Menopause care Bethlehem, PA - Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic

Understanding Menopause

Menopause is diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period. Perimenopause refers to the transitional stage leading up to menopause, which can last up to 10 years. During this time, estrogen levels fluctuate and decline, while follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels rise. These hormone shifts drive the symptoms of menopause.

The age of menopause onset varies, but average age is early 50s. Factors like genetics, autoimmune disorders, smoking, chemotherapy, and surgery can influence when it begins. Menopause before age 40 is considered premature menopause.

While a natural process, menopause causes physical and emotional changes that can significantly impact quality of life if left unaddressed. Some women struggle for years without realizing treatment options exist. At Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic, we empower women with individualized care, education, and leading-edge therapies to thrive during the menopausal transition and beyond.

Menopause Symptoms and Treatment Approaches

Symptoms arise from declining estrogen levels and can include:

• Hot flashes - sudden sensations of heat in the upper body, sometimes with sweating and flushing skin. These uncomfortable "flare ups" range in frequency and duration.
• Night sweats - episodes of extreme sweating at night, often disrupting sleep.
• Vaginal dryness and pain - thinning vaginal tissue and less natural lubrication can cause discomfort, itching, burning, and pain during sex. Over-the-counter lubricants can help temporarily.
• Mood changes - fluctuating reproductive hormones can trigger irritability, anxiety, sadness, and difficulty concentrating.
• Disrupted sleep - due to night sweats/hot flashes and hormone changes affecting sleep cycles.
• Weight gain - metabolisms slows down due to aging and loss of estrogen. Fat may redistribute to the abdomen.
• Thinning hair/skin - declining estrogen alters collagen production, impacting skin elasticity and thickness.
• Joint pain - joints can become stiffer and more sensitive without estrogen's protective effects.
• Urinary issues - urgency, increased frequency, and incontinence due to estrogen loss.
• Lower estrogen - circulates at about <10% of premenopausal levels after menopause, with impacts to bone, brain, heart, breasts, and more long-term.

Not all women experience significant discomfort from menopausal symptoms. For those that do, various medical, lifestyle, and alternative approaches exist, including:

• Hormone therapy - to directly replace declining estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This is very effective for hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal issues.
• Vaginal estrogen - localized, low-dose estrogen to improve vaginal tissues and function.
• Antidepressants - for mood symptoms, especially when combined with counseling.
• Lifestyle changes - regular exercise, stress management, yoga, dietary adjustments, and other holistic approaches help many women find relief.
• Supplements - may help ease certain symptoms, like black cohosh for hot flashes. Evidence is mixed.
• Prescription drugs - blood pressure medications, gabapentin, and clonidine may provide some help for hot flashes.

Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic takes a holistic approach to identify the right options for each woman based on symptoms, health history, priorities, and more. We recognize every individual is unique. There is no rigid protocol, just customized care.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy at Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is often recommended for moderate to severe menopause symptoms. "Bioidentical" means the hormones exactly match what the female body produces. At Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic, we prescribe FDA-approved, pharmaceutical-grade hormones derived from plant sources that are biochemically identical to human hormones.

Customizing bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, and/or testosterone to optimal dosing provides the most effective relief when menopausal hormone levels drop too low. Therapy is available in pills, patches, topical creams/gels, vaginal inserts, pellets, and injections. We collaborate with patients to find their ideal medication, dose, and delivery method for long-term satisfaction.

Why BHRT? Key Benefits of Bioidentical Hormones

• Dramatic relief from hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness/pain for most women. Symptoms often recur if therapy is stopped.
• Regulates sleep and mood by restoring hormonal balance in the brain. Many women report feeling "like myself again."
• Replenishes estrogen's protective effects on bone, brain, heart, breasts, and more.
• Convenient dosing options, like patches worn twice weekly. Creams allow flexible daily dosing.
• Lowest effective doses tailored specifically to your needs.
• Much more natural fit for the body than traditional hormone replacement medications.
• FDA-approved, customized prescriptions are covered by most insurance with a diagnosis.
• We monitor blood levels and adjust dosing in response for optimal safety and results.
• Research shows risks are low when initiated within 10 years of menopause onset.
• For premature or early menopause, BHRT is advised at least until the typical age of menopause.

Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic prescribes bioidentical hormones only when appropriate based on each woman's health profile. We take time to thoroughly review your history and goals at our welcoming clinic. You'll feel heard, understood, and empowered to make the best decisions together with your menopause specialist.

What to Expect at Your Menopause Consultation

The first step is an exam and lab testing to evaluate your hormone levels, health markers, and menopause status. This will guide development of a customized treatment plan. You can expect:

• Discussion of your menopause symptoms and medical history.
• Breast and pelvic exam.
• Potential blood tests:

- FSH to confirm menopausal status - Estradiol to measure circulating estrogen - Progesterone to assess ovulation - Testosterone to evaluate levels - Thyroid function - Cholesterol and other cardiac markers - Vitamin D and Vitamin B12

• Other possible tests:

- Bone density scan to evaluate osteoporosis risk - Endometrial biopsy to check uterine health if needed

• Review of results and therapy options to determine the best approach for you. Expect an open conversation.
• Initial prescriptions and instructions. We start with low doses and adjust over follow-ups.
• Ongoing monitoring and support. You'll have regular appointments and lab testing to ensure optimal outcomes.

We also offer alternative solutions like vaginal laser therapy for genitourinary symptoms when appropriate. Your goals and preferences guide your treatment path.

Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic Difference - Why Women Choose Us

What sets Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic apart for menopause care?

• Leading menopause specialists with decades of experience caring specifically for midlife women.
• Personalized therapy plans developed collaboratively with you.
• State-of-the-art diagnostics and onsite blood draws for convenience.
• Warm, welcoming environment focused on your comfort.
• Sufficient time per visit to answer all your questions.
• Staff sensitivity to the vulnerabilities of menopause.
• Holistic guidance on lifestyle, mental health, and wellbeing.
• Comprehensive therapy options, not just hormones.
• Seamless insurance coordination and billing assistance.
• Focus on long term health beyond temporary symptom relief.
• Highest standards of safety, ethics, and clinical excellence.

You'll always feel respected, never rushed. We look forward to guiding you through menopause smoothly and thriving in the years beyond!

Lifestyle Recommendations for Managing Menopausal Symptoms

While medical therapies can provide significant relief from troublesome menopause symptoms, certain lifestyle measures can also be helpful:

• Exercise regularly - physical activity reduces hot flashes/night sweats for some women. Aim for at least 30 minutes most days. Walking is a great start!
• Lower stress through restorative yoga, meditation, counseling, or other stress management techniques. High stress exacerbates menopause symptoms.
• Stay cool - dress in breathable fabrics, keep the thermostat lower, use fans, sleep with an ice pack, and sip cold beverages.
• Avoid triggers like caffeine, alcohol, hot tubs, saunas, hot yoga, spicy foods, and more if they ramp up your hot flashes.
• Quit smoking and limit second-hand smoke exposure, as this can induce hot flashes and menopause symptoms.
• Healthy diet - eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. Limit added sugars, refined grains, and processed foods. Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake for bone health.
• Supplements - based on lab testing and symptoms, we may suggest supplements like vitamin B complex, magnesium, omega-3s, ginseng, black cohosh, or others.
• Stay social and boost mood by meeting friends, engaging in hobbies, joining a class, volunteering, traveling, or taking up a new interest.
• Practice good sleep habits - keep a consistent bedtime, limit electronics at night, create a restful bedroom environment.

Our Bethlehem Location Offers Wonderful Amenities

Our clinic is conveniently located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in the beautiful Lehigh Valley region. The area offers many perks for those seeking menopause treatment:

• Quaint downtown with shops, restaurants, and seasonal festivals
• Close proximity to major highways and airports
• Opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking, biking, golf, and water sports
• Rich history and culture with museums, tours, festivals, concerts and shows
• Picturesque campuses of Lehigh University and Moravian University
• State parks, gardens, wineries, art galleries, and other attractions
• Four distinct seasons with a temperate climate
• Vibrant health care community including top care facilities

The fall foliage and holiday seasons are particularly lovely times to visit the Lehigh Valley. Winters tend to be cold with occasional snow, when indoor activities take center stage. Spring and summer offer mild weather perfect for winery tours, garden strolls, hiking, biking, and water recreation.

With a low cost of living and variety of amenities, Bethlehem is an accessible location for top quality specialized menopause care. Contact Rejuvenate Hormone Clinic today to learn more and schedule your initial consultation.