Menopause is a natural transition in a woman's life when her menstrual cycles stop permanently and she can no longer become pregnant. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. During perimenopause, levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate irregularly, causing symptoms like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, and mood changes.
Menopause officially begins when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months and the ovaries stop releasing eggs. The average age for menopause is 51, but it can happen anywhere between 40-55 years old.
The most common signs and symptoms of menopause include:
While some women transition through menopause without debilitating symptoms, some suffer moderate to severe effects that greatly impact their quality of life. Ignoring or "toughing out" symptoms is not recommended as it can lead to worsening over time.
Doctors specializing in menopause and menopause specialists can help diagnose hormone imbalances related to perimenopause and menopause. They can provide customized treatment plans to reduce symptoms and help women transition through "the change" in a healthier way.
Endocrinologists specializing in menopause thoroughly evaluate hormone levels using blood, saliva, or urine tests. Levels of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, cortisol, and DHEA will be measured.
The most important lab tests check:
In addition to lab testing, a menopause expert takes a full health history and may recommend additional testing such as:
After a complete diagnostic workup, an individualized treatment plan is created that is unique to the patient's symptoms, health status, risk factors, preferences, and goals.
Timely evaluation and treatment can halt the progression of debilitating symptoms, improving physical and emotional health during the menopausal transition.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) replenishes depleted hormones, restoring balance. When expertly prescribed and monitored, HRT benefits include:
- Eliminates hot flashes and night sweats - Restores vaginal tissue health - Resolves painful intercourse - Lessens anxiety, irritability, and mood swings
- Lowers LDL "bad" cholesterol - Raises HDL "good" cholesterol - Maintains bone mineral density
- Increases lean muscle mass - Aids weight loss/metabolic rate - Heightens libido and sexual pleasure - Sharpens memory, processing speed and focus
Revive Hormone Clinic provides comprehensive menopause treatment from intake to ongoing monitoring. As the leading hormone therapy provider in the Kerrville area, our practice is dedicated exclusively to hormonal balance.
Our clinic offers:
Endocrinologist Dr. Jane Wright directs Revive Hormone Clinic with over 15 years of experience optimizing hormone levels. Her expertise in age management combined with advanced testing capabilities allow truly custom therapy.
"I struggled through menopause for years before finding Dr. Wright. Now in balanced hormone therapy, I feel like myself again - symptoms gone!" ~ Revive Hormone Clinic Patient
In addition to HRT, we provide nutrition plans, fitness guidance, and stress reduction techniques to support the mind and body during midlife changes.
Revive Hormone Clinic collaborates with top local wellness providers:
Conveniently located in central Kerrville near Peterson Regional Medical Center, Revive Hormone Clinic provides VIP care focused exclusively on hormone health for women and men.
Many women going through menopause find that certain alternative therapies can help ease symptoms. Studies show acupuncture, for example, may help reduce hot flashes and mood swings for some women, providing a drug-free way to find relief during this transition.
Hormone levels naturally decline with age, but other factors can also trigger imbalances:
Ignoring hormonal dysfunction allows side effects to compound over time. Revive Hormone Clinic helps identify and properly treat root causes for optimal wellness during and after menopause.
Precise, advanced lab testing is key to verifying hormone dysfunction. Revive Hormone Clinic utilizes cutting-edge analyses only available through select clinics.
Blood draws check reproductive hormones, thyroid hormones, adrenal hormones, and specific biomarkers. Test results give objective data to hone in on imbalances.
Saliva testing maps out daily patterns of cortisol and DHEA production. Abnormal cortisol rhythms signify adrenal dysregulation.
Standardized questionnaires quantify the severity of various menopausal symptoms week-over-week to better track patient progress.
We take time to uncover the unique circumstances causing hormone dysfunction. An integrated treatment approach addresses the root cause along with relief of troublesome menopausal symptoms.
Thyroid medications, cortisol supplements and DHEA may be incorporated along with bioidentical estrogen and/or progesterone at physiologic doses to restore balance gently.
Complementary lifestyle measures support hormone therapy for best results:
Nutrition: Eat hormone-nourishing whole foods; reduce inflammation
Exercise & Sleep: Daily movement; regulate sleep/wake cycle
Stress Management: Relaxation techniques; adaptogenic herbs
Healthy Relationships: Spend time with supportive friends/family
Spiritual Wellbeing: Activities providing meaning and purpose
Revive Hormone Clinic lifestyle guidance helps women implement small, sustainable changes that enhance hormone therapy benefits.
In the Kerrville area, patients give rave reviews for holistic services at:
For complex hormonal issues, seek out an endocrinologist specializing in menopause for the highest level of expertise beyond standard gynecology care.
Lifestyle adjustments like layered clothing, avoiding triggers, and managing stress can help reduce hot flash intensity. Hormone therapy tailored to the individual provides the most complete relief by restoring hormonal balance.
The latest research supports the safety of individualized hormone therapy starting before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause. Careful dosing and ongoing medical supervision makes continuing use well-tolerated by most women.
