

Phoenix Bioidentical Hormone Specialists provide expert care in treating Menopause and Perimenopause symptoms. The symptoms of menopause can begin as early as age 35, although most women become more acutely aware of them in their mid to late 40s. Menopause normally lasts for several years, but it varies for every woman and is difficult to predict. During perimenopause, which can last 4-6 years and usually ends after twelve months of amenorrhea, the menstrual cycle becomes irregular and fertility is diminished.
By definition, a woman has reached menopause when a full year has passed since her last menstrual cycle. Menopause is something that every healthy woman will experience as she reaches middle age, typically between the ages of 35-59. It is a natural, gradual process that occurs when a woman’s ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone and her lifetime supply of eggs becomes depleted.
Perimenopause describes the time when a woman’s body transitions from her fertile, child-bearing years into middle age. During this natural transition, the body undergoes biological changes resulting from declining ovarian hormone production.
There are many symptoms that women going through menopause and perimenopause experience. However, every woman’s experience is different. They often experience a combination of some, if not all of the following symptoms treated by Phoenix BHRT Specialists.
Irritability/Mood swings are a result of an intense imbalance of hormones greatly affecting the level of Serotonin in the brain which is responsible for the stability of emotions. Estrogen has direct influence on the amount of Serotonin produced. Mood swings and depression can be experienced due to the drops in Estrogen levels that are responsible for production of serotonin the mood regulating hormone in the brain. It is a state of sadness, foggy thinking, fluctuation of appetite, loss of sleep and feelings that produce thoughts of suicide
Is the decrease in the desire to be sexually active. The drop in Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone levels are the hormones responsible for lower energy and decreased sex drive. Arousal and orgasm are still possible, yet the hormonal imbalance that occurs during this shift into menopause can cause the vaginal wall to become dry and irritated further exacerbating the lack of desire to be sexual. All of which can have a psychological impact as well
Estrogen is the hormone that helps create an environment in the vagina that is moist and the vaginal wall is thick and elastic. During menopause the levels of estrogen decrease which causes thinning of the vaginal walls resulting in less lubrication and elasticity, which can increase irritation, itching and pain resulting in a decrease desire to engage in intercourse
Any guess what hormone is responsible for the symptoms of an irregular heart beat? You got it; Estrogen. Estrogen levels fluctuate and have correlation to the cholesterol levels in the blood, as well as the fluctuation of blood pressure affecting the vasodilatation of the arteries and affecting the autonomous nervous system that regulates the heartbeat. Fatigue, anxiety, and more.
Urinary urgency/Incontinence is the inability to keep urine in the bladder during sneezing, laughing or coughing. Estrogen is the hormone that helps with the strength of the bladder muscles. As estrogen decreases during menopause so does control of the bladder. Incontinence includes feelings of constant need to urinate due to an overactive or oversensitive bladder. Another form of incontinence is a bladder that doesn’t empty completely and dribbling occurs.
Insomnia is a symptom and is the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep for a long enough time to feel rested and rejuvenated. Night sweats or other accompanied symptoms of menopause such as bizarre dreams, or incontinence can contribute to the insomnia.
Disorientation can feel like one is out of touch with their surroundings. Often this symptom is directly related to feeling dizzy and light heated. Some experience vertigo which is a constant spinning sensation, or light headed feeling when one stands up too fast.
Anxiety is a state of being worried, fearful, on edge, uneasy, worried, or a sense of urgency and is often out of proportion to the event that initiates the response. Estrogen levels affect the brain chemistry directly related to mood and emotions.
This is just a short list of the most common symptoms women experience during perimenopause and menopause. Because there are many possible symptoms, it is usually best to discuss any problems you are having with your physician.
What makes Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy a unique treatment is that each hormone compound exactly matches the hormones your body naturally produces. A Phoenix Menopause Hormone Specialist will customize the amount of bioidentical hormones you need to create balanced hormones and relieve symptoms of hormone decline. Although several hormones may be out of balance, those listed below are included most often with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Programs for Menopause and Perimenopause:
Phoenix AZ Perimenopause and Menopause treatments focus on relieving your symptoms as well as preventing or lessening chronic conditions that may occur with aging.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy using Estrogen therapy remains, by far, the most effective treatment option for relieving menopausal hot flashes. Depending on your personal and family medical history, your doctor may recommend estrogen to provide symptom relief for you.