Menopause is a natural transition that typically occurs between the ages of 45-55 when a woman's ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This leads to the end of menstruation and fertility. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause, which is often when women first start experiencing symptoms due to hormone fluctuations. Some key things to understand about menopause include:
Menopause occurs because as women age, their ovaries begin producing less reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Lower hormone levels lead to menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, trouble sleeping, and mood changes. Genetics, smoking, surgery, chemotherapy, and some other medical conditions can cause menopause to start earlier.
The most common signs and symptoms of menopause include:
Over years, the lower hormone levels of menopause can impact women's bodies in various ways:
Treating menopause symptoms and long term effects is key for women's health and quality of life during this transitional time.
Here at Vitality Balance Clinic in Ft. Lauderdale, we specialize in helping women address the challenges of perimenopause and menopause. Our compassionate, certified menopause practitioners use advanced testing and personalize treatment plans with hormone therapy and lifestyle recommendations tailored to each woman's needs.
We know no two women have identical experiences with menopause. That's why our testing analyzes your individual hormone levels, menstrual cycle, family history, lifestyle and more. Then we develop customized bioidentical hormone therapy to replenish estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and other hormones to optimal levels.
Most plans include:
We closely monitor with follow up testing and appointments to ensure your plan is optimized.
Balancing hormones is just one part of managing menopause. Our practitioners also provide guidance on lifestyle factors like:
We understand the physical and emotional tolls of menopause and want to provide comprehensive care.
Accurately assessing your hormone levels is the crucial first step for customized treatment. We test reproductive hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone as well as key hormones that impact sleep, weight, energy and mood. Testing can identify:
Based on results, we create individualized plans to restore balance. We offer state-of-the art saliva panels for convenience and accuracy.
If you are experiencing unpleasant perimenopause or menopause symptoms, it is important to seek evaluation and treatment. Getting your specific hormone levels tested is key to determining the right solutions.
Some reasons to get checked out include:
If you are having frequent hot flashes and night sweats disrupting your daytime activities or sleep, it likely signals dropping estrogen levels that can be corrected with hormone therapy. Estrogen patches, gels or pills can provide relief.
Women are at higher risk for developing mood disorders and depression during perimenopause and menopause due to fluctuating reproductive hormones plus life changes. We can identify any hormone imbalances fueling anxiety, irritability, sadness and prescribe targeted treatment.
Lower estrogen after menopause commonly causes vaginal tissues to lose elasticity and lubrication. This can make intercourse painful and increase urinary tract infection risk. Localized estrogen creams reverse these changes quickly.
Fatigue and low energy are expected to some degree during menopause but should not disrupt work, socializing and relationships. We pinpoint any thyroid dysfunction or vitamin deficiencies causing exhaustion so they can be corrected.
If you have menopause concerns, come see our caring practitioners for testing, diagnosis and customized treatment planning to get your symptoms under control. We use cutting edge hormone panels and therapy approaches to restore comfort, empowerment and vibrancy during this transition.
Here are key reasons women choose Vitality Balance Clinic for their menopause and hormone therapy needs in Ft. Lauderdale and South Florida:
Our practitioners complete specialized fellowship training and stay current on the latest menopause research and treatment breakthroughs. We understand the nuances of perimenopause and menopause care to expertly guide you through changes. Plus we listen with empathy to address emotional aspects too.
We offer complete menopause care under one roof for testing, gynecology exams, imaging, hormone therapy, nutrition plans, fitness programs and stress support without referrals. Our onsite full service lab and pharmacy prevents extra stops.
Our advanced saliva hormone tests assess estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, melatonin, cortisol and more for precision targeting. Customized bioidentical creams, patches and capsules are expertly formulated in our pharmacy. Follow up testing ensures optimal hormone balance is achieved and maintained long term.
We look beyond hormones to all factors influencing menopause health - sleep, exercise, nutrition, stress, relationships, Self care. Our gynecologists, pharmacists, nutritionists, therapists and trainers develop comprehensive lifestyle plans as part of care.
We provide attentive ongoing care with follow up appointments, messaging and labs to monitor progress and adjust therapy until you feel your best. We are your partners through every step of the menopause journey.
If you are struggling through menopause changes, trust Vitality Balance Clinic for state-of-the-art testing, compassionate care and expert guidance during this transitional time.
While hormone therapy is a common treatment for menopause symptoms, research shows that cognitive behavioral therapy focusing on changing thought patterns around aging can be just as effective at reducing hot flashes and night sweats in some women.
Restoring optimal hormone levels through replacement therapy can alleviate frustrating menopause symptoms so you feel like yourself again. Treatment is safe for most when properly managed under a doctor's care. Here is an overview of common hormone therapy options we offer:
Declining estrogen is responsible for most disruptive menopause symptoms women experience. Estrogen therapy is highly effective for hot flash relief and urogenital changes when dosed to best match your previous circulating levels. We offer:
Estrogen is often paired with progesterone to prevent uterine cancer risks in women with uteruses.
Progesterone naturally balances estrogen's effects on the uterus. Postmenopausal estrogen therapy can lead to abnormal uterine cell growth without opposition. We add bioidentical progesterone to protect the uterine lining via:
Progesterone capsules taken at night for 10-14 days each month Progesterone IUDs like Skyla provide steady controlled release Testosterone Creams to help normalize mood, libido and cognition
Testosterone levels also decline at menopause, contributing to low libido, mood disorders and memory concerns. Testosterone creams, gels and pellet implants can effectively address these changes. We provide compounded testosterone creams expertly tailored to your needs.
Prior to writing any prescriptions, we always complete lab testing and medical evaluations to verify hormone deficiencies and rule out contraindications. We start low doses and adjust levels based on follow up labs and symptom tracking. Ongoing monitoring ensures therapies remain safe and effective.
If you want to regain comfort and vitality lost during menopause, contact our office learn more about customized hormone therapy programs.
Alongside hormone optimization, we educate patients on key lifestyle measures to support all aspects of health during the menopause transition:
Our onsite dietitians provide personalized nutrition plans emphasizing fruits, vegetables, fiber and omega-3s for maintaining energy levels, strong bones, ideal weight and cardiovascular wellness during shifting hormone levels. Guidance on supplements like calcium, vitamin D and probiotics may be warranted too. Any special sensitivities or restrictions are addressed.
Consistent physical activity focusing on cardio, strength training and flexibility becomes even more vital during menopause to prevent bone and muscle loss. Our trainers create customized fitness regimens and offer classes catering to menopause needs. We provide gym referrals too. Start slow and make it social!
Hormone fluctuations combined with life changes can heighten anxiety, frustration, sadness and stress during menopause. Our therapists offer counseling, mindfulness courses, yoga and support groups to process emotions, reduce stress and improve coping tools. Better mood stability complements hormone therapy.
Staying up to date on preventative health screenings, immunizations, dental visits and annual checkups allows for early detection of common age-related conditions, some influenced by menopause like high cholesterol, blood pressure and skin changes. We help you remember what is due to stay proactive.
Partnering these positive lifestyle practices with our individualized hormone therapy provides women optimal relief from menopause symptoms for restored vibrancy. Our team guidance makes it easier to implement changes.
With average winter temperatures in the 70s, more than 10 miles of beaches and a vibrant arts and wellness focused community, Fort Lauderdale provides an inviting atmosphere for women to embrace menopause transitions gracefully.
The area contains exceptional clinical resources plus endless entertainment options to explore during this new phase of life.
Ft. Lauderdale's concentration of retirees has led to exceptional menopause specialty care with clinics like Vitality Balance Clinic staffed by fellowship trained menopause certified practitioners current on the latest advancements. You have fantastic local care options.
Accessing labs for hormone blood panels or saliva testing to diagnose issues is readily available throughout the region including our onsite high complexity lab. We can quickly create customized compounded hormone preparations in our pharmacy with exemplary quality control.
Fort Lauderdale contains endless gyms, trainers, sports clubs, yoga studios and wellness centers to build suggested fitness regimens catering to menopause needs conveniently close by. The climate also allows for year round outdoor exercise like walking and water sports.
When hormones may be heightening stress, it is beneficial to participate in relaxing leisure outlets for mood regulation. Fort Lauderdale offers opportunities like beach lounging, spas, gardens, boat tours, shows and craft markets to productively channel frustrations. The slower pace forces you to take needed self-care moments.
Sharing experiences with peers going through similar changes can provide great comfort and camaraderie. Engage with menopause support groups, book clubs, volunteer programs, places of worship and counseling for understanding perspectives. Review local meetup groups!
For managing menopause, Ft. Lauderdale provides exceptional clinical care, active outlets and welcoming community connections right where you live. The backdrop of sunny skies, warm ocean breezes and lush tropical terrain further bolsters positive progress. Vitality Balance Clinic is eager to partner in your wellness journey with hormone therapies catered to your needs and goals.
