Women's Wellness Specialist

The causes of weight gain are varied and complex. They can occur at any time during a person’s life cycle, but women face an uphill battle as they age. More specifically, changing hormone levels make weight loss over 40 a significant challenge. Research has demonstrated that aging and the menopause transition each contribute substantially to altered metabolism that increases the accumulation of body fat and the risk of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.

WHAT IS HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY?
Also known as Natural Hormone Therapy, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) refers to the use of hormones that are derived from natural resources, like yams. These hormones are compounded to mimic the molecular structure of the hormones that are naturally produced in our bodies. Natural HRT for women will replace the body’s missing hormones with naturally occurring new ones. This, in turn, can reverse pre- and postmenopausal symptoms in women. As you can see, hormone replacement therapy can help your body find much-needed relief from menopause symptoms.

HOW IS BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY ADMINISTERED?
BHRT has many benefits as it is considered versatile and can be administered in a variety of methods, including: Creams Patches Pellets Injections Sublingual tablets or drops The method of administration can vary from patient to patient and depends largely on their specific needs, lifestyle, and doctor’s recommendations. Medications can be administered daily, weekly, or even as infrequently as 4-6 months if you choose to use pellets.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY?
If you are experiencing unpleasant menopause symptoms and want to regulate hormonal imbalances safely and effectively, then you are a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy. No matter how deep into perimenopause or menopause you may be, you will see amazing benefits to this natural treatment option. It is important to always consult a physician prior to any hormone therapy treatments, in order to discuss personal and family medical history. Family history of blood clotting or some forms of cancer can be contraindications to beginning BHRT treatments Natural hormone replacement therapy has been shown to significantly improve libido, weight loss, energy, mood, brain function, muscle strength, muscle tone, as well as bone density. In addition, you will gain a renewed sense of well-being and a reclaimed sense of confidence and vitality.

WHAT IS HORMONE PELLET THERAPY? Pellet therapy is a safe and effective method that allows for a sustained, steady release of hormones. Pellets are also bio-identical. This means they mimic the natural molecular structure of the hormones you have in the body such as testosterone, estradiol, and estriol. A pellet insertion is a simple in-office procedure where the pellet is placed under the skin into the hip or buttock region. Each pellet lasts for 4 months, which allows your medical practitioner to ensure that levels are being absorbed and consistent.

Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop producing the high levels of female reproductive hormones needed to release an egg and prepare the body for pregnancy. The main hormone that sees a major shift is estrogen. As estrogen levels begin to drop off, you may experience irregular periods, which will eventually cease to exist all together. This process is broken up into 3 main stages.

3 STAGES OF MENOPAUSE
Perimenopause is the first stage of menopause and can occur up to 10 years before a woman undergoes menopause itself. Oftentimes, women will begin to notice slight changes in their bodies due to hormonal shifts during perimenopause. Next comes menopause, the time when a woman’s body stops having a monthly period. Since everyone is different, some women may not notice any changes in their bodies; however, others may experience drastic symptoms, such as a decrease in metabolism, libido, and energy. The final stage women enter is postmenopause, which is marked by when a woman has gone over a year without a period.

WHEN DOES MENOPAUSE OCCUR?
Many believe that menopause occurs in women around the age of 50 – causing emotional and physical discomfort – and then vanishes after a couple of years, leaving women period-free and feeling aged. In reality, it is not that straightforward. In fact, menopause can happen in a woman’s 40s or 50s, with the average menopausal age being 51. Meanwhile, perimenopause can begin anywhere between the mid-30s to the mid-40s. So, how can you tell if you are going through menopause?

COMMON MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN
Typically, menopause is accomplished when a woman does not have a period for 12 consecutive months. In other words, you can feel confident that you have reached menopause if you are period-free for a full year. During this time, you may begin to experience negative symptoms that indicate you are undergoing perimenopause and menopause. These symptoms include: Weight gain Reduced libido Moodiness Post-Menstrual Syndrome Sleep Issues Sexual dysfunction Hot flashes Loss of memory Thinning hair and dry skin