Menopause Treatment Online

What is the difference between perimenopause and menopause?

Perimenopause is the transition, often starting in your 40s and sometimes earlier, when hormone levels rise and fall unpredictably. Periods may change and symptoms can come and go. Menopause is reached after 12 months without a period. After that, estrogen and progesterone stay low and some symptoms continue or change.

Care looks different in each stage, which is why we start with where you actually are, not a template.

What symptoms can menopause cause?

What are the treatment options?

Hormone therapy, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone when appropriate, is the most direct way to address many menopause symptoms. It isn't right for every woman, and some prefer to avoid it. Non-hormonal options, such as certain prescription medications, vaginal moisturizers, and sleep, nutrition, and strength-training support, are part of the conversation too. Deejay will walk you through what fits your labs, history, and goals.

Do I need progesterone after a hysterectomy?

Progesterone's best-known job in hormone therapy is protecting the uterine lining when estrogen is used, so women without a uterus often don't need it for that reason. Some women still benefit from progesterone for sleep or other symptoms, and the answer depends on whether your ovaries were removed, your symptoms, and your labs. We'll go through when it is and isn't used for you specifically.

Patches, creams, or pellets: which form is right?

Hormones can be delivered several ways, including patches, creams and gels, oral capsules, vaginal preparations, and pellets placed under the skin. Transdermal options such as patches and creams are where we usually start, because they absorb through the skin and can be adjusted at follow-up visits as your labs and symptoms change.

Pellets are not our first line. Once a pellet is placed, the dose can't be turned down or stopped until it wears off, which takes away the ability to fine-tune your care. They may still be discussed for some patients, but only after a conversation about the tradeoffs.

Frequently asked questions