Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through as they age. While menopause is not a medical condition, it does cause symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life. Hormone changes during menopause can lead to hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and slowed metabolism. The good news is that hormone therapy can provide safe and effective relief from menopause symptoms.
Harmony Hormone Clinic is a trusted hormone therapy clinic serving women in Richmond and the surrounding areas. Our experienced physicians specialize in bioidentical hormone replacement, using hormones that are molecularly identical to those your body produces naturally. At Harmony Hormone Clinic, we partner with each patient to develop a customized treatment plan to address her unique needs and health goals.
Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years and occurs when ovulation stops permanently. It is diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a period. Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, which can last several years. During perimenopause, hormone levels rise and fall unevenly, and women may begin experiencing menopausal symptoms.
The average age of menopause is 51, but it can occur anywhere from 40-58. Smoking, chemotherapy treatment, and surgery such as hysterectomy can cause women to go through menopause earlier.
Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels during perimenopause and menopause cause a variety of symptoms. The most bothersome symptoms are usually:
Other common symptoms include urinary tract infections, fatigue, memory lapses, weight gain, headaches, and irregular periods. Symptom severity varies widely among women. While some women have minimal symptoms, others are severely impacted.
Hormone therapy (HT), including estrogen alone or combined estrogen/progestin, is the most effective treatment for menopause symptoms. The benefits of HT include:
Harmony Hormone Clinic customizes HT using FDA-approved bioidentical hormones - including estradiol, progesterone and testosterone. Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones produced naturally by the ovaries. They are derived from plant sources and are biologically identical.
Numerous studies show bioidentical hormones are safe and effective when used at appropriate doses. They do not carry the same risks as traditional hormone replacement therapy.
Many women are unaware that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective treatment option for menopause symptoms like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and mood changes. CBT helps women identify and change negative thoughts related to menopause and develop coping strategies to manage symptoms. Research shows CBT can significantly reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes and improve sleep quality.
HT is appropriate for most healthy women under age 60 who are within 10 years of menopause onset. HT is the most beneficial when initiated early in menopause. Potential candidates include:
HT is not advised for women with a history cancers, blood clots, heart disease or liver disease. Your Harmony Hormone Clinic physician will conduct required health screening to determine if you are a candidate.
The first step is having a consultation with a Harmony Hormone Clinic hormone specialist. Your physician will:
Blood tests help identify hormone deficiencies and imbalances. Common tests include estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, TSH, FSH and insulin.
Treatment plans are tailored to each woman's hormonal status, symptom profile, lifestyle and health goals. Options include:
Harmony Hormone Clinic physicians closely monitor patients through follow-up visits and blood tests. The minimum course of treatment is 1 year, but many women safely use low-dose HT for 5-10 years.
The greater Richmond area offers abundant opportunities to embrace a healthy lifestyle during menopause and beyond. Here are a few local recommendations:
Harmony Hormone Clinic provides personalized care from licensed medical professionals who specialize in hormone therapy. We help women thrive during the transition into menopause and beyond. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a risk-free consultation.
Current research shows HT is safe when used for less than 5 years by women under age 60. Harmony Hormone Clinic physicians stay up-to-date on HT safety and only prescribe to appropriate candidates.
Most women find significant relief from hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and mood swings within 1-3 months. You should notice a difference quite quickly.
Most women take HT for 1-5 years. Your Harmony Hormone Clinic doctor will determine the ideal length of treatment based on your health profile and symptoms.
Compounded hormones allow very customized doses, but standard FDA-approved HT is also highly effective for most women. Our doctors help you choose the best option.
You will have follow-up visits with your Harmony Hormone Clinic physician every 3-6 months to monitor your hormone levels and response.
Menopause can significantly disrupt quality of life for many women. The experienced physicians at Harmony Hormone Clinic offer safe and effective hormone therapy to help you thrive during this transition. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a risk-free consultation.
