Personalized care for perimenopause and menopause

Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause, when hormone levels, especially estrogen, as well as progesterone and testosterone, begin to fluctuate. It often starts in a woman’s 40s, though it can begin earlier. During this time, cycles may become irregular, and symptoms can vary widely. Common experiences include changes in sleep, irritability, anxiety, low energy, and difficulty concentrating, as well as heavier or unpredictable periods, weight gain, and occasional hot flashes or night sweats.

Menopause is officially defined as one full year without a menstrual period. That one-year mark is considered the point of menopause, after which a woman is considered postmenopausal. As menopause approaches, estrogen and progesterone levels decline significantly, which contributes to many of the symptoms women experience. These symptoms do not follow a strict timeline and may begin years before the final period and continue afterward. Common experiences include sleep disruption, low energy, mood swings, vaginal dryness, brain fog, weight changes, and hot flashes or night sweats.

MHT (menopausal hormone therapy) and HRT (hormone replacement therapy) refer to the same type of treatment. HRT is the traditional term, while MHT is a more updated term now commonly used in clinical practice. The shift in language reflects a better understanding that hormones are not simply being “replaced,” but used to support the body during this transition. You may also hear the term hormone therapy (HT). All of these terms describe the same general approach to treatment.

Hormone therapy is considered safe and effective for many healthy women in perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause when appropriately prescribed and monitored. Current research supports its use, particularly for women within a typical age range and without certain medical conditions. The goal of treatment is not to replace hormones to pre-menopause levels, but to use the lowest effective dose to improve symptoms and support quality of life. In most cases, the amount of estrogen used is significantly lower than what the body naturally produced before menopause and is often much lower than the doses found in common low-dose birth control pills. Like any medical treatment, hormone therapy is not right for everyone. Certain health conditions may increase risk, which is why a thorough medical history and individualized assessment are important before starting treatment. Your care plan is based on your personal health history, symptoms, and risk factors, with a focus on safety, effectiveness, and ongoing evaluation.

Bioidentical hormone therapy refers to hormones that are structurally identical to those naturally produced in the body. These hormones are typically derived from plant sources and are used to help address symptoms related to hormonal changes during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. The goal is not to restore hormones to earlier levels, but to support balance and improve symptoms using carefully selected, individualized treatment.

Hormone therapy may be part of your treatment plan, depending on your symptoms, health history, and individual needs. During your visit, we’ll discuss whether hormone therapy is appropriate, including FDA-approved and compounded options, along with alternatives such as non-hormonal treatments or peptide-based therapies, to determine the best approach for you.

No. Treatment is always individualized based on your symptoms, health history, and goals. Hormone therapy may be appropriate for some patients, but not all. Depending on your needs, options may also include non-hormonal treatments or peptide-based therapies. The focus is always on finding the approach that is right for you.

Hormone therapy may help address weight changes related to hormonal shifts during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause, particularly by supporting metabolism and overall balance. However, it is not a weight loss treatment. Factors such as age, lifestyle, nutrition, and physical activity all play an important role in weight management.

Please provide at least two business days’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Appointments cancelled with less than two business days’ notice will be subject to a fee of $100 for new patient consultations and $50 for follow-up visits. Missed appointments (no-shows) will be charged the full appointment fee.

Hormone and non-hormonal therapies are provided via telehealth to patients located in Florida. Other options, including peptide-based therapies, may be available to patients in additional states where permitted. This can be discussed during your visit to determine what options are appropriate for you.

Leeoni Health operates as a direct-pay practice and does not accept insurance. This model allows for more time, flexibility, and individualized care without the constraints of insurance-based visit limitations. Upon request, documentation can be provided for you to submit to your insurance carrier for possible reimbursement.