Perimenopause & Hormone Replacement Therapy
Integrative Perimenopause Medicine & HRT
Mid-life can be incredibly confusing and transformative. Alongside caring for kids, parents, careers, homes, ourselves, marriages, or community, our bodies start to change in ways that leave us asking, “why is nothing I do working anymore?” Sleep becomes elusive, even though you’re exhausted. Joint and body pain shows up more often. Weight seems not to budge no matter what you eat or avoid. Moods swing unpredictably, from deep irritability to waves of sadness. Worst of all, the brain fog—the feeling that thoughts were just out of reach—leaves you struggling in situations where you used to thrive. It can feel incredibly demoralizing for some, and even debilitating for others.
As a naturopathic physician, I look at the whole picture; not just your hormones or symptoms, but how this transformation affects your life now and in the future. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be a powerful tool in managing these changes, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The right approach is individualized, balancing symptom relief with long-term health considerations.
What to Expect with Dr. Sunita
My approach focuses on treating the underlying causes of symptoms while ensuring you feel more like yourself again. Feeling well enough to make positive life shifts is an essential first step.
- Common symptoms of hormonal imbalance include:
- Persistent fatigue, even after rest
- Unexplained weight gain, particularly around the midsection
- Hot flashes, night sweats, and body temperature fluctuations
- Mood swings, irritability, and depressive episodes
- Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and memory issues
- Joint pain, muscle stiffness, and reduced flexibility
- Irregular, heavy, or prolonged menstrual cycle.
How are These Symptoms Treated?
Developing Sustainable Lifestyle Habits
We will create a personalized wellness plan that includes:
- Restorative sleep strategies to enhance deep sleep cycles
- Nutritive eating tailored to support hormone balance and metabolism
- Balanced movement and exercise, from resistance training to gentle yoga
- Stress management skills such as mindfulness, breathwork, and meditation
Nutritional, Botanical & Supplemental Support
I provide evidence-based nutritional and herbal support to manage symptoms naturally, including:
- Phytoestrogens (e.g., flaxseed, soy) to help with estrogen balance
- Adaptogenic herbs (e.g., ashwagandha, rhodiola) to support adrenal function
- Magnesium and B-complex vitamins for mood regulation and energy
- Omega-3 fatty acids for brain health and inflammation control
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Beyond symptom relief, HRT plays a role in long-term health, including heart, bone, and brain support. I provide:
- Guidance on different types of HRT and how they work
- Determining if and when you need HRT based on symptoms and lab results
- Explaining benefits for immediate relief and long-term wellness
- Clarifying risks & side effects based on your health history
- Dispelling myths & misconceptions surrounding HRT
Choosing the Right Type of HRT
The decision between natural vs. synthetic hormones and conventional vs. bioidentical HRT depends on:
- Symptom severity (hot flashes, mood changes, joint pain, brain fog, etc.)
- Personal health history (e.g., cardiovascular disease, breast cancer risk)
- Preference for FDA-approved vs. compounded formulations
- Mode of administration (e.g., pills, patches, creams, injections)
- Potential hormone therapy side effects
Who May Benefit from HRT?
- Those experiencing severe menopause or perimenopause symptoms
- Individuals at risk for osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, or cognitive decline
- Women who have undergone early menopause or surgical menopause
- Those seeking hormone balance to improve overall well-being
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be delivered in various forms, each with different absorption rates, effectiveness, and potential side effects. The choice of method depends on individual health needs, symptom severity, convenience, and medical history.
Natural vs. Synthetic Hormones
- Natural Hormones: Derived from plant sources (e.g., soy, yams) and processed to mimic human hormones. Available in bioidentical formulations.
- Synthetic Hormones: Manufactured in labs and may have slight structural differences from human hormones. Includes conjugated equine estrogens and progestins.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
- BHRT uses hormones identical to those produced by the human body.
- Typically derived from plant sources and processed to match human estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
- Available in FDA-approved and custom-compounded forms.
Hormone treatments can be personalized based on individual hormone levels, offering a tailored approach. Both types of hormones are available in various delivery forms, including pills, patches, gels, creams, and injections.
Common Questions About HRT
What Are the Signs That You Need Hormone Replacement Therapy?
- Persistent hot flashes and night sweats
- Frequent mood swings, depression, or anxiety
- Unexplained weight gain or metabolic changes
- Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
- Reduced libido or sexual discomfort
- Brain fog, memory issues, and difficulty concentrating
Hormone Replacement Therapy Side Effects
While HRT is generally well-tolerated, potential side effects include:
- Fluid retention or bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Changes in mood or libido
- Headaches or migraines
- Spotting or irregular bleeding (initially)
- Increased risk of blood clots (with certain types of HRT)
Finding Hormone Replacement Therapy Near You
If you are looking for Hormone Replacement Therapy & Guidance Near You, I offer comprehensive, integrative care to help you make the best decision for your health. My goal is to provide safe, effective, and personalized hormone therapy options that align with your health needs and wellness goals.
