Understanding Menopause & Perimenopause

Perimenopause typically begins in your 40s, lasting 4-10years, as estrogen levels fluctuate, leading to irregular cycles and earlysymptoms. Menopause marks the end of menstrual periods (officially after 12months without one), often around age 51, but can start earlier due to factors like genetics or lifestyle. In 2025, with growing awareness, more women are seeking proactive care—yet up to 75% go untreated for symptoms that impact daily life, work, and relationships. Our approach bridges these gaps, focusing on prevention and personalization to help you thrive, not just survive.

Areas of Focus for Women in Midlife

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Cardiovascular & Bone Health
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Brain Fog & Focus
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Optimal Weight & Insulin Resistance
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Mood, Relationships & Sexual Wellbeing
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Hair, Skin, Joints, Bladder
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Relief of Hot Flashes & Night Sweats

Join me to redefine your health!

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What Specific Tests Do You Offer?

What are common symptoms of menopause and perimenopause?
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Many women enter perimenopause in denial, attributing changes to stress or aging, but early intervention can make all the difference. I've helped countless patients reclaim their energy and well-being by treating:

  • Hot flashes and night sweats: Affecting 75-85% of women, these vasomotor symptoms disrupt sleep and comfort; we use bioidentical hormone therapy and cooling lifestyle hacks for relief.
  • Mood swings, anxiety, and irritability: Hormonal fluctuations can mimic depression; our behavioral health integration and nutrition plans stabilize serotonin naturally.
  • Fatigue and low energy: Often linked to estrogen decline; addressed through hormone optimization and strength training to boost metabolism.
  • Weight gain and metabolic changes: Stubborn abdominal fat is common due to slower metabolism; we tackle it holistically without relying solely on medications like Semaglutide.
  • Sleep disturbances and insomnia: Exacerbated by night sweats; improved with mindfulness techniques and targeted supplements.
  • Vaginal dryness, low libido, and urinary issues: From declining estrogen; managed with safe therapies and pelvic health referrals.
  • Irregular periods, joint pain, and cognitive fog: Early signs we monitor via at-home labs for proactive adjustments
What kind of treatments do you use?
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Unlike one-size-fits-all treatments, my concierge model starts with a 45-60 minute virtual consultation to dive deep into your history and goals. We'll order convenient at-home tests (e.g., hormone panels) and create a custom plan blending:

  • Evidence-Based Hormone Therapy: Bioidentical hormone options to restore balance, minimizing risks while maximizing benefits.
  • Holistic Nutrition and Lifestyle Guidance: Anti-inflammatory diets, cycle syncing, and easy meal ideas to support weight management and energy.
  • Behavioral Health Support: Strategies for stress and mindset shifts, drawing from my passion for empowering women through transitions.
  • Strength Training/Activity Integration: Tailored routines to build resilience, bone health, and confidence — perfect for busy professionals and moms.

Hormone Panels
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  • Sex Hormones: Assess levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) to evaluate reproductive health and identify hormonal imbalances.
  • Thyroid Function Tests: Measure thyroid hormones (TSH, Free T3, Free T4) to assess thyroid activity, which can influence metabolism, energy levels, and mood.
  • How early should I expect to see results?
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    Hormonal shifts are complex. Think of peri- and menopause as REVERSE PUBERTY. The changes don't all occur at once. Additionally, I like to treat with one hormone at a time so you know exactly what is doing what! Most women notice changes within days to weeks of starting, stopping, changing or adjusting hormone therapy, and we will continue to tweak for as long as isnecessary to get you feeling like yourself again!

    Is hormone therapy safe?
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  • Hormone therapy (HT), particularly menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), is considered safe and effective for many women when used appropriately, according to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS). Their 2022 position statement (reaffirmed and updated as of 2025 with no major changes) emphasizes that the benefits of HT often outweigh the risks for healthy women under age 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset, especially for managing moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (like hot flashes), genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and preventing bone loss. NAMS states that HT is not one-size-fits-all; individualized risk assessment is key, considering factors like age, time since menopause, health history, and using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. Risks can include a small increase in breast cancer with combined estrogen-progestogen therapy (about 1 extra case per 1,000 women annually after 5 years), venous thromboembolism (higher with oral vs. transdermal forms), and stroke (minimal in younger women). For women over 60 or with cardiovascular risks, non-hormonal alternatives are often preferred first. NAMS highlights that fears stemming from the 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study were overstated for younger women, as later analyses showed net benefits in that group, including reduced all-cause mortality. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, as HT is not recommended for primary prevention of chronic diseases like heart disease or dementia.
  • What are some of the benefits of menopause treatment?
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    ALL women go through menopause. Menopause treatment offers:

    • Fewer Hot Flashes/Night Sweats: Eases symptoms for 75-85% of women, improving sleep and comfort.
    • Better Mood: Reduces anxiety and mood swings (50% of women), boosting confidence.
    • More Energy: Counters fatigue, restoring vitality.
    • Weight Loss: Manages hormone-driven gain, with patients losing 15-100+ pounds.
    • Improved Sleep: Enhances focus by reducing insomnia.
    • Enhanced Intimacy: Addresses vaginal dryness and libido.
    • Stronger Bones: Lowers osteoporosis risk.
    • Clearer Thinking: Reduces brain fog for professional women.

    These benefits empower women to thrive, filling gaps for the 75% of under or untreated women in the US.

    Why doesn't everyone get menopause care from their primary provider?
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    Many women don't get menopause treatment from their PCP because of time constraints in busy practices, limited training in menopausal care, dismissal of symptoms as "normal aging," and a focus on acute issues over holistic management, leaving 75% of symptomatic women untreated.

    How do I know if I'm in perimenopause?
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    You may be in perimenopause if you're experiencing symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, weight gain, vaginal dryness, or sleep issues, typically starting in your 40s (sometimes late 30s). These occur due to fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels as your body transitions toward menopause (defined as 12 months without a period). Other signs include brain fog, joint pain, or changes in libido. Since symptoms vary widely and can mimic other conditions (e.g., thyroid issues), at-home hormone tests (e.g., FSH, estradiol via Everlywell or Labcorp OnDemand) or a consultation with a specialist like me at New Definition Health can confirm perimenopause through symptom review and lab analysis. Track your cycles and symptoms for 1-2 months to discuss patterns—our virtual-first approach makes it easy to get personalized answers.

    Allergy Testing
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    Understanding your body's specific allergic responses is crucial for optimal health. We offer both IgE-mediated allergy tests, such as serum antibody and skin prick testing, to detect immediate allergic reactions, and IgG-mediated sensitivity tests to identify delayed food sensitivities. These evaluations help us tailor personalized strategies to manage and mitigate allergy-related symptoms.

    Are there non-hormonal treatments for menopause?
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    Yes, non-hormonal treatments for menopause effectively manage symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Options include lifestyle changes (anti-inflammatory diets, yoga, mindfulness), medications (SSRIs like paroxetine, fezolinetant), evidence-based supplements (black cohosh, magnesium), and vaginal moisturizers. These align with your holistic approach at New Definition Health, offering safe, personalized relief for women avoiding hormone therapy.

    Schedule Now!