Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through as they age. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years and is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. This transition time can last anywhere from 2-10 years as hormone levels fluctuate and decline.
The average age for menopause in the United States is 51. However, it can occur earlier in some women, especially those who smoke or have a family history of early menopause. Symptoms of perimenopause and menopause result from these changing hormone levels and can include:
Not all women experience significant symptoms during menopause. But for those who do, the symptoms can impact quality of life. The good news is that there are effective treatment options available today to help manage symptoms and minimize discomfort.
One of the most effective options for relieving menopausal symptoms is hormone therapy (HT). HT involves supplementing the body with estrogen, progesterone, or both to restore hormone levels. The main goals of HT are to:
Multiple studies show hormone therapy helps with these menopausal symptoms. In fact, it's considered the most effective treatment option for relieving hot flashes and vaginal atrophy.
Additional benefits of hormone therapy include:
When started before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits of hormone therapy often outweigh the risks for most women.
There are a few different types of hormone therapy available to tailor treatment:
Vital Hormone Clinic specializes in bioidentical hormone pellet therapy which involves pellets implanted under the skin that steadily release hormones over 3-6 months. This approach provides stable hormone levels compared to daily pills, patches, or gels.
To determine if a woman is a candidate for hormone therapy, testing hormone levels is an important first step. At Vital Hormone Clinic, we offer advanced hormone testing to measure levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and more.
Based on a woman's lab results and symptoms, our physicians can make customized recommendations for hormone therapy including type, dose, and delivery method.
In general, hormone therapy may be a good option for women under 60 with moderate to severe menopause symptoms negatively impacting their quality of life. HT is especially recommended for women who:
Contraindications - Certain medical conditions may preclude a woman from using hormone therapy or limit formulation options. Our physicians carefully review medical history to ensure safety.
At Vital Hormone Clinic in Canton, Ohio, we specialize in helping women during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Our goal is to provide customized treatment plans to optimize wellness and vitality during this transition.
Our clinic is led by Dr. Jane Smith, a board-certified OBGYN and hormone therapy specialist with over 15 years experience. She stays current on the latest research and clinical data to provide evidence-based care.
In addition to routine lab testing, we offer advanced hormone panels to get a comprehensive picture of a woman's hormone balance. Saliva testing and blood spot testing are done for convenience.
Treatment plans are tailored based on symptoms, lab results, health history, and patient preferences. We take the time to explain options and collaborate on the best approach.
Our team partners with patients throughout treatment. Follow up lab testing is done to ensure optimal hormone levels. We're available to answer questions and modify plans if needed.
Diet, exercise, stress management, and supplements can also impact hormone balance and menopause symptoms. We offer lifestyle recommendations to complement hormone therapy.
Our goal is to make menopause management as effective and easy as possible for women. We provide compassionate care and take time to understand each woman's unique situation and needs.
If you're considering hormone therapy for menopause, your first visit at Vital Hormone Clinic will involve:
After your lab results are in, we will schedule a follow up visit to:
We want you to feel empowered and confident about your treatment plan. Starting hormone therapy can provide significant relief of symptoms and improve your quality of life.
For most healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits of hormone therapy outweigh the risks. There are some contraindications to be aware of which is why medical evaluation is important.
The most common side effects are temporary and tend to resolve within a few months. These include breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, moodiness and vaginal bleeding. More serious risks depend on formulation, dose, duration of use and health history. We carefully review all potential risks.
Every woman is different, but most need hormone therapy for at least 2-5 years during the transition to menopause. Some women may benefit from longer term treatment if menopause symptoms persist. The duration depends on each individual’s response and preference.
Menopause symptoms like hot flashes will likely recur once you stop hormone therapy. We can gradually taper therapy to help avoid significant rebound symptoms. Any ongoing treatment would be based on your needs and goals.
The cost depends on the type and formulation of hormone therapy. Many formulas and delivery methods are affordable, especially generics and compounded bioidenticals. We work with you to find a treatment option that fits your budget.Please (growth-hormones.org) or call our office if you have any other questions about hormone therapy for menopause. We look forward to helping you find relief!
