Frequently Asked Questions
What is menopause?
Menopause is the point in a woman's life when her menstrual periods permanently stop and the ovaries stop producing sex hormones. The official diagnosis is made medically when a woman has gone 12 months without a period. The average age in the United States is age 52. Menopause is NOT just a normal part of aging that you have to go through alone.
What is perimenopause?
'Perimenopause' (also known as the 'menopause transition') is the term used for the time leading up to a woman's final menstrual period. On average, it lasts about 4 years, but it can actually last 7-10 years in some women. Many women are more bothered by menopause symptoms during the menopause transition than during menopause itself due to the extreme fluctuations in hormones that occur during this time.
What is bioidentical hormone therapy?
The following is taken directly from The Menopause Society webpage:
The term bioidentical hormone therapy began as a marketing term for custom-compounded hormones. But most use the term to mean hormones that have the same chemical and molecular structure as the body’s natural hormones.
Bioidentical hormones do not have to be custom compounded or custom mixed. There are many well-tested, FDA-approved hormone therapy products that meet this definition and are commercially available from retail pharmacies in a variety of doses. This allows you and your doctor to customize your therapy.
Who should not use hormone therapy?
Hormone therapy is not for everyone. It is generally not advised to use hormone therapy if you have a personal history of breast or uterine cancer, if you have a personal history of stroke, pulmonary embolus, or deep vein thrombus, if you have unexplained vaginal bleeding, or if you have active liver disease or cardiovascular disease.
How often are follow up visits needed?
Like every aspect of your care at Elevated Menopause Care, this will vary from person-to-person. Follow up visits are typically recommended every 6-12 weeks initially while we are determining the ideal dosing regimen for YOU to feel fantastic. Eventually, visits will space out to every 6-12 months.
Do you prescribe compounded hormone therapy?
I recommend FDA approved hormone therapy as first-line treatment the vast majority of the time. I will consider compounding hormone therapy on a case-by-case basis. The exception is that I do use compounded testosterone cream, as there is not an FDA approved testosterone product for women.
Do you offer hormone pellets?
No. I am happy to help you transition from hormone pellets to FDA approved hormone therapy, however, without any judgment.
Where can I learn more about menopause and hormone therapy?
The Menopause Society is an excellent evidence-based source with ample patient information you can trust.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not. Do to contractual obligations with my primary employer, I am unable to accept payment from private insurance. Not only so, but it is very difficult to manage something as complex as menopause/perimenopause within the constraints that the traditional insurance-based fee-for-service model places on health care providers. I am happy to provide a super-bill after your visit, however. This is essentially a medical receipt that you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. You can also use an HSA if you have one to cover your visit.