SERVICES

Perimenopause & Menopause Treatment

Your body may feel completely different, but you are not broken.

MY APPROACH: PERIMENOPAUSE & MENOPAUSE

Aging is normal, suffering is not.

Perimenopause and menopause bring profound physiological and psychological shifts, ushering in a wave of challenges that extend beyond hormonal fluctuations. The rollercoaster of symptoms—ranging from hot flashes, sleep disturbances, weight gain, plummeting sex drive, painful sex, to mood swings and anxiety—can significantly disrupt daily life and emotional equilibrium.

I can help during this confusing and challenging journey. Together, we’ll work to improve your sleep, reduce your vasomotor symptoms (like hot flashes and night sweats), improve your sex drive and desire, manage your weight, and help alleviate feelings of sadness or anxiety.

My approach to Menopause:

  • Advanced Hormonal Testing

    While testing hormones during perimenopause and menopause is not often done in conventional medicine, understanding hormone levels and their metabolism (as well as assessing HPA axis function) can help guide treatment recommendations to support women during this stage in their life.

  • Genetic & Biological Testing

    There are so many important clues underneath the surface. Our genetics can play a role in how we process the medications used for mental wellness. Mental health specific lab work and genetic screening are important tools that help us guide treatment.

  • Psychotherapy & Lifestyle Coaching

    Menopause is so much more than just hot flashes. Many women may experience a shift mentally, feeling at a crossroads during this life transition. Therapy can help reflect on buried emotions or forgotten traumas that may arise during this new life stage.

  • Herbal & Plant-Based Medicine

    Herbal therapies are utilized as complementary options, potentially aiding in managing mood shifts by addressing certain neurotransmitter imbalances or supporting overall mental wellness alongside traditional treatment approaches.

  • Tailored Treatment Plans

    Effective treatments do not have to be complex. We will address your symptoms of perimenopause or menopause in a manageable way, based on your goals and given your unique situation. The treatment plan we develop will be simple and individualized to your needs.

Services

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I do not prescribe HRT. I integrate holistic modalities into my practice, offering strategies encompassing lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, stress management techniques, and complementary therapies to address the diverse array of symptoms accompanying this life stage. By fostering a comprehensive approach, I aim to support individuals through this transition, prioritizing their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

    If HRT is a desired component of your treatment regimen, I can offer trusted referrals within the community.

  • A woman might choose not to undergo HRT for menopause due to various reasons that encompass both physical and emotional aspects. There might be a preference for exploring alternative therapies, including natural remedies, lifestyle changes, or holistic approaches to manage menopausal symptoms. Psychologically, some women may prioritize a more organic transition through menopause, aiming to embrace the natural process rather than altering hormonal levels.

  • Many women make the transition into menopause without experiencing depression, but oftentimes women report symptoms of moodiness, depressed mood, brain fog, inattention, anxiety, stress, and a decreased sense of well-being during perimenopause or menopause.

  • Integrative psychiatry offers a multifaceted approach that can significantly support individuals experiencing perimenopause or menopause. This approach combines conventional psychiatric care with complementary and alternative therapies to address the complex interplay between hormonal changes and mental health during this phase. Integrative psychiatry employs various strategies such as psychotherapy to help individuals manage emotional challenges like mood swings, anxiety, or depression that can accompany hormonal fluctuations. Additionally, it incorporates lifestyle modifications, stress reduction techniques, nutritional counseling, and supplements to alleviate symptoms and promote overall well-being.