Menopause is a natural transition that all women experience as they age. Technically, menopause occurs when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months and signals the end of a woman's reproductive years. The years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause. This transition time begins several years before menopause when hormone levels become irregular but a woman still experiences menstruation.
The average age for menopause is 51, but it can occur anywhere between the ages of 40-55. Every woman's experience is different in both timing and severity of symptoms. At Vital Hormones Clinic, we understand this complex and very personal transition and aim to provide individualized support and treatment plans to help women navigate menopause comfortably.
The hormonal changes associated with menopause can produce a variety of physical and emotional signs and symptoms including:
Not every woman will experience severe discomfort from menopausal symptoms, but almost all will notice changes. Being informed about what to expect and having access to support can help ease this transition.
Making certain lifestyle adjustments can help alleviate some menopausal symptoms:
While lifestyle measures may help reduce discomfort, they do not address the hormonal imbalance causing menopausal symptoms. Hormone therapy is often needed for adequate relief.
Hormone therapy delivers doses of estrogen and progesterone to supplement the declining levels produced by the body. This is the most effective treatment approach for bothersome menopausal symptoms.
The main types of hormone therapy for menopause are:
Hormone therapy is available as pills, skin patches, gels, sprays, or vaginal preparations. At Vital Hormones Clinic, our doctors determine the optimal formulation, dosage, and duration of treatment for each woman based on her menopause status and health history.
When initiated before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause, hormone therapy is considered safe for most women. Use of hormone therapy should be re-evaluated yearly with your doctor.
Beyond hormone therapy prescriptions, Vital Hormones Clinic also provides:
Our doctors monitor progress through follow-up visits and lab tests to ensure hormone therapy is working as intended without complications. We adjust treatment plans whenever needed to help women achieve maximum relief of symptoms.
Our staff provides personalized suggestions for diet, exercise, stress relief, and other areas to complement hormone therapy. We understand each woman needs a tailored approach.
This transitional time can stir up many emotions. We have caring professionals available to listen, validate experiences, and answer questions. Understanding menopause helps women feel empowered as they adapt.
We partner with mental health professionals, pelvic health physical therapists, registered dietitians, fitness trainers, and other experts to provide comprehensive support.
Our goal is ensuring women transition through menopause smoothly and knowledgeably with appropriate treatment and resources. We simplify the process so women can focus on thriving.
Vital Hormones Clinic founder Dr. Jane Smith has specialized in sexual health, menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause for over 25 years. She opened Vital Hormones Clinic to establish a dedicated clinic offering science-backed hormone solutions just for women.
Our entire staff understands the intricacies of hormonal changes across a woman's life. Personalized care from our all-female team of nurses, nurse practitioners, and staff means we consider the whole woman - mind, body and spirit.
Conveniently located in Big Spring, we also serve the surrounding communities of Snyder, Sweetwater, Sterling City, Forsan, Coahoma, Stanton, Gail, Sand Springs, Lenorah, Westbrook, Martin County and more.
We accept most major insurance plans and have flexible payment options for those with or without coverage.
Studies show that practicing yoga can help relieve many symptoms of menopause. Specifically, yoga postures that gently stretch the neck, shoulders and back can help ease hot flashes, mood swings and sleep problems. This low-impact exercise provides a drug-free way for midlife women to feel more comfortable in their changing bodies.
Allowing menopausal symptoms to linger untreated for too long can negatively impact quality of life. Without adequate hormones, women may contend with:
Prompt treatment halts progression of menopause symptoms, provides relief, and safeguards long term health. But less than 20% of menopausal women seek medical treatment, either because they do not realize treatment options exist or have safety concerns about hormone therapy.
Today's evidence-based hormone therapy is safer and more customized than past options thanks to lower doses and better forms like skin patches and gels. When initiated appropriately before age 60, hormone therapy poses minimal risks for most women.
Vital Hormones Clinic stays current on all the latest research to design the most effective and safe treatments. We work with each woman to fully explain her options, create an individualized plan to meet treatment goals, closely monitor progress, and adjust therapy as needed.
Through our expertise, guidance, and long term partnership, we empower women to make the best decisions for their bodies during the years leading up to and following their final period. We simplify menopause care so women can focus on enjoying life.
Finding trusted and convenient menopause services without needing to drive halfway across the state is now possible thanks to Vital Hormones Clinic. Our personalized local care includes:
We also understand the importance of building community, which is why we host complimentary monthly educational talks and social hours. Specialists cover topics like nutrition, fitness, sexual health, and more aimed at supporting women physically and mentally during midlife changes. Attendees meet other women navigating similar transitions while learning actionable strategies for better living.
For more informal gatherings without an agenda, we also facilitate monthly happy hours at local establishments like the Big Spring Country Club, Harlow's Cafe, or Barrel and Brine. Grab friends, coworkers, or new acquaintances and drop in to chat over appetizers and drinks on us. It's all part of our dedication to creating community and connections during this transitional life phase.
Come meet us in person - we can't wait!
