Menopause

1. What is menopause?

Menopause refers to that time in every woman’s life when menstruation ceases completely. The ovaries’ decrease their output of estrogen and progesterone and women begin to experience the effects of this decrease of these hormones. In addition to signifying the end of a woman’s ability to have children, declines in these female hormones affect the entire endocrine system. The early phase or transitional phase is referred to as peri-menopause. Menopause is considered complete when a woman has had no period for a full year.

2. What is pre-menopause or peri-menopause?

Peri-menopause is a naturally occurring transition time before menopause where hormone production begins to decline. It can be spread out from age 35-50.

3. What are the signs of menopause?

The clearest sign is irregular periods, when blood flow becomes lighter or heavier. Other symptoms may include hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, mood swings, depression, migraines, aching joints and muscle problems, vaginal dryness and decreased libido. Women who go through surgical menopause are likely to experience more severe symptoms than those going through menopause naturally.

4. When does menopause happen?

Most women experience menopause somewhere between the ages of 40 to 58. Some may even experience it as early as their 30's or as late as 60.

Experience varies for each woman as they approach menopause. Some symptoms may include: Irregular menstrual cycle – periods may occur closer together or farther apart. Some women go several months without a period and then resume regular cycles for awhile. Hot flashes – The intensity, duration and frequency varies widely among women. These “hot flashes” usually subside in a year or two. Sleep disturbance – Insomnia is a frequent problem during menopause.

Bio-Identical Hormones

1. What are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are formulated from plants and made identical to the estrogens, progesterone, and testosterone produced in the human body. Unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones fit perfectly into the hormone receptors found in the cells of the body and produce natural, biological results without undesirable side effects. Your physician may want to prescribe estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, cortisol, or DHEA depending on what your symptoms are and which hormone(s) your body needs.

2. What are bioidentical hormones and are they safe?

Bioidentical hormones are plant-derived hormones that are prepared by a compounding pharmacist. Compounded hormones have the same risk and safety issues as hormone therapy products approved by the FDA. Sometimes salivary testing of hormone levels is recommended to help individualize dosing, however, hormone therapy actually does not belong to a class of drugs which requires such testing.

3. How are Bioidentical Hormones Compounded?

Each Bioidentical Hormone prescription is compounded individually to meet the specific needs of each man or woman. Hormone pellet prescriptions are based on results of laboratory testing and symptoms and are adjusted as necessary until hormones are completely balanced until all of your symptoms disappear.

4. Why should you use bioidentical hormones?

Bioidentical hormones have been successfully used by men and women for decades. In well known medical journals, researchers have reported that the bioidentical hormones, estrogen and testosterone, are not only safe but also have a positive impact on some diseases like osteoporosis and prostate cancer.

5. How will Bioidentical Hormones help me?

Bioidentical hormones will: E nhance the quality of your life Increase mental sharpness Enhance muscle tone Restore sense of wellbeing Diminish mood swings Restore libido Improve energy levels And much more.

6. Are bioidentical hormones safer than synthetics?

European medical studies suggest that bio-identical hormones are safer than synthetic versions, and its use in the world over the past 10 to 15 years has created a large and positive anecdotal base. This evidence doesn't mean bioidentical hormones are perfect, and we never recommend that a woman think of a drug as completely safe. As with any prescription medication, the pros and cons of using BHRT must be carefully weighed after a thorough consultation with your health care provider.

7. What are the side effects associated with Bioidentical hormones?

Because Bioidentical hormones are just like the ones made in your body, there are relatively few side effects. Side effects occur mainly when the dosage of hormone is too high for the individual. Rejuvenation monitors and evaluates each patient consistently to assure balanced dosage.

8. How do I get started on Bioidentical hormones?

We recommend that initially you should either see your doctor or contact us to arrange to have a complete saliva hormone analysis in order to identify all hormone deficiencies or imbalances. Using the laboratory results in conjunction with any signs and symptoms you may have a starting formula will be designed specifically for your individual requirements.

9. How long before I will see results after starting bioidentical hormones?

While this will vary with each individual, and also depends on the type of hormone therapy you are using, typically you can expect to see results within three to six months.

10. What are the benefits of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement?

Bio-Identical hormones have proven time and time again, both in clinical practice and in research, to be better tolerated than synthetic hormones, with fewer side effects. Reduces or relieves symptoms associated with menopause including: Helps to protect against endometrial and breast cancers Protects against heart disease Guards against artherosclerosis Protects against osteoporosis and promotes bone building Improves concentration and memory Reduces symptoms of depression .

11. When should I consider (BHRT) Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Don’t wait if you are experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance. In general, hormones begin to decline after the mid-20s and hormone imbalance symptoms are frequently present by the mid-30s. A good time to start replacing hormones is between 35 and 40.

12. Do Natural Hormones Require a Prescription?

Yes. Compounding pharmacists work together with patients and physicians to provide customized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy pellets in the most appropriate strength and dosage to meet each individual’s specific hormone replacement needs.

13. Isn't it dangerous to give women hormones?

No, not if natural hormones are used, and in proper dosage. Bioidentical hormones are safer than synthetic or animal hormones, especially when applied transdermally. They cause a lower risk of blood clots, heart disease or breast cancer than conventional hormone replacement.One exception to this involves patients with a history of breast cancer. These individuals should not receive hormone replacement therapy. Herbal preparations, however, may be helpful in alleviating menopausal symptoms.

14. Why do women need progesterone?