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, when hormone levels become irregular and start to decline. This fluctuation of hormones causes various symptoms that can significantly disrupt quality of life.
Common symptoms include: hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, sleep disruption, weight gain, fatigue, and more. These symptoms are a sign that the body's delicate balance of reproduction-related hormones like estrogen and progesterone are shifting. Timely evaluation and treatment can provide immense relief.
The first step is diagnostic lab testing to check hormone levels, which we offer here in our San Antonio clinic. Blood tests help determine if/where hormone declines or imbalances are occurring. We evaluate levels of key hormones like:
Necessary for: regulation of menstrual cycle, bone health, heart health, brain function, skin elasticity, and temperature regulation
Roles include: prepare uterus for pregnancy, regulate menstrual cycle
Testosterone in women is crucial for: sex drive, energy levels, bone and muscle strength
Based on each woman's lab results and symptom profile, our physicians create customized treatment plans to restore hormonal balance.
Hormone therapy (HT): using medications/delivery methods to supplement the body with deficient hormones. Goals of HT include:
Numerous research studies confirm HT effectively:
HT carries some risks like blood clots or stroke, which we discuss individually based on health history. Our physicians closely monitor patients on HT to ensure safety.
In summary, HT can provide immense relief when hormones decline with menopause. Treatment helps women feel like themselves again.
We offer various HT options including: oral tablets, skin patches/gels, vaginal inserts, pellets, injections, rings. Treatment regimen is tailored to each woman's needs/preferences.
When first starting HT, typical beginner protocols:
We later check follow up bloodwork and adjust dosage/method accordingly until hormone levels and symptoms are optimized.
Many women do very well on combination therapy using multiple delivery methods like a low-dose tablet plus vaginal estrogen. This allows for systemic HT benefits plus localized tissue relief.
Treatment plans evolve over time depending on changing needs and goals. We collaborate longterm and modify protocols to keep women feeling their best through the menopause journey and beyond.
Studies show that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be as effective as hormone therapy at reducing troublesome menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbance. CBT helps women cope with and manage symptoms by identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors related to menopause.
It's crucial for women not to delay seeking evaluation when disruptive symptoms emerge. Left untreated, symptoms often progressively worsen over time. Some effects of hormone loss are reversible if treated early like vaginal tissue atrophy. Other effects become irreversible like bone loss leading to osteoporosis and fractures.
We encourage all women to start the conversation:
Don't assume symptoms are "just part of menopause" or something you have to live with. There are excellent treatment options that can get you feeling balanced again. Our physicians have specialized training and expertise caring for menopausal women. We're here to help guide you through the changes, answer questions, find solutions, and collaborate on treatment plans tailored to your needs and goals.
We founded Hormone Harmony to provide individualized care for patients experiencing hormone changes with menopause, andropause or transgender care.
What sets us apart: - Leading experts in hormonal health and bioidentical hormone therapy - Personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs - Ongoing fine-tuning and monitoring of therapies - Holistic approach focused on nutrition, fitness and lifestyle factors - Comfortable boutique setting in San Antonio community
Our clinical team includes obstetrician-gynecologists as well as a psychiatrist, nutritionists and fitness experts. We collaborate closely to address the many ways hormone changes impact health and quality of life.
You'll feel heard and understood. We'll take the time to listen and address all your questions and concerns. Our goal is for you look forward to visits as you learn, grow and feel increasingly balanced.
We handle all diagnostic testing including labs in-house for your convenience. Follow-ups often alternate between telehealth and brief monthly visits. Our boutique practice offers a highly personalized experience focused completely on you.
San Antonio's overall warm sunny climate provides many options to stay active year-round which aids hormonal balance. Local resources include:
- Pathlight Park: Beautiful spot for walking and running trails - Pure Barre: Offering pilates, barre and yoga classes - Massage Envy: Therapeutic massages ideal for relaxation
- Green Vegetarian Cuisine: Farm to table vegetarian restaurant - The Good Kind: Healthy comfort food and cold-pressed juices - Heirloom Haul: Meal prep service catering specialized diets
- Any Lab Test Now: Offers discounts on labs without doctor orders
We encourage women to embrace relaxation practices, maintain nutritious anti-inflammatory diets, stay active with movement they enjoy, and foster community connections. A healthy balanced lifestyle optimizes hormone therapy benefits. Our team can offer referrals and resources to support women holistically during this transition and beyond.
