What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the natural transition phase leading up to menopause, marking a time when a woman's body undergoes significant hormonal changes. This phase can start as early as your late 30s or early 40s and can last up to 10 years before menopause fully occurs. During this period, you may notice changes in your menstrual cycle, mood, sleep, energy levels, and more.
Understanding perimenopause and its symptoms is essential in navigating this time with confidence and vitality. At The Teggatz Clinic for Functional Menopause Medicine, we specialize in helping women manage perimenopause through personalized care that focuses on both compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (cBHRT) and lifestyle management strategies.
Symptoms of Perimenopause
Perimenopause can bring about a wide range of symptoms, which may vary from woman to woman. Common symptoms include:
- Irregular Periods: Your menstrual cycle may become unpredictable, with changes in frequency, flow, and duration.
- Hot Flashes & Night Sweats: Hormonal fluctuations can cause sudden feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating.
- Mood Swings: Emotional changes, including irritability, anxiety, and sadness, are common.
- Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep due to hormonal shifts.
- Fatigue: A general feeling of low energy or exhaustion.
- Weight Gain & Changes in Metabolism: Many women notice changes in their weight, especially around the midsection.
- Memory Issues & Difficulty Concentrating: Often referred to as "brain fog," this can affect clarity and focus.
These symptoms can be disruptive and affect your quality of life. However, you don’t have to go through it alone or endure the discomfort.
How We Can Help: Our Approach to Perimenopause Care
Here at the clinic, we offer a holistic and comprehensive approach to perimenopause care, focused on balancing hormones and supporting overall well-being. Here’s how we can help you through this transition:
1. Compounded Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (cBHRT)
cBHRT is a key treatment for balancing hormones during perimenopause. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are derived from natural plant sources and are chemically identical to those produced by your body. cBHRT can help restore hormonal balance, alleviating many of the uncomfortable symptoms of perimenopause such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
Our team will work closely with you to assess your hormone levels and develop a customized treatment plan that’s right for your body’s needs.
2. Lifestyle Management
In addition to hormone therapy, lifestyle management plays a crucial role in managing perimenopause symptoms. Our clinic offers personalized guidance on:
- Nutrition: We’ll help you adopt a balanced, hormone-friendly diet that supports overall health and helps manage weight.
- Exercise: Tailored exercise programs to improve energy, reduce stress, and maintain muscle mass.
- Stress Management: Techniques to manage stress, such as mindfulness, yoga, and breathing exercises, can help regulate cortisol and balance your hormones.
- Sleep Optimization: We’ll guide you on improving sleep hygiene, so you can rest better and feel rejuvenated.
Why Choose Us?
- Comprehensive Care: We treat the whole person, not just the symptoms, using both modern medicine and proven lifestyle strategies.
- Experienced Providers: Our team is well-versed in functional medicine, with expertise in hormone therapy and women’s health.
- Personalized Plans: We understand that every woman’s journey through perimenopause is unique. That’s why we create individualized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
- Supportive Environment: You’ll never feel alone during this transition. We are here to listen, guide, and support you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When does perimenopause typically begin?
Perimenopause usually starts in a woman’s late 30s or early 40s, although it can begin earlier or later. It typically lasts 5-10 years before menopause occurs, but the timing can vary from woman to woman.
2. How do I know if I'm in perimenopause?
Common signs of perimenopause include irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and memory issues. If you notice several of these symptoms, it's worth speaking with a healthcare provider to confirm whether you are in perimenopause.
3. What is compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (cBHRT)?
cBHRT involves using hormones that are chemically identical to the ones your body produces naturally. These hormones are derived from plant sources and are customized to fit your unique needs, helping to balance your hormones and alleviate symptoms of perimenopause. The Teggatz Clinic works closely with a local compounding pharmacy who compounds hormones in an organic oil free of solvents and fillers specifically for our patients.
4. How do I know if BHRT is right for me?
We begin with a thorough consultation to assess your symptoms and hormone levels. Based on this information, we will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include cBHRT if it's a good fit for you.
5. Are there any risks associated with cBHRT?
Like any medical treatment, BHRT carries some risks, which will be discussed during your consultation. Our team takes a personalized approach to minimize risks and ensure the most effective and safe treatment for your individual needs.
6. How long does it take to see results with cBHRT?
Many women notice improvements in their symptoms within a few weeks, but it can take several months for the full benefits of BHRT to be realized. We monitor your progress regularly to adjust your treatment as needed.
7. Can lifestyle changes really help with perimenopause symptoms?
Yes! Proper nutrition, regular exercise, stress management, and good sleep hygiene all play a crucial role in managing perimenopause symptoms. We help you create a plan that incorporates these lifestyle strategies to support your hormonal health and overall well-being.
Is It Time to Address Your Perimenopause Symptoms?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of perimenopause and feel overwhelmed, it may be time to explore treatment options that can bring relief and help you feel like yourself again. Schedule a consultation with our team today to discuss how we can support you during this important phase of life.
Get in Touch
Call us at 319-393-4307 or fill out the contact form below to discuss working with us.
