Peri-menopause and Menopause

As women approach their late 40s and early 50s, peri-menopausal symptoms can become a vital health challenge. Menstrual periods begin to become irregular in their timing and flow. Eventually ovulation and menstruation stop and the production of estrogen and progesterone declines dramatically. At some point menstrual periods will stop completely.

Menopause is said to have officially occurred when you have not had a period for 12 months in a row. Symptoms of peri-menopause, the period prior to menopause, can begin as early as 35 years of age. During peri-menopause, hormone levels begin to drop. As one’s body adapts to the changing levels of natural hormones, all kind of symptoms may occur such as:

Menopause typically takes a year, but can last as few as six months or more than 5 years. Some women can rebalance their hormones without the use of drugs. Their symptoms are usually nominal and barely noticeable. However, for many women their symptoms are intolerable and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) becomes an option.

Usually sourced from plants, bioidentical hormones are manufactured to have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by one's own body. The chemical structure of a bioidentical hormone matches that of the hormone it is intended to replace and is indistinguishable from that of natural hormones produced in the body.

The great appeal of bioidentical hormones is that because they are just like the self-made variety, our bodies can metabolize them as it was designed to, minimizing side effects that often occur with synthetic hormones.

BHRT is about restoring hormones to optimal levels to help you feel like yourself again.  Dr. Welchner can help you decide if BHRT is right for you. At the Gama Centre, you begin with a consultation and blood tests. Based on your test results and what you wish to accomplish, you and Dr. Welchner will decide what is ideal for you. Dr. Welchner will then create a hormone program tailored to meet your specific, individual needs and designed to restore your hormones to optimal levels.

At your first appointment, your hormone symptoms will be discussed and relevant examination will be done. Blood and/or saliva tests will be ordered. After we receive the results of your tests, we will call you back for a follow-up visit at which time your tests will be reviewed, a treatment plan will be discussed and natural supplements and bioidentical hormones will be prescribed if required. Follow-up appointments will be booked approximately every 3 months over the year.