Menopause treatment Colton, CA - Hormone Harmony

Introduction to Menopause and Hormone Changes

Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through as they age, marking the end of a woman's reproductive years. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can occur anytime between the ages of 45-55. During this time, a woman's ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone, leading to changes throughout the body. Some of the most common symptoms associated with menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, mood changes, and slowing metabolism.

While menopause is a completely normal part of aging, the changes in hormone levels can significantly impact one's quality of life. Hormone replacement therapy can provide relief by replacing the hormones that decline during menopause. Continue reading to learn all about menopause, its symptoms, and how hormone therapy at Hormone Harmony in Colton can help women transition through "the change" smoothly.

Overview of Hormone Therapy for Menopause

Hormone therapy (HT), also known as menopausal hormone therapy or hormone replacement therapy, supplements the body with estrogen and progesterone to make up for the natural decline in hormones. There are a few different options when it comes to hormone therapy:

• Estrogen therapy - Estrogen alone is prescribed if a woman has had her uterus surgically removed (hysterectomy). Estrogen is administered as a pill, skin patch, vaginal cream, or slow-releasing suppository.
• Progestin therapy - Progesterone alone may be prescribed if a woman still has her uterus to prevent the lining of the uterus from thickening and avoid uterine cancer. Progesterone therapy options include a pill, injection, IUD device, or vaginal gel.
• Combination therapy - Estrogen and progestin together are used by women who still have a uterus to balance the effects of estrogen on the uterine lining. Combination therapy has the same administration options as the individual therapies.

The goal of hormone therapy is to supplement the body with enough estrogen and progesterone to relieve menopausal symptoms, while administering the lowest dose possible to avoid side effects. When hormones are prescribed at appropriate levels, many women find immense relief from troublesome menopausal symptoms.

Benefits of Menopause Hormone Therapy

There are many potential benefits associated with hormone therapy for menopause, including relief of bothersome symptoms that disrupt quality of life:

• Reduces hot flashes - Hot flashes, sometimes accompanied by sweating and heart palpitations, affect up to 80% of menopausal women. Hormone therapy is very effective at decreasing the intensity and frequency of hot flashes.
• Lessens vaginal dryness - Declining estrogen levels cause the vaginal tissues to lose elasticity, lubrication, and thickness. Estrogen therapy helps restore moisture and secretions for more comfortable intimacy.
• Improves sleep - Night sweats and insomnia are common during menopause. Hormone therapy reduces sleep interruptions, allowing for more deep, restorative sleep.
• Stabilizes mood - Menopause hormone therapy seems to have a positive effect on mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. Women report feeling more like themselves on HT.
• Increases energy - Balanced hormone levels help combat the fatigue and sluggishness associated with menopause. Women on HT often report feeling more energized.
• Supports bone health - Estrogen therapy strengthens bones and reduces the rate of bone loss to minimize the risk of osteoporosis.
• Promotes vaginal and urinary health - Estrogen therapy helps prevent and improve urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections, and vaginal atrophy.
• May improve cardio health - Early hormone therapy may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, but more research is still needed in this area.

While results vary for each individual, most women experience significant relief from troublesome menopausal symptoms with properly administered hormone replacement. Lifestyle adjustments and alternative therapies may also help minimize symptoms.

Evaluating if You Are a Candidate for Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is a very personalized treatment plan. Your menopause specialist will evaluate your individual situation to determine if HT is recommended in your case. In general, HT may be advised if:

• You are experiencing moderate to severe menopause symptoms that impact quality of life
• You are younger than 60 years old or within 10 years of menopause onset
• You do not have any medical conditions that could be exacerbated by hormone therapy
• You are not at high risk for blood clots, breast cancer, heart disease, or stroke
• You do not have uncontrolled high blood pressure
• You are not pregnant or breastfeeding (contraindications for HT)
• You do not have active liver disease or endometrial hyperplasia

Your doctor will review your full health history, risk factors, and symptom profile to determine if hormone therapy could be beneficial and discuss the potential risks. Most women that begin hormone therapy while in perimenopause or early menopause can use low-dose therapy for relief of symptoms for several years.

Hormone Harmony: Colton's Menopause and Hormone Specialists

When considering hormone replacement therapy, it is wise to work with healthcare providers that specialize in menopause management and HT. The physicians at Hormone Harmony in Colton focus specifically on supporting women through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.

Hormone Harmony provides individualized care including:

• Thorough testing to evaluate hormone status
• Custom hormone treatment plans
• The latest HT options including creams, gels, patches, pills and pellets
• Ongoing monitoring and dosage adjustments
• Lifestyle counseling for diet, exercise, and stress reduction

The compassionate providers at Hormone Harmony take time to understand a woman's health background, symptoms, and goals in order to develop a personalized treatment approach. They can answer any questions about hormone testing, bioidentical hormones, over the counter options, and compounded therapies to help decide which choice is right for your needs.

Patients appreciate the boutique feel of the Colton office with beautiful decor, spa amenities, and special women's health resources. Excellence in clinical care and communication allows Hormone Harmony to achieve optimal treatment results and high rates of patient satisfaction.

Hormone Harmony Colton Services

In addition to customized hormone replacement therapy, Hormone Harmony Colton also provides:

• Complete menopause care - perimenopause through postmenopause
• Sexual health and vaginal rejuvenation options
• General women's health services - PAP smears, breast exams
• Gynecology care through menopause
• Pellet hormone therapy
• PRP therapy for hair loss
• Emsella treatments for urinary incontinence
• ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation
• Nutrition planning and supplement guidance
• And other innovative women's wellness services

Hormone Harmony accepts most major insurance plans. Uninsured patients may qualify for cash pricing options. Financing plans are available through the clinic and outside partners.

What to Expect at Your Initial Visit

The first visit at Hormone Harmony Colton will be very informative. You will first meet with a nurse to review your health history and any bothersome symptoms you wish to address. Bloodwork or other testing may be ordered to evaluate your hormone levels and markers.

Next you will have a thorough consultation with a menopause specialist. Be open about all your symptoms and goals so they can develop the best treatment recommendations. The provider will outline a proposed treatment plan, medication options, and follow up schedule. This is the time to ask any other questions.

Before starting hormone therapy, your doctor will explain the potential risks and benefits. With your consent, the initial hormone prescription can be provided right away so that relief can begin. Expect to notice improvements in troubling menopausal symptoms within 1-2 months as optimal hormone balance is restored.

Follow up visits will monitor your adjustment, symptoms, and hormone levels to make dosage adjustments as needed. Most women are delighted by the benefits of properly administered hormone replacement therapy for improving quality of life.

Lifestyle Recommendations for Menopause Treatment Success

To achieve the greatest relief during menopause treatment, the physicians at Hormone Harmony also provide guidance on helpful lifestyle adjustments. Recommendations may include:

Nutrition

• Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains to balance hormones
• Ensure adequate calcium and Vitamin D intake for bone health
• Enjoy soy, nuts, seeds for isoflavones that mimic estrogen
• Avoid excess caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods that trigger hot flashes

Fitness

• Engage in 150 minutes/week of moderate exercise
• Practice yoga for flexibility, meditation for mood
• Strength training to build bone density and slow muscle loss

Wellbeing

• Take time for self care activities - massage, warm baths
• Practice deep breathing techniques to manage stress
• Get adequate sleep and maintain a consistent sleep routine

Routine Care

• Have annual well-woman exams for preventative screening
• Use vaginal moisturizers and lubricants for comfort
• Pelvic floor therapy can improve continence and intimacy

Local Resources

• Bliss Spa - Massage, facials, and relaxation packages
• Serenity Yoga Studio - Variety of yoga classes for flexibility
• Downtown Fitness - Pool, weights, classes for cardio and strength
• The Bistro - Healthy gourmet meals in a tranquil setting

Conclusion - Timely Treatment for Menopause Success

Menopause marks the transition into a woman's later years when she can focus on passions, relationships, and the next stage of life. With hormone therapy from specialized providers like Hormone Harmony in Colton, menopausal symptoms do not have to disrupt this joyful time of reinvention and self-discovery. Their cutting-edge therapies, individualized treatment plans, and compassionate care allows women to achieve the full benefits of balanced hormone levels.