Menopause treatment Bountiful, UT - Hormone Harmony

Introduction to Menopause and Available Treatments at Hormone Harmony

Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through as they age, marking the end of the reproductive years. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can happen anytime between the ages of 45-55. As estrogen levels decline, women may experience symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, trouble sleeping, and more. The good news is that at Hormone Harmony in Bountiful, we offer customized menopause treatment plans to help women ease through this transition and hormone replacement therapy options to help them feel like themselves again.

Understanding the Changes and Challenges of Menopause

The years leading up to menopause are known as perimenopause. This is when estrogen levels start to fluctuate and decline, which can last anywhere from 2-8 years. Some women barely notice the changes while others find their symptoms quite disruptive to daily life. Common symptoms include:

• Hot flashes - Sudden feeling of warmth spreading through the upper body, sometimes with sweating and reddened skin. Can range from mild to severe and last a few minutes to an hour.
• Night sweats - Hot flashes that occur at night, often disrupting sleep.
• Vaginal dryness - Decreased estrogen thins vaginal tissues and reduces lubrication, leading to irritation, pain, and increased risk of infection.
• Mood changes - Shifts in estrogen can cause irritability, anxiety, depression, trouble focusing, and memory lapses.
• Sleep disturbances - Hot flashes and night sweats frequently disrupt sleep. Changing hormone levels can also affect sleep patterns.
• Urinary symptoms - Declining estrogen weakens the urethra and bladder, leading to urgency, increased urinary tract infections, and incontinence.

Menopause treatment can help mitigate these symptoms and improve quality of life. Hormone Harmony provides comprehensive care with an integrative approach. Our knowledgeable healthcare providers partner with each woman to develop a customized treatment plan based on her unique needs and health profile.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Options

Many women find immense relief from menopausal symptoms through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). These prescriptions contain estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and other hormones chemically identical to those made naturally in the body. BHRT can:

• Reduce hot flashes, night sweats
• Improve mood, energy, sleep
• Increase libido and sexual response
• Strengthen bones
• Reduce vaginal dryness

The risks associated with traditional synthetic hormone replacement do not apply to bioidentical hormones. Our practitioners carefully evaluate each patient and prescribe low doses to match her individual hormone levels and needs. We provide several delivery methods:

Oral - Hormone pills or tablets that are swallowed

Transdermal - Hormones absorbed through the skin via patch, gel, or cream

Vaginal - Localized treatment with creams, tablets or rings

steady-release hormone therapy - Tiny long-acting hormone therapy inserted under the skin lasting 3-6 months

Follow-up testing helps us optimize and adjust the treatments over time for continued safety and efficacy. Patients notice a significant improvement in symptoms within weeks.

Lifestyle Recommendations for Managing Menopause

While hormone therapy can provide tremendous relief, we also educate patients on lifestyle approaches to ease this transition:

• Regular exercise - 30 minutes a day can improve sleep, mood, energy, bone health, weight, and cardiovascular health. Try walking, strength training, yoga, Pilates, swimming, cycling, etc.
• Healthy diet - Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and lean proteins. Avoid excess sugar, salt and processed foods. Stay hydrated.
• Stress management - Try meditation, journaling, breathing exercises, counseling, support groups. Reduce stressors when possible.
• Good sleep habits - Keep the bedroom cool and dark. Avoid screens before bed. Follow a regular sleep schedule. Limit caffeine. Use white noise or blackout curtains if needed.
• Quit smoking - Smoking worsens menopause symptoms. Quitting can relieve hot flashes, improve bone health, and reduce cancer risks. We offer smoking cessation plans.

The Benefits of Starting Treatment Early

Some women hesitate to seek treatment because they believe menopause symptoms are just an inevitable part of aging. But there's no need to suffer in silence! Beginning treatment at the first sign of perimenopausal changes can:

• Prevent symptoms from intensifying and disrupting work, relationships, and quality of life
• Support mental health by stabilizing moods
• Reduce long-term health risks associated with low hormones
• Slow bone loss and reduce fracture risk
• Maintain vaginal and urinary health
• Boost energy, sleep, sex drive, and vitality
• Allow customized adjustments over time for continued benefits

We encourage women to schedule a consultation if they notice irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep issues, or other possible perimenopause changes. Our compassionate practitioners will provide a thorough evaluation and create a personalized treatment plan.

Hormone Harmony Menopause Specialists in Bountiful

The providers at Hormone Harmony have extensive training in treating women's hormone imbalances. We stay up to date on the latest research and best practices in menopause medicine and bioidentical hormones. Our goal is to empower women to thrive through this transition and beyond.

We take time to understand each woman's health history and lifestyle to make thoughtful recommendations. Ongoing follow-up and communication allow us to continually optimize and adjust care. We also coordinate with each patient's other healthcare providers for a unified approach.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

• Thorough review of health history and menopause symptoms
• Physical exam as needed
• Discussion of treatment options and recommendations
• Bloodwork to check hormone levels
• Urinalysis if needed
• Breast exam
• Bone density test if osteoporosis risk factors
• Pap smear if due for routine screening
• Other relevant tests

After diagnostic testing, we explain the results and collaborative create an individualized treatment plan. We'll schedule follow-up visits to monitor progress, adjust dosages, and ensure your continued health and wellbeing.