Menopause is a natural transition that all women go through as they age. It marks the end of a woman's reproductive years and is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause and can start 8-10 years before menopause. This time is marked by irregular periods, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
While menopause is a normal part of aging, it can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. Hormone therapy can be an effective treatment option for menopausal symptoms and has additional health benefits as well. At Balance Hormone Center in Fullerton, we provide individualized care and hormone replacement therapy to help women transition through menopause smoothly.
The most common symptoms of menopause include:
While lifestyle changes can help alleviate some of these symptoms, hormone therapy is the most effective treatment option for moderate to severe menopausal symptoms. The two main types of hormone therapy are:
Hormone therapy can be administered as pills, skin patches, gels, creams or vaginal rings. At Balance Hormone Center, our practitioners will determine the most appropriate hormone formulation and dosage to customize treatment for each woman's needs and goals.
Here in sunny Fullerton, we enjoy over 291 days of sunshine per year. The warm, dry climate provides an ideal setting for women to spend time outdoors and engage in activities during menopause treatment.
Fullerton has dozens of beautiful parks with walking trails perfect for exercise and relaxation. Independence Park, Laguna Lake, and the Fullerton Arboretum offer quiet natural settings to reduce stress. There are also many yoga studios and gyms providing classes for all levels and abilities.
Eating well is important during menopause. Fullerton has an array of health-focused restaurants and cafes with fresh, nutritious menu options. The Friday morning Farmers Market is a great place to pick up local fruits, vegetables, and other specialty foods.
Getting comprehensive lab testing is critical prior to starting any hormone therapy. Several labs in Fullerton offer menopause profile tests to check follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, testosterone, thyroid function, and other important hormone levels. Knowing your baseline levels allows for proper therapy dosing.
Fullerton's year-round sunny weather makes it an ideal location for women to optimize hormone therapy results. The variety of parks, walking trails, yoga studios, healthy restaurants, and lab testing options facilitate success during this transition.
Here at Balance Hormone Center in Fullerton, we specialize in providing individualized care and hormone therapy to help women transition through perimenopause and menopause smoothly. Our practitioners have advanced training and are certified menopause practitioners and hormone therapy experts.
We take time to understand each woman's unique situation, symptoms, medical history, and goals. Based on a comprehensive lab panel, we develop customized hormone therapy regimens using bioidentical hormones to restore balance, vitality, and quality of life.
Bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced in the female body. They are derived from plant sources and custom-compounded in various strengths and forms - pills, creams, gels - to meet each woman's needs. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones act the same way in the body and produce fewer side effects.
In addition to hormone therapy, we also provide recommendations for nutrition, exercise, stress management, and other lifestyle factors critical to successfully navigating menopause. We partner with patients along each step of their treatment journey.
Studies show physical exercise can be an effective menopause treatment. Women who exercised regularly during menopause reported fewer hot flashes and less insomnia compared to sedentary women. Exercise helps regulate body temperature, improves sleep, and releases endorphins that can ease discomfort. Simple lifestyle changes like walking 30 minutes a day can make menopause more manageable.
If you're considering hormone therapy for menopause symptoms, here's an overview of what to expect at your first visit to Balance Hormone Center:
At Balance Hormone Center, we strive to provide the highest quality of individualized care. Our goal is to optimize hormone balance and relieve symptoms, so you can continue to live life to the fullest during perimenopause and beyond. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
Menopause occurs when a woman's ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This happens naturally as women age, usually in their late 40s or early 50s. In the U.S., the average age of menopause is 51.
You've officially reached menopause when you've gone 12 months without a period. Menopause is diagnosed after you've gone a full year with no menstrual cycle at all.
The most effective treatment options for moderate to severe menopause symptoms are estrogen therapy, progestin therapy, or combination hormone therapy using bioidentical hormones. Lifestyle adjustments like diet, exercise, and stress reduction techniques can also help.
Yes, bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to the hormones naturally made in a woman's body. Synthetic hormones are chemically altered and can produce unwanted side effects. Bioidenticals are better tolerated with fewer risks.
Most women benefit from being on hormone therapy for at least 5-7 years. Longer duration of treatment may be recommended based on your symptoms and bone health. We customize treatment duration based on your individual needs.
Comprehensive lab testing including FSH, estradiol, testosterone, thyroid levels, cholesterol profile, and other important hormone levels provides the information needed to develop your customized treatment plan.If you have any other questions about menopause or hormone therapy options, don't hesitate to ask our knowledgeable staff. We're here to provide the support and information you need.
We understand the challenges many women face during the menopause transition. Our goal is to provide expertise, empathy, and evidence-based treatment solutions.
At Balance Hormone Center, you can expect:
We're committed to optimizing your hormone health and improving your symptoms, so you can continue thriving and enjoying life. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
