Menopause marks the end of a woman's menstrual cycles and fertility. It is diagnosed after 12 months without a menstrual period. The average age of menopause is 51, but it can occur earlier or later.
As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, women may experience unpleasant symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, trouble sleeping, and more. Hormone therapy can provide relief by replacing hormones that are no longer adequately produced.
There are three main types of treatment for menopause symptoms:
Hormone therapy is the most effective option for relieving hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal symptoms. When initiated before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits typically outweigh risks. But each woman's situation is unique, so thorough evaluation is needed to determine if hormones are appropriate.
Determining if a woman has gone through menopause is key for guiding treatment. Both symptoms and lab tests of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are used for diagnosis.
Tracking menstrual cycles and symptoms over time can indicate the menopausal transition before lab testing confirms. Evaluation of medical history and a physical exam are also important.
Once the criteria are met, a confident menopause diagnosis can be made to proceed with appropriate treatment as needed.
Menopause hormone therapy, including estrogen alone or estrogen plus progestin, has been well-studied for its benefits when prescribed appropriately. The main aspects of health and quality of life improved with hormone therapy include:
Up to 80% of menopausal women suffer from hot flashes and/or night sweats. Hormone therapy is the most reliably effective treatment for these troublesome symptoms. Positive effects are often noticed within weeks. Long-term therapy shows continued benefits for most women.
Estrogen has protective effects on bone health. Women rapidly lose bone mineral density in the first few years after menopause due to the sharp decline in estrogen. Hormone therapy reduces bone loss and lowers fracture risk for the spine, hip, and other sites.
Vaginal dryness and discomfort are common after menopause due to lower estrogen levels. Systemic or local vaginal estrogen improves elasticity and lubrication. It also helps reduce pain during intercourse and urinary symptoms. For some couples, hormones can even increase sex drive and satisfaction.
In studies, oral estrogen therapy demonstrates benefits for sleep in menopausal women. Participants report better overall sleep quality, including less disturbances and improved mood. As sleep is essential for health, reducing menopause-related issues is imperative.
Some women may experience mood changes and "brain fog" during menopause. Research shows estrogen impacts areas of the brain involved in memory formation and emotional regulation. HT at the onset of menopause shows promise for stabilizing moods. It also slows declines in memory, reasoning, and processing speed.
Studies indicate hormone therapy right at menopause onset preserves cognitive function into later life more effectively than starting even just a few years later.
The health care providers at Balance Health Clinic are highly trained in menopause medicine with extensive experience in evaluating and treating hormone deficiencies. We stay up to date on the latest research to apply evidence-based personalized care plans.
Our clinic utilizes innovative hormone therapy protocols tailored for the individual patient's needs and preferences. We carefully design combinations of bioidentical and traditional therapies to restore hormone balance. Custom compounded dosage forms provide optimal personalization.
Detailed follow-up appointments monitor progress and response. The treatment plan is adjusted accordingly for your best possible outcome.
Precise testing sets the foundation for accurate menopause diagnosis and treatment monitoring. We utilize advanced hormone tests including LC-MS/MS estradiol & testosterone for precision and ultra-sensitive FSH measurements.
Pellet implant patients receive multiple blood tests throughout treatment including hormone levels, metabolic markers, blood counts, and other safety labs according to evidence-based best practices.
Addressing lifestyle factors creates an optimal internal environment supporting hormone therapy. Our practitioners provide counseling on nutrition, supplements, stress management, fitness, and environmental factors.
We guide patients towards information from reputable resources. Some recommendations may include consuming phytoestrogens, adopting regular exercise habits, practicing mindfulness, overcoming sleep disturbances, and more depending on the individual needs.
Hormone replacement pellets, injected testosterone, oral capsules, and creams are options for treating testosterone deficiency. Pellet implants offer steady hormone levels over months of peak performance.
The initial process involves:
Follow-up blood tests, dose adjustments as needed, and safety monitoring occur over the first year establishing correct dosing. Ongoing maintenance involves periodic testing and new pellets every 4-6 months generally.
Benefits build gradually so patience is needed to optimize improvements in energy, sexual function, emotional wellbeing, body composition, and more all while preserving heart and prostate health.
Many women find that taking up practices like yoga, meditation, and tai chi can help ease menopause symptoms just as well as hormone therapy. These mind-body practices reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can help with hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep troubles during this transition.
The Balance Health Clinic was founded in Dover to improve access to top-quality care for hormone imbalance right in the heart of downtown.
Being centrally located nearby the riverfront makes fitting appointments into busy schedules more convenient. Our coordinated care network connects patients with trusted lab testing facilities and pharmacies to complete required components of treatment seamlessly.
Parking vouchers are also available in our lot adjacent to the office.
We take time for thoughtful conversations understanding lifestyle, priorities, and health goals when designing customized treatment strategies. The latest medical guidance combined with clinical expertise produces individualized recommendations to achieve patient-centered targets like:
Restoring hormone balance reclaims quality of life after disruption from menopause or andropause.
Some patients benefit from integrative therapies complementing primary hormone therapies. We offer holistic options like acupuncture, clinical massage, and mind/body techniques.
Or relaxing services at the nearby spiritual spa help manage stress supporting treatment. Excellent nutrition counseling is available from dietitians versed in bioidentical hormones, anti-inflammatory diets, digestive health, and personalized eating plans.
This integrative approach combining mainstream and alternative therapies fosters improved wellbeing on multiple dimensions.
The Dover area offers many amenities supporting healthy lifestyles to thrive with balanced hormones. Visitors and residents alike delight in the small-town charm.
The Stiller Park fitness trail has a 1.1 mile wooded loop with 18 exercise stations along the way. Walking along the trail or completing a bootcamp-style circuit provides scenic views and a great workout.
For indoor options, the Kesselring Center for Public Health offers pool and gym access, classes like water aerobics and yoga, and even ice skating during winter months!
Relaxing getaways provide stress relief supporting hormone therapy. Book a treatment at the Lavish Salon and Spa or practice mindfulness techniques along the riverwalk.
The famers market runs weekends from Spring through Fall. It features fresh produce, local goods, and artisans amidst lively community events. Live music and festivals happen regularly as well.
Historical sites in town showcase the rich heritage and architecture of the Dover area. More extensive trails, parks, resorts, and beaches surround the capital region also, perfect for unwinding.
Convenient access to quality lab testing helps in the diagnosis of hormone imbalance and ongoing monitoring. We work closely with nearby facilities like LabCorp and Pearl Labs.
Fasting blood draws, urine samples, saliva testing, and more cover the full scope of relevant sex and metabolic hormones using precise LC-MS/MS technology.
Balance Health Clinic serves the Dover area with cutting-edge therapies restoring hormone balance. People experiencing unpleasant menopause or andropause symptoms significantly limiting quality of life may benefit from treatment after proper evaluation.
New patient paperwork can also be downloaded from our website.
Our caring staff provides support navigating insurance questions, paperwork, and all aspects from your first call through ongoing care.
We look forward to serving you!
