Menopause is a natural transition that all women experience as they age. The average age for menopause in the United States is 51, but it can occur anytime between the ages of 45-55. During this time, a woman's ovaries stop producing as much of the key hormones estrogen and progesterone, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, trouble sleeping, and mood changes.
While menopause is a normal part of aging, the symptoms can significantly disrupt daily life for many women. The good news is that safe and effective menopause treatment is available today at clinics like Balance Hormone Center right here in Spokane Valley. Hormone therapy can help relieve uncomfortable menopause symptoms and allow women to enjoy life to the fullest during this transitional time.
The expert physicians at Balance Hormone Center create fully customized hormone therapy treatment plans to specifically meet each woman's individual needs. We understand that no two women experience menopause the same way. Factors like your health history, genetic background, lifestyle and personal preferences all play a role.
That's why the first step is always a thorough consultation and evaluation. This includes discussing your specific symptoms, medical history, family history, and lifestyle factors. Comprehensive lab testing is done to evaluate your hormone levels and overall health status. Once all the information is collected, our physicians can determine the optimal hormone therapy regimen just for you.
Some of the most common hormone therapy options include:
- Estrogen therapy - Helps relieve hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness - Progesterone therapy - Protects the uterus from estrogen's effects - Testosterone therapy - Improves energy, mood, libido - Bioidentical hormones - Made to match your body's natural hormones
Your doctor will work closely with you to choose the safest, most effective options based on your needs. The goal is to bring your hormone levels back into optimal balance so you can feel like your usual self again.
The Balance Hormone Center in Spokane Valley makes it convenient to access top-quality menopause care right in your local neighborhood. Our beautiful, modern facility provides a comfortable setting for your treatment.
We understand your time is valuable, which is why we offer extended hours in the mornings and evenings. The knowledgeable staff strives to provide exceptional customer service and a positive experience during every visit.
With the right treatment program, you can minimize uncomfortable menopause symptoms and regain your quality of life during this transition. Restored hormone balance means having the energy to pursue your favorite activities and hobbies again. It means enjoying comfortable, restful sleep and waking up refreshed. It means experiencing a lifted, positive mood and balanced emotions from day to day.
Of course, healthy lifestyle choices also play an important role during menopause and as you age. Be sure to eat a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, reduce stress, and get adequate sleep. But hormone therapy serves as the crucial foundation to help you feel your best from the inside out.
Don't resign yourself to living with debilitating menopause symptoms. Take charge of your health and consider hormone therapy from Balance Hormone Center today. Our experienced physicians will work closely with you to create a customized treatment plan so you can thrive during this transitional life stage. Call us today in Spokane Valley to schedule a consultation.
The most common menopause symptoms are hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, trouble sleeping, decreased sex drive, mood changes like irritability or anxiety, difficulty focusing, and weight gain. Every woman experiences menopause differently.
If your menopause symptoms are moderate to severe and persist for several months, it's a good idea to explore treatment options. Even milder symptoms that linger and disrupt your quality of life warrant a discussion with your doctor. Don't assume symptoms are just something you have to live with.
The main types of hormone therapy are estrogen therapy, progesterone therapy, testosterone therapy, and bioidentical hormones. Your doctor will help determine which option or combination is best for your individual needs based on health history, risk factors, symptoms, and preferences.
Most women benefit from staying on hormone therapy for as long as bothersome menopause symptoms persist, which is often several years. Your doctor will determine the appropriate duration based on your response and can make adjustments over time as needed.
There are potential risks like blood clots, stroke, breast cancer, and heart disease, but these are low when hormone therapy is used at the lowest effective dose for less than 5 years. Your doctor will discuss your individual risk profile. Side effects like bloating or breast tenderness are usually temporary.
Most women notice significant relief from symptoms like hot flashes within a few weeks of starting therapy. For optimal long-term results it's important to work closely with your doctor to ensure you're on the ideal hormone regimen.
It's best not to miss or skip doses of hormone therapy, as it can allow symptoms to return. But an occasional missed dose shouldn't throw things off too much. Just get back on your regular regimen as soon as possible.
If you decide to pursue hormone therapy for bothersome menopause symptoms, here is an overview of the general process you can expect at our Balance Hormone Center:
- Make an appointment for an initial consultation. We'll gather your full health history and discuss your specific menopause symptoms. - You'll have lab testing done to evaluate your hormone levels, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, and more. - The physician will review your lab results, health history and symptoms, then work with you to create a customized treatment plan. - Hormone therapy usually starts with estrogen, since declining estrogen is responsible for most common menopause symptoms. Estrogen can be taken as a pill, patch, gel, ring or cream. - Progesterone is also usually prescribed since estrogen alone can increase the risk of uterine cancer. Progesterone counteracts this risk. - Testosterone may be recommended for some women, as it helps boost energy and sex drive. - Follow up visits and lab testing will be scheduled to monitor your response and adjust the therapy as needed. - Most women start to experience significant relief from symptoms within a few weeks of beginning hormone therapy. - You'll work closely with your doctor to determine the ideal length of treatment based on your response and menopause stage.
Please don't hesitate to contact Balance Hormone Center if you have any questions. Our caring staff is here to guide you through each step of the process. We look forward to helping you achieve relief from menopause symptoms and restored quality of life.
If you decide to pursue hormone therapy, here are some helpful tips to help you manage treatment and get the most benefits:
- Take your hormone therapy consistently at the same time each day. Set a reminder if needed. - Attend all follow-up appointments to allow monitoring and dosage adjustments. - Report any side effects you experience to your doctor promptly. - Adopt a healthy lifestyle with a nutritious diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, and quality sleep. This supports hormone health. - Use a personal lubricant for comfort during sex if vaginal dryness persists. - Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake, as these can worsen menopause symptoms. - Manage hot flashes by dressing in layers you can remove, using a fan, sipping cool water, and lowering the thermostat. - Try yoga, meditation, counseling, or support groups to help with anxiety, mood changes, or body image concerns. - Maintain a strong social support network and nurturing personal relationships through this transition. - Be patient. It can take some time to find the optimal hormone therapy regimen that relieves your symptoms. Stick with it.
With the right treatment and some lifestyle adjustments, you can feel balanced, energized and comfortable again during menopause. Balance Hormone Center is here to support you each step of the way.
If you're considering starting hormone therapy for menopause, you may wonder what time of year is optimal to begin treatment here in Spokane Valley. The good news is that you can safely begin hormone therapy any time of year. However, these tips can help ensure the most comfortable transition:
- Fall tends to be an ideal time to begin treatment in our region. By early autumn, most hot, humid summer weather has subsided, so irritating hot flashes may not be as amplified. The cooling temperatures can provide welcome relief as your body regulates to the new hormone regimen. - If you'll be traveling extensively, especially to hotter climates, you may want to wait until you return to start therapy. Travel and schedule changes can make it harder to consistently take hormones and monitor your response. - Avoid initiating treatment during times of high personal stress. Added stressors could exacerbate any temporary symptoms or side effects. Give yourself the gift of minimal external pressures during the transition. - Build a support system of understanding family, friends or professionals in case you experience emotional ups and downs. Therapeutic counseling is available if needed. - Take things slowly and be patient with the process. It takes time for hormones to build up and become evenly balanced. Don't expect overnight results.
No matter what time of year you and your doctor decide is right to begin therapy, our caring team at Balance Hormone Center will be with you every step of the way. We're committed to ensuring you have the information, treatment and support you need to transition through menopause gracefully.
Before beginning any hormone therapy, it's important to have relevant lab testing done to evaluate your hormone levels. This allows your physician to determine exactly which hormones to supplement.
Fortunately, Spokane Valley has high quality medical laboratories that make this testing quick and convenient:
- Quest Diagnostics offers a full range of hormone tests with or without a doctor's order. Many Quest locations in Spokane Valley have early morning hours to accommodate fasting blood draws. - LabCorp is another major lab provider with multiple area locations providing hormone testing. - Pacific Medical Laboratories is a local option that offers discounted self-pay hormone testing if you do not have insurance. - Balance Hormone Center also offers comprehensive lab testing on-site if you establish care with us for your treatment. - Be sure to follow all instructions carefully about fasting, timing of tests, or avoiding certain medications. This ensures you receive accurate results.
It's understandable to feel hesitant about having blood drawn. But hormone testing is essential for developing your personalized menopause treatment plan. The minimal discomfort lasts just seconds. The labs above have skilled, compassionate staff to make you comfortable.
You'll feel empowered taking this important step for your health. Come prepared with photo ID, insurance card if applicable, and any forms provided by your physician. We look forward to reviewing your lab results and getting you on the path to symptom relief!
Spokane Valley's incredible natural landscapes and abundance of parks, trails, and recreational attractions make it easy to stay active andboost your mood during menopause. Consider these rejuvenating local options:
- Ride the 37-mile Spokane River Centennial Trail on foot, bike, or rollerblades. The scenic route connects Spokane to Coeur d’Alene. - Kayak, canoe or stand up paddleboard on Liberty Lake just 10 minutes from downtown Spokane Valley. - Hike Mount Spokane State Park and enjoy alpine meadows, waterfalls, and old growth timber. - Relax at one of Spokane Valley's community parks, like Pavilion Park with water features and public art. - Play a round of golf at one of Spokane Valley's acclaimed courses, like Liberty Lake or MeadowWood. - Visit the James E. Johnson Observatory for Friday night viewings and astronomy programs. - Explore local wineries, farm tours, and pumpkin patches during autumn harvest season. - Check out a show or exhibit at CenterPlace Regional Event Center or Blue Door Theatre.
Boosting your activity outdoors, immersing yourself in nature, and building community connections can help ease menopause transition. Spokane Valley offers abundant ways to nourish your body, mind and spirit through this life change.
A luxurious spa experience is a wonderful way to practice self-care and relieve stress during menopause. Spokane Valley is home to several outstanding spas where you can book a relaxing treatment:
Serenity Spa has been a favorite for over 25 years, offering therapeutic massages, body treatments, facials and full spa packages. Unwind in the tranquil atmosphere with waterfall wall and zen decor.
Woodhouse Day Spa provides first-class pampering with massage, advanced skincare, water therapies, body scrubs and more. The lavish environment instantly calms the senses.
Aura Aveda Salon & Spa takes a holistic, aromatherapy-based approach to services like massages, body wraps, manicures and hair care. Organic tea and snacks compliment the upscale setting.
Riverside Place Salon & Day Spa has an extensive menu with massage, facials, waxing, nails, permanent makeup and lash services. Photo facials and diamond microderm treatments renew the complexion.
Treat yourself to an indulgent spa experience in Spokane Valley when you need some nurturing. The relaxation and stress relief can help soothe body and mind during menopause. You deserve it!
Bioidentical hormone therapy continues to grow in popularity among women seeking individualized treatment for menopause symptoms. Here's an overview of how bioidentical hormones work and their advantages:
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are created in a lab to be structurally identical to the hormones naturally made in the human body. This allows them to bind and act at hormone receptor sites in the exact same way as your innate hormones.
How do they compare to conventional hormones?
Conventional hormone replacement medications often don't match the hormones made by your body. Bioidentical hormones provide a more natural fit to restore optimal hormone activity.
What are the advantages of bioidentical hormones for menopause?
- Closely mimic your own hormone structure and function - Can be customized to match your individual hormone profile - Considered safer with fewer risks or side effects - May be effective for women unresponsive to synthetic hormones - Improved hormone balance helps minimize menopause symptoms - Wide range of formula options including gels, pellets, creams
How are bioidentical hormones prescribed and monitored?
Our physicians will evaluate your lab work, health profile, and symptoms to determine which bioidentical formula and delivery method can restore hormone balance for you. Follow-up testing allows dosage adjustments for optimal benefits.
If you want natural relief from your menopause symptoms, bioidentical hormone therapy may be the right choice for you. Our experienced doctors at Balance Hormone Center can provide the cutting-edge testing and treatment to help you feel like yourself again.
Conclusion: Let Balance Hormone Center Guide You through Menopause
Menopause can be an uncomfortable time marked by disruptive symptoms. But it doesn't have to diminish your quality of life. The expert physicians at Balance Hormone Center offer cutting-edge hormone testing and proven menopause treatment regimens that can restore wellness, vitality and comfort for women in Spokane Valley.
We make high quality care convenient with extended hours, same day appointments, and a beautiful local office setting. Our team has the clinical experience and compassion to support, educate, and empower you through this transition.
You deserve to fully enjoy your life, relationships, and passions regardless of your menopause stage. Call Balance Hormone Center in Spokane Valley today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you thrive before, during and after menopause!
