Perimenopause is the time when hormones begin to fluctuate less predictably and is usually marked by changes in menstrual regularity. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, changes in menstrual flow, mood swings, decreased libido, bloating, weight gain and decreased concentration. Some women begin having these symptoms before their menstrual cycles change even as early as their mid to late thirties. Symptoms can vary from minimal to severe. Menopause is the complete cessation of menstrual periods usually defined as no period for one year. Women with more severe symptoms often look for information and help in managing the symptoms long before the final menstrual period.
At Avenues for Health we specialize in helping women in perimenopause and menopause feel their best and offer in depth consultations to address the issues in an individualized way. There are many tools to help women with perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms including changes in diet, specific types of exercise, vitamin or neutriceutical supplementations, biofeedback, acupuncture and bioidentical hormone therapy. Consultations usually require at least two visits. At the first visit we discuss the specific symptoms and goals of our patient, take a medical history and discuss the options available. Hormone levels and other test when appropriate are ordered. At the follow up consultative visit we review any lab results, do a breast and pelvic exam if due and come up with an individualized treatment plan.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
We have extensive experience prescribing both compounded bioidentical hormone creams and bioidenticals such as patches, sprays and gels that are pharmaceutically manufactured. Bioidentical hormone therapy can include estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Our goal when prescribing hormones is to use them in as safe and effective way possible. It is important to be monitored by a physician when on any hormone therapy. Follow up visits may be required until dosing is right. Because hormone levels fluctuate especially in perimenopause and because woman differ in their metabolism and response to hormones lab test do not give us an exact road map to prescribing bioidentical hormones. A woman's clinical response is often the best guideline. Once the effective hormone regimen is established then a once a year office visit and exam are required.