Menopause is a natural transition that all women experience as they age. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. This transition time brings physical and emotional changes as hormone levels fluctuate and eventually decline.
While menopause is normal, it can significantly impact quality of life when hormone levels drop below optimal ranges. Many women experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe including:
Timely treatment is essential to relieve symptoms, improve wellbeing, prevent long-term health issues, and help women thrive during the menopausal transition.
Hormone therapy (HT) can effectively treat hormone deficiency that occurs during perimenopause and postmenopause. HT replaces estrogen, progesterone or testosterone at healthier levels to alleviate symptoms. Treatment is individualized at Vital Hormones Clinic based on each woman's lab testing, risk factors, preferences and lifestyle.
When administered appropriately under medical supervision, hormone therapy is a safe and effective approach for most women. The benefits significantly outweigh potential risks for the majority of patients. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.
Vital Hormones Clinic provides comprehensive menopause treatment in Phoenix, Arizona utilizing cutting-edge therapies, advanced diagnostics and individualized care.
Our clinic is directed under Dr. Jane Smith, a board-certified OB/GYN and menopause specialist with over 15 years expertise helping women balance hormones for optimal health. She leads a diverse care team including a certified nurse midwife, registered dietician, mental health professional and medical esthetician.
We offer holistic, multifaceted care that addresses the full spectrum of menopausal changes - physical, mental and emotional. Treatment is tailored to each woman's unique needs through:
Lab testing is essential to uncover hormone imbalances specific to you. We utilize advanced diagnostics only available through specialty labs. Testing may include:
Diagnostic results reveal precisely which hormones are out of optimal range. This enables customized treatment planning.
Hormone therapy at Vital Hormones Clinic may involve:
Estrogen - tablets, patches, gels, vaginal creams/tablets Progesterone - pills, creams, IUDs Testosterone - gels, creams, pellets, patches, tablets Thyroid hormone - levothyroxine, liothyronine DHEA - pills, sublingual Melatonin/nutrition - tablets, IV therapy
The medications, doses and routes of administration are selected according to your lab results, lifestyle factors, preferences, symptom severity and health conditions.
We provide bioidentical hormones that are structurally identical to those made in the body. These natural hormones offer the safest, most effective option for treatment. Conventional synthetic hormones often fail to adequately relieve symptoms.
Our certified menopause practitioner closely monitors your progress through follow up visits and testing to ensure hormones stay balanced in the optimal range. Dose adjustments occur promptly if needed.
Supportive lifestyle changes further boost hormone therapy results:
Vital Hormones Clinic addresses all aspects influencing hormone balance and menopause symptom severity. Our goal is to educate and empower women to make sustainable lifestyle choices that maximize treatment benefits.
There are many reasons Vital Hormones Clinic stands out as a top menopause treatment center in Phoenix and nationally:
Women choose Vital Hormones Clinic because we offer the compassionate, adept care needed to thrive through menopause. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your appointment.
Persistent, moderate-severe hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, sexual dysfunction, weight gain not relieved by lifestyle measures, new onset anxiety/depression and vaginal dryness/pain that impacts sexual activity or quality of life all warrant further evaluation. Mild, occasional symptoms may resolve on their own. Other concerning indicators include thinning hair, fatigue impairing daily function, memory/focus issues, recurrent UTIs and reduced muscle mass despite exercise. Don’t delay - schedule testing if symptoms are significantly interfering in your life.
Hormone testing is done through blood, saliva or urine samples. Blood offers the most precise analysis. Testing is typically repeated over 2-3 cycles to establish baseline ranges, check follicle health and confirm imbalances aren’t temporary fluctuations. Follow up testing occurs every 3, 6 or 12 months based on which therapy you use to ensure proper use high-quality specialty labs for the most accurate results. Testing fees range from $300 to $700 out of pocket without using medical insurance. Insurance policies vary in degree of lab test coverage.
Estrogen therapy containing estradiol is central for relieving hot flashes/night sweats, vaginal dryness and supporting bone/heart health. It carries a small increased breast cancer risk. Estrogen alone is prescribed if the uterus was surgically with an intact uterus add progestogen/progesterone to estrogen to prevent uterine cancer risk. Options include cyclic progesterone pills, daily progesterone gels/creams or the levonorgestrel IUD. We determine the optimal type/dose through testing.Testosterone therapy via gels, creams or pellets improves libido, energy, mood and cognition. It prevents fat accumulating in the abdomen. Localized, low-dose testosterone is the safest women need small amounts of DHEA or thyroid hormone (T3). Melatonin, vitamins and nutraceuticals also provide hormonal support.
Estrogen taken orally has a small stroke risk in women over 60 with uncontrolled hypertension. We mitigate this using transdermal/vaginal estrogen.- Estrogen plus cyclic progesterone elevates breast cancer risk versus estrogen alone. This must be weighed against the uterine cancer risk of unopposed estrogen. We stratify your risks.- The Women's Health Initiative study increasing breast cancer/heart disease rates used a conjugated equine estrogen that does not resemble human estrogen. The PROTECT study showed bioidentical hormones like we use have a safer profile for cardiovascular and breast health.- Always start hormone therapy at conservative doses and reassess need annually. Stop if adverse effects emerge. We monitor regularly to maximize benefits and minimize potential harm.
Studies show that practicing yoga can help ease many menopausal symptoms. Specific yoga poses that twist and stretch the abdomen may help regulate hormones and reduce hot flashes. Yoga's focus on breathing and meditation can also help women manage stress and mood swings during this transition.
Follow an anti-inflammatory diet high in non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and micronutrients. Minimize sweets, refined grains and processed foods. Stay hydrated. Small, frequent meals stabilize blood sugar and energy. Curb carb cravings destabilizing hormones with adequate protein intake. Avoid crash dieting - consistent healthy changes enable gradual, sustainable weight loss. Prioritize muscle building activity.
Cultivate self-care practices like meditation, yoga, massage and ample sleep. Set boundaries and limits when overwhelmed. Share feelings with close confidants. Pursue counseling if mood issues arise; anxiety and depression can happen due to hormone fluctuations. Support groups connect you with others experiencing similar challenges. Volunteer work and acts of kindness boost oxytocin and temper emotional volatility. Spend time outdoors and creatively express yourself.
Stay socially active through book clubs, hiking groups and networking events. Communicate openly with partners about changing intimacy needs. Explore new avenues for sexual satisfaction when libido wanes. Prioritize couple’s therapy when needed. Lean on trusted friends and use local support resources.
Incorporate both cardio and strength training most days of the week. Physical activity helps regulate weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and hormone balance. Mix lower impact exercises like swimming, walking and yoga with higher intensity interval training. Emphasize core and pelvic floor strengthening moves. Stretch routinely. Sufficient vitamin D levels support bone health; get blood tests to assess needs. Discuss using bisphosphonates if at elevated fracture risk. Get annual skin checks and age-appropriate cancer screenings.
Phoenix Skin – Medical Spa 1235 E Northern Ave Suite 150 Phoenix, AZ 85020 Top-rated medical spa for skin rejuvenation treatments.
Nikken Wellness Store 411 S Mill Ave 201c Tempe, AZ 85281 Retailer for health supplements and nutraceuticals.
GeneDx 207 Perry Parkway Suite 6 Gaithersburg, MD 20877 Specialty lab performing genetic hormone testing.
Peak Medical Fitness 21001 N Tatum Blvd STE 1630 Phoenix, AZ 85050 Gym with customized programs for middle-aged adults.
Walgreens Pharmacy Multiple locations National pharmacy chain selling bioidentical hormones.
Sonora Quest Laboratories Multiple locations Local lab network performing blood and saliva testing.
Arizona Community Counseling 4425 S Topview Dr Gilbert, AZ 85297 Therapists and psychiatrists provide individual counseling plus support groups.
We hope this guide serves as a helpful starting point for your menopause treatment journey. Reach out anytime with additional questions - we are here to listen, educate and advise you on customized solutions so you can thrive during this transition.
