Menopause marks a major transition in a woman's life, as her body's production of estrogen and progesterone starts to decline. This shift can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. The good news is that the compassionate and knowledgeable healthcare providers at Hormone Harmony Clinic in Los Angeles can help women navigate menopause with menopause treatment and therapy customized to their unique needs.
At Hormone Harmony Clinic, we understand that no two women experience menopause in exactly the same way. That's why our licensed medical professionals take the time to listen to your concerns and get to the root of your symptoms. We'll order the proper lab tests to analyze your hormone levels, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and thyroid hormones. Based on the results, our clinicians will work with you to develop a menopause treatment plan that returns your hormones back into balance through bioidentical hormone therapy.
At Hormone Harmony Clinic, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is our preferred approach for managing menopausal symptoms. Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical molecules to the hormones produced naturally in a woman's body. This allows them to bind easily to your hormone receptors and mimic the activity of your endogenous hormones.
The bioidentical hormones we prescribe are derived from plant sources and custom-formulated in a compounding pharmacy. This enables us to provide the exact dosages and combinations your body needs based on your lab test results and symptom profile.
Some of the bioidentical hormones commonly used for menopause treatment include:
Our clinicians will help determine which bioidentical hormones you need, the optimal method of delivery (oral, sublingual, transdermal cream, pellet, or vaginal inserts), and the lowest effective dose. Many women find they get excellent relief of menopausal symptoms from bioidentical hormones while avoiding the risks of synthetic hormone replacement.
If you're experiencing menopausal symptoms, we recommend scheduling a new patient appointment with one of our experienced menopause doctors. Here's what you can expect during your initial menopause consultation at Hormone Harmony Clinic:
Here at Hormone Harmony Clinic, our goal is not only to alleviate your menopausal symptoms but also optimize your health, wellness and quality of life at this stage. That's why our menopause treatment plans take a holistic approach by addressing diet, exercise, stress management, and preventative health screenings.
Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can make a significant difference when you're going through menopause. We recommend focusing on nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich foods that support hormonal balance and reduce inflammation. These include:
It's also wise to minimize processed foods, added sugars, excess caffeine and alcohol, which can negatively impact hormones and health. Staying properly hydrated is also key.
Being physically active most days of the week provides numerous benefits, from supporting bone density and cardiovascular health to reducing hot flashes and improving mood and sleep. Aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate activity like brisk walking, light jogging, swimming, dancing, tennis, yoga, or cycling. Strength training 2-3 times a week is also recommended to maintain muscle mass.
Menopause can be a stressful transition. Practicing effective stress management techniques helps balance hormones like cortisol and promotes an overall sense of well-being. Healthy strategies include mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, massage therapy, listening to music, spending time outdoors in nature, practicing gratitude, and making time for hobbies you enjoy. Consider taking a yoga or meditation class for additional support.
Your 50s are an important decade for preventative health screenings that detect issues early when they are most treatable. At Hormone Harmony Clinic, we'll make sure you're up to date with recommended screenings like mammograms, colonoscopy, lipid panel, diabetes screening, bone density test, skin cancer screening and routine well woman exams. Your health and prevention are our top priority.
Hot flashes and night sweats are among the most bothersome symptoms of menopause. They occur due to decreasing estrogen levels. Hot flashes manifest as sudden sensations of intense body heat, flushing of the skin, and profuse sweating, which can be disruptive and embarrassing. Night sweats result in drenching nighttime sweats that can interfere with sleep quality.
The great news is that replacing deficient hormones with bioidentical estrogen therapy is highly effective at reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats for most women. In one study, over 80% of women reported at least 90% improvement in hot flashes after 6 months of estrogen therapy.
Lifestyle adjustments can provide additional relief. It helps to dress in lightweight, breathable clothing in layers that can be removed as needed. Keep the ambient temperature cool. Avoid spicy foods, hot beverages, excess alcohol, and stress that may trigger hot flashes. Engage in relaxing activities before bedtime. Regular exercise promotes restful sleep. Acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, and certain supplements may also ease symptoms.
However, for persistent bothersome hot flashes and night sweats, bioidentical estrogen replacement is the preferred treatment. The dosage can be adjusted based on your response. Many women find they can get through menopause comfortably when their estrogen levels are optimized through hormone therapy prescribed by our experienced clinicians.
Vaginal dryness is another common symptom of menopause, affecting over half of postmenopausal women. As estrogen levels fall, the vaginal tissues become thin, irritated, and inflamed. This leads to symptoms of dryness, burning, itching, painful intercourse, increased urinary tract infections, and light bleeding after sex.
The good news is that treating vaginal dryness is simple with bioidentical estrogen administered directly into the vaginal tissue. Our clinicians can prescribe vaginal estradiol in cream, tablet, or ring form that is inserted into the vagina to replenish tissue locally with bioidentical estrogen. Most women experience significant improvement in vaginal dryness, discomfort, and pain with intercourse after starting this targeted therapy. Using vaginal lubricants and moisturizers in conjunction provides added benefit.
We also recommend continuing to have intercourse regularly to nourish vaginal tissue through increased blood flow. Engaging in relaxing activities to reduce stress and practicing gentle self-massage with coconut oil may also promote vaginal health during menopause. With proper treatment, you can maintain a healthy,pain-free vaginal environment even after estrogen production declines.
Menopause is accompanied by an accelerated decline in bone mineral density, putting women at increased risk for osteoporosis and fractures. This happens because estrogen plays an important role in maintaining strong, healthy bones by promoting bone formation. When estrogen drops at menopause, bone breakdown occurs at a faster rate than bone building, leading to deterioration of bone density.
The most effective strategy for supporting bone health is estrogen therapy, which slows the rate of bone loss and reduces fracture risk by up to 30-50%, restoring bone density to premenopausal levels. However, we also recommend:
Weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises - These stimulate osteoblasts to build new bone tissue. Weight lifting, Pilates, and impact activities like brisk walking, dancing, tennis, and hiking are best.
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation - Calcium supports bone matrix formation while vitamin D enhances its absorption. Get at least 1,000 mg calcium and 2,000 IU vitamin D per day. Include dairy products, leafy greens, salmon, and supplements.
Nutrient-rich diet - Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and omega-3s from fish and flax. Limit sodium, caffeine and sugary drinks, which deplete calcium stores.
Limit alcohol - Heavy alcohol consumption interferes with bone formation. Keep it to 1 drink per day or less.
No smoking - Smoking damages bone cells. Don't start smoking and quit if you currently do.
With appropriate treatment guided by our menopause specialists, you can keep your bones strong and healthy well into older age.
Some women fear that menopause will ruin their sex life due to declining estrogen and androgen levels. However, that does not have to be the case, especially with proper hormone balance and open communication with your partner.
Bioidentical testosterone therapy is highly effective at nurturing libido and sexual responsiveness by targeting androgen receptors that influence desire and arousal. We prescribe testosterone creams, gels, pills or pellets based on your needs and monitor your hormone levels to keep them in the optimal range.
We also recommend making intimacy a priority, staying active to increase blood flow, using lubricants, focusing on whole-body sensuality, and being open about needs and concerns with your partner. Explore new sexual techniques and positions. Address relationship challenges together or through counseling. With a proactive approach to hormone optimization and intimacy, your sex life can continue to be active and satisfying during menopause.
The compassionate providers at Hormone Harmony Clinic understand how important sexuality is to quality of life. We're here to provide the solutions you need to maintain a fulfilling sex life on the other side of menopause. Call today to schedule a consultation.
If you're considering menopause treatment, you likely have many questions. Here we've answered some of the most common ones:
What are the main menopause symptoms that can be treated?
The most bothersome symptoms we effectively treat include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, painful sex, urinary issues, trouble sleeping, weight gain, fatigue, mood changes like anxiety and irritability, memory lapses, osteoporosis, and lowered sex drive. Balancing your hormones alleviates these issues.
When should I seek treatment for menopause?
You should see a menopause specialist if you're experiencing multiple disruptive symptoms. Perimenopause starts up to 10 years before menopause. Getting early treatment helps prevent progression of bone loss and health risks. We can restore your quality of life at any point.
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones your ovaries produce. This allows them to seamlessly bind with hormone receptors in your body for natural action. They are plant-derived, customized to your needs, and bioequivalent to human hormones.
Are bioidentical hormones safe?
Research shows bioidentical hormones are just as effective and safe as traditional hormone therapy when prescribed correctly. We optimize your dosages based on symptoms and lab results to provide the lowest effective amount. Follow-up testing ensures hormones remain in the optimal range for your body.
What hormone therapy options do you provide?
We offer a complete range of bioidentical delivery methods to match your lifestyle and needs, including oral tablets, sublingual drops, transdermal gels/creams, vaginal inserts/rings, pellet implants, and injectables. Many women do best combining multiple methods.
How soon will I feel better on hormone therapy?
Most women notice significant improvements in major menopause symptoms like hot flashes within the first 1-2 months of starting treatment. As we fine tune your bioidentical hormone dosing, you'll experience continued benefits over 3-6 months until symptoms are fully stabilized.
What lifestyle changes can help during menopause?
We recommend a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, proper sleep, smoking cessation, limiting alcohol, pelvic floor therapy, vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, couple's counseling if needed, and over-the-counter supplements. Lifestyle adjustments combined with bioidentical hormones provide the best relief.
We hope these answers help you on your menopause treatment journey. The caring medical staff at Hormone Harmony Clinic is here to guide you to better health, wellbeing and quality of life during this transition. Call us today to take the first step!
Navigating menopause is much easier when you have an experienced menopause specialist overseeing your care. The providers at Hormone Harmony Clinic have advanced training in menopause management and bioidentical hormone therapy. Our entire practice is devoted to optimizing women's health at this life stage.
What should you look for in a high quality menopause clinic? The right provider will:
You'll find these qualities and more from our highly-skilled menopause specialists. Get started on the path to wellness by scheduling your first appointment today at Hormone Harmony Clinic.
The compassionate providers at Hormone Harmony Clinic understand how menopause can impact a woman's quality of life. We're here to guide you through this transition and help you thrive in the prime of life. Our bioidentical hormone therapy and holistic treatment plans are tailored to restore your vitality, happiness and inner balance.
Los Angeles offers a wealth of resources to support good health during menopause and beyond. With our sunny skies and temperate climate, it's easy to stay active with outdoor activities year-round. There are lush parks, hiking trails, beaches, bike paths, tennis and pickleball courts, yoga studios, and gyms to enjoy. Shop the excellent Farmers' Markets to stock up on fresh produce. The cultural scene flourishes with museums, theaters, concerts, and entertainment.
fabulous restaurants cater to every palate and dietary need. You'll also find a wide array of holistic wellness practitioners, spas, acupuncture clinics and workshops for personal growth. Let us know your interests, and we can recommend the best spots. Our goal is to help you continue thriving mentally, physically and spiritually during this new chapter of life.
We care deeply about your wellbeing and want to see you overcome any menopause challenges to embrace this transition gracefully. You have so much goodness ahead in the second half of life! Call
