Menopause is a natural transition that all women experience as they age. The term "menopause" refers to the point in time when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. This transitional period can last anywhere from 2-8 years as hormone levels fluctuate and decline.
Some key changes associated with menopause include:
While menopause is a natural process, the declining hormone levels do put women at greater risk for certain health conditions. Being informed and proactive about health screenings, checkups and hormone management during this transitional time is vital.
Understanding personal risk factors allows women to take appropriate action to have the healthiest transition through menopause. Lifestyle measures addressing nutrition, exercise, stress management are beneficial. However, some women require further medical support through hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to reduce symptoms, protect long term health and enhance quality of life.
The providers at Vitality Hormone Clinic have advanced training and extensive experience in treating women through menopause and helping them thrive in the years beyond. We specialize in natural, bioidentical hormone replacement tailored to match a woman's individual hormone needs, risks and preferences.
We understand the physical and emotional impact menopause can have. Our goal is to provide compassionate, evidence based care empowering women to have the healthiest, most vibrant transition into the second half of life.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can be highly effective at relieving unpleasant menopause symptoms and safeguarding a woman's health in later years when tailored appropriately to her individual hormone requirements.
Starting BHRT under medical supervision earlier in perimenopause can provide the best relief. However, it is never too late to explore treatment options.
Studies show that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be as effective as hormone therapy for managing hot flashes and night sweats during menopause. CBT helps women develop coping strategies to deal with menopausal symptoms. This drug-free approach empowers women to take control of their health through psychological and behavioral changes.
Through our specialized training and extensive experience managing menopause care, the providers at Vitality Hormone Clinic have developed the following protocol for bioidentical hormone replacement. This therapeutic approach provides optimal relief of symptoms while also addressing preventative health measures.
We partner closely with patients in developing a customized plan meeting their individual needs. Areas covered include:
Follow up appointments and testing every 3 months initially allows precise dosage adjustments unique to the individual. The goal is establishing the optimal balance reducing symptoms while also providing protection for bone, heart, metabolic and emotional health.
Due to the gradual onset of perimenopause, women often adapt to the changes accepting symptoms like fatigue, weight gain and emotional ups and downs as normal aspects of aging. However, declining hormones impact nearly every system in the body setting the stage for higher risks of osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes and impaired quality of life. Through specialized testing and bioidentical hormone replacement, risks can be significantly reduced and even reversed.
It is vital for women to have a thorough evaluation of their hormone status and not simply dismiss bothersome symptoms. Benefits of being evaluated and considering treatment options include:
Addressing changes proactively, allows better regulation during the menopausal transition as well as postmenopause. It provides vital proactive protection against osteoporosis and heart disease helping ensure health and vitality in the years beyond. Our goal is helping women thrive through this transition.
Along with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, making positive lifestyle adjustments during perimenopause and postmenopause is extremely beneficial. Key areas to address include nutrition, fitness and stress management.
While individual needs vary considerably, following these types of recommendations helps support overall wellbeing during the menopause transition as well as after.
We understand it takes a coordinated effort across healthcare providers and access to helpful community resources to best navigate the changes during and after menopause. Below are some of our top recommendations for women in the Bradenton area:
- Dr. Angela Best- OB-GYN specializing in midlife hormonal care at Coastal Women’s Care - Suzie Q, PA-C – Specialized PA working with menopause and transgender patients - Achieve Wellness – Primary care, preventative health & wellness center - Dr. Michelle Brown – Psychiatrist with expertise in women’s mental health
- Suncoast Osteoporosis Center – Specialists in bone density testing & treatment options - Ladies Workout Express – Women’s only gym franchise with locations in Bradenton - The Still Center – Yoga, massage and holistic therapies - Leafy Green Cafe – Organic, plant based meals to go
The Bradenton area with its abundant sunshine, beaches, parks and walkable neighborhoods provides an ideal setting to embrace the changes of midlife. With specialized clinical support through Vitality Hormone Clinic and utilization of community wellness resources, this transition can be smooth and positive. Our goal is empowering patients with the tools needed to continue thriving in the years beyond menopause.
