Menopause is a natural transition that all women experience as they age. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause, when hormone levels begin to fluctuate and decline. This can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
Here at Elite Hormone Therapy in Waco, Texas, we specialize in helping women navigate menopause and perimenopause. Our experienced menopause hormone specialists provide personalized care and menopause treatment plans to help control symptoms and promote long-term health.
In this guide, we'll explain the basics of menopause, common symptoms, and how hormone therapy can provide relief. We'll also share details on the services offered at our Waco menopause clinic. Our goal is to empower women to make informed decisions about their care during this transition.
Menopause occurs when a woman's ovaries stop releasing eggs. This marks the end of her reproductive years and her periods. In the United States, the average age for menopause is 52. But perimenopausal symptoms can start much earlier.
Perimenopause is the span of time leading up to menopause, usually starting for women in their late 30s or 40s. During this stage, hormone levels fluctuate and start to decline, leading to changes like:
The phase ends when a woman has gone 12 months without a period. This marks the official start of menopause.
In postmenopause, hormone levels are low and stable. But women may continue dealing with symptoms like hot flashes, sexual health concerns, and risks for conditions like osteoporosis. Lifestyle choices and hormone therapy can help minimize symptoms during the postmenopausal years.
The hormonal shifts of menopause can trigger a variety of changes. Some of the most common menopausal symptoms include:
Sporadic hot flashes and night sweats affect up to 80% of womengoing through menopause. These sudden feelings of intense warmth in the face, neck, and chest can be accompanied by sweating, flushing, and a rapid heart rate. Hot flashes range in frequency from occasional to multiple times per day.
Declining estrogen levels can leave vaginal tissue thin, dry, and easily irritated. Many women experience vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, and pain during sex. Over-the-counter lubricants provide some relief. But prescription vaginal estrogen helps restore moisture and health to delicate tissue.
Hormone fluctuations don't just affect the body - they influence mood and emotions too. Many women report irritability, anxiety, sadness, trouble focusing, and reduced motivation during perimenopause and menopause. Disrupted sleep is also extremely common, compounding emotional symptoms.
Without estrogen to help regulate metabolic function, many women notice weight gain around the abdomen during perimenopause. Losing weight becomes more difficult. A nutritious diet and regular exercise can help counteract these effects.
In addition to the common symptoms above, some women experience hair thinning, dry skin, urinary issues like incontinence, and declining muscle mass. The wide variety of possible menopause symptoms underscores the need for personalized evaluation and treatment approaches.
In addition to managing troublesome symptoms, treating menopause is essential for minimizing long-term health risks. Research clearly shows that the hormonal changes of menopause leave women prone to:
Osteoporosis and Bone Fractures
Heart Disease
Urinary Incontinence and Infections
Vaginal Atrophy
Without estrogen, vaginal tissue becomes thin, fragile, and more prone to injury, bleeding, and infection.
Dementia
The good news? Strategies like hormone therapy, proper nutrition, targeted exercise programs, and brain-stimulating activities can help minimize risks and promote health in perimenopause and beyond. Our physicians develop personalized prevention plans to meet every patient's needs.
Studies show that practicing yoga can help ease many menopausal symptoms. Specific poses that gently stretch and strengthen muscles while focusing on deep breathing have been found to reduce hot flashes, mood swings, sleep issues, and joint 's ability to relax both the mind and body can provide women welcome relief during this transitional life stage.
The most effective treatment for bothersome menopause symptoms is hormone therapy (HT). When used appropriately, HT can also help guard against long term health risks like osteoporosis and heart disease.
There are two main types of HT for menopause:
At Elite Hormone Therapy in Waco, TX our menopause doctors determine the optimal type, dose, and delivery method of HT for each woman based on her health history and specific menopause symptoms. We carefully monitor progress to achieve maximum benefits and tolerability from hormone therapy.
The process of beginning menopause hormone therapy (HT) typically involves:
Initial Consultation
Baseline Lab Testing
Follow-Up Visit
By monitoring progress with regular lab testing and follow-up exams, our menopause specialists ensure treatment effectiveness and safety. We collaborate closely with the care team at Elite Hormone Therapy to provide comprehensive support throughout the menopause journey.
Elite Hormone Therapy brings compassionate, evidence-based menopause and hormone therapy services to women in the greater Waco, TX area. Our goal is to provide every patient an exceptional experience with expert guidance tailored to her unique needs.
We proudly serve as the premier menopause clinic for women across Central Texas. No other practice matches our devotion to evidence-based care, advanced hormone balancing strategies, and true patient empowerment.
Navigating menopause is different for every woman based on genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Here in Waco, TX, the climate plays a role many patients don't consider. Our menopause practitioners provide tailored guidance accounting for local conditions.
Waco enjoys warm sunny weather for much of the year. But summer heat waves can worsen hot flashes and cause excessive sweating. Staying cool with air conditioning, cold beverages, breathable clothing, and fans helps minimize this effect. Scheduling summer activities for cooler morning hours provides relief too.
During hot Texas summers, swimming offers refreshment and exercise for menopause patients. We often recommend water fitness classes at the Jersey Lilly Inn and Restaurant. Their pool, shaded patio spaces, and cold drinks make it a soothing oasis. For indoor relaxation and rejuvenation during steamy summers or cold winters, the Still Point Day Spa provides massage, facials, and signature relaxation experiences like the Restorative Bath.
Years of sunny days provide ample opportunities to bolster vitamin D levels through regular outdoor activity. But some patients still run low, negatively impacting bone health and resilience against seasonal viruses. We test levels and provide supplementation when indicated. And we advise patients to walk, run, bike, or participate in group fitness classes outside whenever possible for mood and fitness boosts.
Throughout Waco and the surrounding countryside, lush parks with walking trails make soaking up sunshine simple. Cameron Park, Waco Wetlands Park, Lions Park, and the Brazos River Trails provide perfect settings for recharging. For indoor options with ample light, the $10-per-month Planet Fitness and Baylor University's McLane Student Life Center offer spacious, affordable facilities and group classes galore.
The city also offers farmers markets, wineries, antique shops and charming small-town festivals to keep residents engaged, active, and happy as they transition through menopause. Leveraging Waco's amenities helps patients build habits that ease symptoms naturally. Our providers offer personalized recommendations accounting for each woman's needs and preferences.
Elite Hormone Therapy leadership and clinical staff actively support initiatives empowering women to take charge of their wellbeing during midlife and beyond. We serve on boards for women's health groups and mentor students interested in caring for the maturing female population. And our menopause clinic sponsors workshops addressing everything from nutrition to sexuality to financial readiness for aging.
Most women spend a third or more of their lives in their postmenopausal years. By providing thoughtful, evidence-based care for this life stage, we help every patient maximize not just longevity, but quality of life. Our practitioners aim to ensure seamless transitions before, during, and after menopause so women can continue pursuing their passions and purpose. We consider it a privilege to guide patients through this profound journey of change and self-discovery.
If you’re a woman over 35 looking for compassionate, comprehensive menopause care, please () with one of our dedicated specialists. We look forward to serving you.
