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 and this is when women start experiencing changes related to hormone fluctuations. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55.
The primary cause of menopause is decreasing levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy. As women get closer to menopause, their ovaries produce less of these hormones leading to irregular periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood changes, trouble sleeping, and other common symptoms.
While menopause is a natural process, it can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. Thankfully, there are many effective treatment options available to help manage symptoms and restore balance. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the most common and effective approaches for treating menopause symptoms and improving overall wellbeing.
Hormone therapy (HT), also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), is a proven treatment approach that replaces depleted hormones to eliminate unpleasant menopause symptoms. It involves taking small doses of estrogen, progesterone, or both to restore hormone levels.
There are many forms of HT including pills, skin patches, gels, creams, vaginal rings, and injections. Your doctor will help determine the right type and dosage based on your needs and preferences. The goal is to use the lowest effective dose for symptom relief.
Some of the key benefits of hormone therapy include:
HT is very effective when started early in menopause and used short-term. Research shows that hormone therapy is safe for most healthy women under the age of 60 when used for 5 years or less. Your personal risks and benefits should always be carefully considered.
Balance Hormone Center is a leading menopause and hormone therapy clinic serving women in Murfreesboro and surrounding areas. Our experienced healthcare providers specialize in treating perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause stages.
We take a personalized, integrative approach to identify hormone imbalances and create customized treatment plans. Our goal is to help women enjoy this next chapter of life feeling healthy, confident, and vibrant.
There are many reasons to choose Balance Hormone Center for your menopause and hormone therapy needs:
The hallmark sign of perimenopause and menopause is a change in your menstrual cycle. Your periods may become irregular, heavier, or lighter. Eventually your period stops completely.
However, decreased estrogen levels can impact your entire body in many ways. It's important to understand the range of possible symptoms:
Common menopause symptoms include:
Other long-term risks include:
The severity and duration of symptoms varies significantly among women. Genetics, lifestyle factors, and overall health impact how you experience menopause. Working closely with a menopause specialist can help determine the best treatment options for your situation.
Many women don't realize that hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, can actually help relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and sleep issues. When started early in menopause, HRT may also help prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of heart disease. Though not without risks, HRT can significantly improve quality of life for women struggling with menopause.
Once menopause symptoms develop, many women try to just live with them and avoid treatment. However, allowing symptoms and hormone imbalances to persist long-term can negatively impact your health and quality of life.
That's why it's critical to seek treatment early for bothersome menopause concerns. The benefits of prompt treatment include:
In summary, seeking treatment at the first bothersome signs of menopause allows you to get your quality of life back on track promptly. You don't have to live with debilitating symptoms or worry about the future. Rest assured that solutions are available to help you feel like the best version of yourself.
At Balance Hormone Center, we often recommend bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) customized to your unique hormone needs and health goals. But what exactly are bioidentical hormones and how are they used?
Bioidentical hormones are substances that are chemically identical to the estrogens, progesterone and testosterone made naturally in the body. This means they are biochemically equivalent to your own hormones.
The bioidentical hormones used in therapy are typically derived from plant sources. They can be prepared by a compounding pharmacy in customized strengths and dosage forms.
Because bioidentical hormones match your own hormones molecule for molecule, your body recognizes and utilizes them just like your innate hormones. This leads to excellent symptom relief and fewer side effects compared to synthetic hormones.
When prescribed appropriately, research shows that bioidentical hormones are an effective option for menopause management and general health in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
At Balance Hormone Center, bioidentical hormones may be prescribed for issues like:
We will help determine if BHRT is right for you based on your menopause symptoms, hormone levels, health history, and treatment goals. The dosage and delivery method are customized for optimal safety and results.
Along with hormone therapy, we emphasize good nutrition, exercise, stress management and other therapies to help you thrive during the menopausal transition and beyond. Our goal is to help you continue living your best life!
At Balance Hormone Center, our menopause treatment process follows a precise protocol to ensure the best outcomes for your unique situation. Here is a brief overview of what to expect:
The key is optimizing your hormone balance as it changes over time. We are here to support you every step of the way!
Murfreesboro is a growing city in Rutherford County, Tennessee with a population around 150,000 residents. It features a vibrant downtown, a university, historic sites, parks and trails, and a variety of community events.
The climate in Murfreesboro brings four distinct seasons. Winters are mild but cooler weather lasts from November through March. Summers are hot and humid from June to September with highs in the 80s and 90s. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures in the 60s and 70s.
The changing seasons may influence your experience with menopause symptoms. As the thermostat dips in fall and winter, hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep troubles often worsen. You may find layers of lightweight clothing and breathable cotton linens help, along with keeping your home a little cooler.
During the hot summers, symptoms like vaginal dryness and discomfort may increase. Staying hydrated and using vaginal moisturizers can provide some relief. Adjusting activities to avoid midday heat is also wise.
There are also some advantages to living in Murfreesboro during menopause. The city has a low cost of living which helps make care more affordable. There are opportunities to stay active with walking trails, yoga studios, and gyms. Stress relieving activities like massage, meditation, and floating are available.
Healthy food options abound at fresh local markets. There are fun events and live music to enjoy year-round. The temperate fall and spring seasons are ideal times to be outdoors.
Let Balance Hormone Center help you take advantage of all that Murfreesboro has to offer during this next stage of your life!
Managing your lifestyle is just as important as medical treatment when it comes to coping with menopause smoothly. Here are 5 essential lifestyle tips:
Adopting healthy habits can lessen the impact of menopause symptoms, boost your mood and outlook, and set you up for robust health in the years ahead. Our team is here to help offer personalized lifestyle recommendations.
At Balance Hormone Center, we not only offer specialized menopause and hormone therapy - we also provide a full range of health services to see you through all of life’s changes and challenges.
Additional services available include:
Our team cares about all aspects of your health and wellbeing. We look forward to caring for you throughout each stage of your health journey.
We hope this overview has enhanced your understanding of menopause and how customized hormone therapy can help overcome symptoms. You don't have to endure hot flashes, sleepless nights, pain, or low moods. Relief is possible!
Balance Hormone Center is ready to be your partner for balanced, vibrant health during perimenopause, menopause and beyond. We will listen, answer your questions, and craft an integrative treatment plan tailored just for you.
To get started, simply call Balance Hormone Center today to schedule your initial consultation. We are excited to meet you! Here's to embracing your next chapter feeling healthy, confident and strong.
