Personalized care for perimenopause and menopause

Perimenopause is the natural transition leading up to menopause, during which hormone levels begin to fluctuate. Many women are surprised to learn that symptoms of perimenopause can begin up to a decade before menopause, even while they are still having periods. Common symptoms include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood changes, brain fog, weight changes, and vaginal dryness. Every woman's experience is unique, and symptoms can vary in type and severity.

Menopause is a natural stage of life that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years and is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. While many women think menopause begins when symptoms start, symptoms often begin years before menopause and can continue well beyond the final menstrual period. Menopause is associated with a decline in the hormones estrogen and progesterone and may cause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood changes, brain fog, vaginal dryness, changes in metabolism, and bone health changes.

No. While many women seek care for symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, brain fog, or vaginal dryness, perimenopause and menopause can also affect long-term health. Estrogen influences multiple body systems, including bone, cardiovascular, brain, and genitourinary health. For some women, discussions about treatment may include both symptom relief and broader health considerations based on their individual medical history, risk factors, and goals.

MHT (Menopausal Hormone Therapy), HT (Hormone Therapy), and HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) are terms that are often used interchangeably. Today, many medical organizations prefer the terms MHT or HT because they more specifically describe hormone therapy used to manage symptoms associated with perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Depending on an individual's symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals, therapy may include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or a combination of hormones. Treatment is individualized and designed to address each woman's unique needs and health goals.

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.

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.

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.