Menopause is an important time of change in any woman’s life. At Aging Gracefully in Jenks, Oklahoma, functional medicine specialist Michelle McElroy, DO, can help you navigate many of the physical and emotional changes that stem from hormonal imbalances during menopause. Dr. McElroy uses bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to replenish depleted estrogen levels and rebalance your hormones. To learn more, call Aging Gracefully or schedule an appointment online today.

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What is menopause?

Menopause is a transitional period in which a woman’s menstrual cycle ceases. It occurs when you haven’t had a period for 12 consecutive months. During menopause, your reproductive years end, while your levels of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone begin to plummet.

Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms that can affect your mood, energy levels, appearance, and quality of life.

What are the signs of menopause?

The signs of menopause can be subtle at first. Typically, the transition begins with perimenopause, a period in which your menstrual cycle becomes increasingly irregular. During this time, your premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms may become more intense than before. Menopause officially begins once your menstrual cycle stops altogether.

Other common symptoms of menopause include:

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Mood swings
  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Frequent urination
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Low libido
  • Dry skin and hair
  • Insomnia

Menopause symptoms can interfere with your routine, particularly if your estrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly.

What are the treatments for menopause symptoms?

While menopause is a natural occurrence, you don’t have to experience uncomfortable symptoms. Rebalancing your hormone levels can reduce many symptoms of menopause and minimize hot flashes, mood swings, treat vaginal dryness, enhance your libido, and more.

To replenish depleted hormone levels, Dr. McElroy offers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Unlike traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), bioidentical hormones mimic the chemicals your body already produces. They’re chemically identical to your natural hormones, resulting in fewer side effects than conventional HRT.

Dr. McElroy is a certified bioidentical hormone replacement therapy provider. She can customize your treatment to target your unique needs. She monitors your hormone levels throughout treatment to ensure your body uses BHRT efficiently.

After a six-month protocol, Dr. McElroy reevaluates your treatment plan and makes any necessary adjustments to keep you healthy and symptom-free.

BHRT is available in many forms, including oral pills, creams, gels, patches, injectables, and implantable pellets. During your initial appointment, Dr. McElroy performs comprehensive testing to determine the appropriate type of BHRT for you.

To learn more about menopause, call Aging Gracefully or schedule an appointment online today.