Menopause is a natural transition that all women experience as they age. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. This transition is caused by changing hormone levels, as the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone.
Many women experience bothersome signs and symptoms during menopause. Common complaints include:
There are also long-term health risks that can occur after menopause, including:
Hormone therapy can help manage troublesome symptoms and reduce long-term health risks associated with menopause.
Hormone therapy (HT), also called menopausal hormone therapy, replaces hormones that decline during perimenopause and menopause. The main types of hormones used are estrogen and progesterone.
There are several potential benefits of HT:
HT is the most effective treatment option for relief of hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness during and after menopause. It can also improve mood, energy levels and sleep quality.
Estrogen therapy reduces the acceleration of bone loss after menopause, helping to prevent osteoporosis. This can lower the risk of painful fractures.
There is some evidence that HT started early in menopause may provide:
Careful consideration of benefits and risks can help each woman decide if HT is right for her.
There are a variety of hormone therapy options to help treat menopausal symptoms. The regimen can be individualized based on each patient's needs and health profile.
Used alone in women who have had hysterectomies. Types of estrogen include:
Progestin protects the uterus from developing cancer. It is used together with estrogen in women with intact uteruses. Types include:
Hormones can be administered in various ways:
Our experienced physicians will help determine the preparation, dosage and method that is optimal for each patient.
Making healthy lifestyle choices can help ease menopausal symptoms and reduce associated health risks:
Eat a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables. Key nutrients like calcium, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids support bone, brain and heart health.
Regular exercise helps manage weight, mood and heart disease risk. Walking and leisure activities can be enjoyed year-round in Largo's beautiful parks and trails. We recommend the Largo Central Park and the Pinellas Trail.
Get recommended health screenings like mammograms, bone density tests and cholesterol checks. Have any needed immunizations updated.
Practice stress management techniques and make time for social connection. Be aware of anxiety or depressive symptoms and seek support if needed. A healthy lifestyle maximizes the benefits of hormone therapy.
Our clinicians provide comprehensive guidance on lifestyle measures alongside hormone treatment.
Studies show that taking dietary supplements containing phytoestrogens, plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen, can help ease some menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. Unexpectedly, certain phytoestrogen supplements derived from fermented soybeans may work as well as low-dose hormone therapy with fewer health risks.
The first step is having hormone blood tests to accurately identify and quantify hormone imbalances. This allows treatments to be tailored to each woman's individual needs.
We partner with top-quality labs like Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp to perform testing right here in Largo.
Based on test results and symptoms, our practitioners develop customized treatment plans. These can include:
Follow-up appointments monitor progress and adjust dosages over time for optimal outcomes. We collaborate with patients on an ongoing basis to provide supportive, integrative care.
Our goal is for each woman to achieve relief from disruptive menopausal symptoms and reduce associated health risks, so she can thrive in all aspects of her life.
There are many reasons to choose Hormone Harmony for your hormone therapy:
Our clinic specializes in perimenopause and menopause management. Our providers stay current on the latest research and best practices.
We take time to listen and address all patient concerns. Treatments plans are tailored to each woman's needs and preferences.
In addition to hormone therapy, we offer nutritional counseling, stress management support and referrals to community resources.
Frequent patient contact and attention to feedback ensures optimal symptom relief and early adjustment of hormone dosages.
Our comprehensive, evidence-based care helps women smoothly transition through menopause to healthier, happier lives.
We encourage Largo-area women to learn more about hormone balance testing and customized treatment plans that can reduce menopause symptoms and long term health risks.
Hormone Harmony specializes in perimenopause and menopause management. We offer integrative care focused on the optimal wellness of each patient.
To learn more and schedule a consultation, visit our website: Hormone Harmony.
