The onset of menopause can span across many years of a woman's life. Symptoms of menopause can sometimes begin in your 30's, but more commonly start in your 40's or even 50's. The majority of women will not notice any changes from menopause, but others may become extremely symptomatic. As a woman ages she may become symptomatic from the gradual reduction in estrogen production by the ovaries. However, some women become extremely symptomatic. This may be a period of what we call "the storm before the calm." During this time period you may experience:

Hot flashes (sudden surges of warmth)
Night sweats
Mood swings: depression, anxiety, loss of emotional control (i.e. crying for no reason and/or sudden and inappropriate bursts of anger)
Loss of libido (sometimes even a decrease in sensitivity in genital area)
Insomnia
Low energy
Vaginal dryness resulting in painful intercourse
Disturbing memory lapses

The true definition of Menopause is the absence of a menstrual cycle for a full year. We recognize that many of the above symptoms can begin prior to menopause. Hormone levels can be measured and include measuring:

Estrogen
Progesterone
Testosterone
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Cortisol

We evaluate more than "female hormones" because of the importance of identifying hormonal deficiencies or imbalances associated with aging. Often thyroid conditions and Adrenal Fatigue (a condition that causes fatigue due to being over stressed) co-exist with perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. Many women are misdiagnosed with depression and often are not correctly treated because the appropriate testing is not performed. Testing can be performed using blood tests, but hormone levels are most accurately measured using saliva testing. Saliva testing, unlike routine blood tests, measures bioavailable (free) levels of hormones. Based upon your saliva test results we are able to determine what is the best treatment course using Bioidentical Hormones for your body. Bioidentical hormones are compounds that have exactly the same chemical and molecular structure as hormones produced in the body. We offer Bioidentical Hormones, as well as conventional Hormone Replacement Therapy (synthetic) and make recommendations based upon your saliva test results. We are interested in your total health and slowing the process of aging (anti-aging). Anti-aging addresses how to prevent, slow, or reverse the effects of aging by helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives.

If you are experiencing bothersome Perimenopausal or Menopausal symptoms and/or desire to have a Saliva Testing to determine your hormonal status, call our office or contact Us today and make an appointment. There are safe and effective treatment options with natural Bioidentical Hormones available for you.

*Salivary Testing is not covered by all insurance plans.