Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through, marking the end of the reproductive years. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause, which is when hormone levels begin fluctuating and declining. Estrogen and progesterone are the main hormones affected, and the deficiency of these hormones leads to various symptoms.
At Second Spring Hormone Clinic hormone clinic, we understand the challenges associated with menopause and provide customized treatment plans to help women smoothly transition into this next phase of life. Our compassionate menopause specialists use a holistic, integrative approach that addresses hormone balance along with nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle factors.
In this guide, we will discuss key topics around menopause, hormone therapy options, and why timely treatment at a menopause clinic like Second Spring Hormone Clinic can help women thrive.
The decline of reproductive hormones causes a variety of signs and symptoms. These can vary widely between women but often include:
Hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth spreading through the body, along with flushing and sweating. They result from decreasing estrogen levels and can range from mild to severe. Night sweats are hot flashes occurring at night, often disrupting sleep.
With less estrogen, tissues in the vagina and urethra lose elasticity. This leads to symptoms like vaginal dryness, discomfort, more frequent urination, and urinary tract infections.
Hormone changes can trigger mood symptoms including irritability, anxiety, sadness, trouble focusing, lack of motivation, fatigue, and reduced sex drive. For some women these emotional effects are challenging.
Some additional effects of menopause can include hair thinning, weight gain, irregular periods, headaches, and joint pain. Ongoing symptoms past menopause may indicate an estrogen deficiency needing treatment.
While these effects can be frustrating, the good news is there are many treatment options available today to help counteract hormone deficiency.
Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) replenishes the body's supply of hormones that decline during perimenopause and menopause. At Second Spring Hormone Clinic, BHRT is customized based on each woman's individual hormone levels and symptoms.
The term "bioidentical" means the hormones have a molecular structure identical to those produced naturally in the body. The most common types used are:
Estrogen regulates temperature control, weight, sexual health, bladder function, cognition, mood, sleep quality, skin elasticity, and more. Declining estrogen levels contribute to most menopausal symptoms, so restoring balance is key.
Progesterone plays many roles alongside estrogen in areas like menstruation, pregnancy, mood, blood sugar, water retention, and bone health. Low progesterone also causes unpleasant symptoms.
Smaller amounts of testosterone are made in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Testosterone governs energy, mental clarity, muscle tone, stamina, sexual desire, pubic/underarm hair, and more. Supplementing low testosterone can greatly improve menopause symptoms.
At Second Spring Hormone Clinic, your doctor will test your hormone levels and determine if estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or any combination of the three could help relieve your symptoms.
There are a variety of formulations and treatment methods to safely deliver bioidentical hormones. Options may include:
Topical creams containing estrogen, testosterone or progesterone can be applied to areas like the wrists or thighs and absorbed into the bloodstream. This allows precise hormone dosing.
Oral hormone therapy involves swallowing capsules or tablets containing estrogen, progesterone or testosterone. This treatment gets absorbed through the digestive tract.
With this modern method, tiny hormone pellets are inserted under the skin, steadily releasing hormones over 3-6 months. Pellet therapy avoids daily application of creams.
Estrogen, progesterone or testosterone can be effectively delivered via skin patches. Patches are changed out twice weekly.
Customized vaginal creams, suppositories or tablets can treat vaginal dryness and discomfort locally with fewer systemic effects.
Second Spring Hormone Clinic doctors determine which delivery method is optimal after assessing each woman’s needs and preferences. The goal is to improve quality of life by safely achieving ideal hormone balance unique to you. We also provide nutritional guidance and wellness plans to support treatment.
Studies show that practicing yoga can help relieve many menopausal symptoms. Specific yoga poses that twist, stretch and invert the body may help regulate hormonal activity, increase blood flow, improve mood, and ease hot flashes, insomnia, and joint pain. Yoga provides a low-cost, accessible way for midlife women to feel better without medicine.
Getting treatment early for hormone imbalance can prevent short and long term health consequences. Research shows certain risks go up after menopause, including:
Restoring hormones to optimal ranges can help lower these risks and protect long term wellness. At Second Spring Hormone Clinic, our certified menopause practitioners stay up to date on the latest research to continually advance care. We provide thorough testing, closely monitored treatment plans, and ongoing follow up to ensure your safety and satisfaction.
Don’t struggle with frustrating menopause symptoms or wonder if you should get treatment. Contact our experienced Emerson team today to discuss your options!
Our clinic founder Dr. Jane Wells completed specialized training to become a NAMS certified menopause practitioner. This gives her an in-depth understanding of how to best help women during the menopause transition.
Dr. Wells works alongside our nurse practitioner Emma Brown who is also a certified menopause specialist. Together, their mission is supporting women through education, community, and evidence based solutions to enjoy life fully during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.
At Second Spring Hormone Clinic Emerson, we provide:
Our welcoming office provides a comfortable, supportive environment. We understand the sensitive nature of menopause concerns and always ensure privacy during visits.
You can feel at ease placing your care in the hands of our compassionate, highly trained menopause specialists here in Emerson. We are excited to guide you on your journey toward better health and improved quality of life!
We compiled this local guide of services beneficial for women undergoing menopause hormone treatment:
Getting accurate hormone blood panels is key for proper treatment. Top facilities in Emerson include:
Marina Labs 1230 Ocean Drive Suite 202
Greenwood Diagnostics 155 Forest St, Suite 10
Emerson General Hospital Outpatient Lab 521 Sunny Brook Road
Be sure to ask for our specialized Second Spring Hormone Clinic menopause panels. We can provide requisitions with the optimal tests needed.
Pamper yourself at these relaxing getaways, perfect for recharging during menopause self-care:
Serenity Spa 4444 Massage Way Street Suite 44
Oasis Day Spa 77 Sunset Blvd
Emerson Hot Springs 9876 Warm Way Road
Staying active helps mood, sleep, weight management and more during menopause. Check out these top local gyms:
Lakeside Fitness 4444 Gym Lane Street Suite 1
Lotus Yoga & Pilates 3444 Inner Peace Avenue Suite 1
Getting outside in nature provides stress relief while keeping fit. Enjoy scenic paths at:
Greenwood Park 250 Nature Trail Ave
Emerson Gardens Botanical Park 975 Floral Path Lane
We hope this guide gives you a head start on valuable resources for your self-care as you begin treatment at Second Spring Hormone Clinic Emerson! Let us know if you need any other local recommendations.