Menopause is a biological process that most women experience between the ages of 40 and 60. The transition to menopause begins in perimenopause, when your body stops producing as much estrogen, the female hormone that influences reproduction. Your hormone production can diminish 4-8 years before you have your last period.
Once you enter menopause, you can no longer get pregnant. But reproductive changes aren’t the only effects that reduced estrogen levels can have on your body. For many women, low estrogen brings a variety of negative symptoms, such as:
Samuel Van Kirk, MD, and our team of women’s health specialists in Redding, California, understand that the effects of menopause can be severe. But going through menopause doesn’t mean you have to suffer side effects that lower your quality of life.
We’re happy to offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to treat a range of common menopausal side effects. Consider the top five reasons why bioidentical hormone therapy may be the best solution for your menopause symptoms, then call our team today to book your first appointment.
The term “bioidentical” means that the hormones used in this therapy are chemically identical to the hormones your body naturally produces. While traditional hormone replacement therapy uses synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are man-made from plant-derived elements.
Bioidentical hormones are considered to be a more natural option than other hormone replacement therapies. BHRT can effectively replace the hormone estrogen that your body is missing in a way that identically matches the natural hormone.
All of the common symptoms of menopause, from hot flashes and weight gain to mood swings and discomfort during sex, are the result of declining estrogen levels. BHRT improves symptoms of menopause by directly addressing the cause.
BHRT effectively replaces the hormones that your body is no longer producing. By balancing your estrogen and progesterone levels with BHRT, Dr. Van Kirk offers relief from these negative symptoms to help you live a more normal life.
Increasing your estrogen levels through BHRT may reduce your risk of other health conditions, from colon cancer and diabetes to tooth loss. Estrogen is linked to bone health, and might help prevent osteoporosis as well.
BHRT does come with some health risks, such as an increased risk of certain cancers and heart disease. Talk to Dr. Van Kirk to learn more about the risks of treatment and to determine if it’s a good option for you.
Women experience symptoms of menopause differently. Some women find that symptoms come and go, while others may experience severe symptoms throughout perimenopause and menopause.
Dr. Van Kirk works with you to find the most effective dosage of BHRT for you, and for the shortest period of time possible. Together, you can find the lowest dosage of BHRT that adequately relieves your symptoms while minimizing risks of side effects. Expect to stay in touch with our team throughout your therapy so we can adjust your dosage as needed.
BHRT comes in numerous forms to fit the needs of every woman. Depending on your unique symptoms and your lifestyle, Dr. Van Kirk can recommend BHRT in the form of:
For women bothered by vaginal dryness or pain with sex, vaginal estrogen in the form of a cream, tablet, or ring, can significantly lessen the symptoms.
It’s possible to find relief from the symptoms of menopause with BHRT. Talk to Dr. Van Kirk and our team to find out more about the benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy. Call our office in Redding at 530-242-4129 for your first appointment. You can also send a message to Dr. Van Kirk and the team here on the website.
