dosing, and continually assess progress. We adjust protocols based on clinical response until hormones are balanced and symptoms subside.
We guide women through every facet of the menopausal transition to relieve symptoms and support better health long-term. Contact us today to begin your journey toward balanced hormones, renewed energy and a thriving menopausal outlook.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the use of hormones to treat common symptoms of menopause. It can provide relief when natural hormone production declines and cause unpleasant symptoms.
There are three main types of HRT:
Used to treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex. Available as pills, patches, gels, sprays and vaginal rings/tablets.
Progestogen is used together with estrogen for women who still have a womb. Progestogen protects against cancer of the womb lining.
Testosterone supplements may relieve low sex drive, fatigue and mood changes. Too high testosterone can cause acne, excess hair growth and mood changes.
The dose and type will depend on symptoms and other health issues. Regular follow up and monitoring is needed find the optimal plan for each patient.
The benefits of HRT usually outweigh risks for most healthy women under 60 years old.
Potential benefits:
Risks:
Careful evaluation of health history determines risks before starting therapy. Dose and duration is tailored to each individual.
Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) matches the molecular structure of hormones made in the body. They are chemically identical to a woman’s natural hormones.
The body recognizes these bioidentical hormones more efficiently. This allows lower doses to resolve menopausal symptoms with less risk of side effects.
There are two main types of bioidentical hormones:
Made by pharmaceutical companies and available by prescription. Brand names like Divigel, Elestrin and Estrace contain standardized doses.
Prepared according to a doctor's specifications. The dose, delivery method and ingredients can be customized. Available as pills, pellets, gels, creams or injectables.
Compounded bioidenticals allow personalized formulations to balance hormones and match symptoms in each woman. This maximizes benefits while minimizing risks.
Compounding pharmacies make customized BHRT under strict safety regulations set by the FDA and state boards of pharmacy. All ingredients have undergone extensive safety testing.
Ongoing lab testing helps tailor and adjust hormone doses over time. The goal is to use the lowest effective amount needed to control symptoms long-term.
