Menopause

Hormones are powerful bio-chemical substances. They are regulated by your brain, created in your glands, released into your blood and powerfully affect numerous functions.
Menopause is defined as amenorrhea (no menstruation) for 12 consecutive months. It is caused by the reduction of estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, and DHEA. Pituitary regulatory hormones FSA and LH become elevated. These hormone level changes causes many changes physically, emotionally and mentally. It starts with peri-menopause, and continues the rest of your life.
Perimenopause is the time between normal menses and menopause. Post menopause is the rest of your life following menopause.
Every women responds uniquely and needs a personalized plan to gently transition from menstruation to peri-menopause to menopause to post menopause.
Symptoms reflect dysfunction, lack of regulation and depleted levels.

Symptoms of Menopause.

 My approach

Determine the status of your hormone functions
Identify symptoms and imbalances that can be improved
Complete a risk assessment

Diagnostic work:

1 Get a very detailed symptom checklist and health history
2 Get thorough lab tests to determine the status of: hormone levels, liver function, blood sugar, vitamins, adrenal glands, thyroid, anemia, immune system
3 Identify of the stress in your life (emotional, toxic exposure, environmental)
4 Assess inflammation from your food and beverages
5 Assess the quality of your sleep
6 Review the medication, hormones and supplements you currently use
7 Review any screening tests like pap smear, mammography, dexascan

Plan

We will discuss the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapyI will prescribe hormones, herbs, lifestyle adjustments, homeopathic remedies, and nutritional supplements, medication as needed
We will discuss bio-identical hormones vs. synthetic hormones
We will determine priorities
Initially any hormones will be low dose, in order to see how you respond.

Menopause is controversial

I trained with experts that have decades of clinical experience and research. They have YouTube videos, books and are active on social media. I am using their experience to guide me. It is useful to read and learn a little.
My mentors have shaped how I diagnose, what I test, what I prescribe and how I adjust, based on your response. I also refer to my training from my masters degrees in nursing and acupuncture.