Menopause | Hormone Replacement Therapy New Braunfels, San Antonio, Waco & Boerne

08/Jul/2022

If you are a woman who is going through menopause, you may be wondering if high blood pressure (hypertension) is a common problem for women during this time. You are not alone in wondering about this!

In fact, many women experience high blood pressure during menopause.

This can be due to a number of factors, including the decrease in estrogen levels and changes in lifestyle habits. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of high blood pressure during menopause as well as prevention and treatment strategies.

What is a “normal” blood pressure?

The American Heart Association (AHA) defines normal blood pressure for adults as a systolic (top number) reading of less than 120 mm Hg and a diastolic (bottom number) reading of less than 80 mm Hg.

If your readings are consistently at or above these levels, you need to speak with your Family Doctor or Cardiologist about high blood pressure.

Does menopause cause high blood pressure?

It is important to first understand that high blood pressure is not caused by menopause itself. Menopause is a natural process that all women go through as they age. However, there are certain factors that can contribute to high blood pressure during menopause.

These include:

-Decreased estrogen levels: Estrogen plays a role in regulating blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels and allowing blood to flow more easily. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, this can lead to an increase in blood pressure.

-Changes in lifestyle habits: Menopause is often accompanied by changes in lifestyle habits, such as increased stress levels, weight gain, and reduced physical activity. These factors can all contribute to an increase in blood pressure.

-Genetic factors: High blood pressure can be hereditary, so if your family has a history of hypertension, you may be more likely to experience it during menopause.

Can women develop high blood pressure before menopause?

Definitely. It is possible for women to develop high blood pressure before menopause. This is often due to the same factors that can contribute to high blood pressure during menopause, such as decreased estrogen levels, changes in lifestyle habits, and genetic factors.

If you are concerned about developing high blood pressure, it is important to speak with your Family Doctor and get a yearly full-body physical that includes a blood pressure check and bloodwork.

Strategies for prevention and treatment of high blood pressure

Now that we have a better understanding of the causes of high blood pressure during menopause, let’s discuss some strategies for prevention and treatment.

-Lifestyle changes: One of the best things you can do to prevent or treat high blood pressure is to make healthy lifestyle changes. This includes eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and managing stress levels.

Even a simple routine of walking 30 minutes a day can help lower blood pressure.
Making sure that you get good quality sleep (and enough sleep) are also key to managing stress levels that drive blood pressure higher.
Also, weight loss of as little as five to ten pounds can also help lower blood pressure.

-Supplements: There are also several supplements that can help to lower blood pressure, such as magnesium and omega-three fatty acids. Again, be sure to speak with your doctor before taking any supplements.

-Blood pressure medication: If lifestyle changes and supplements are not enough to control your blood pressure, your Family Doctor or Cardiologist may prescribe medication.

Can I take Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) during menopause if I have high blood pressure?

Yes, you can take BHRT during menopause if you have high blood pressure. However, it is important to speak with your doctor first and make sure that this is the right treatment for you. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy can help to regulate estrogen levels and reduce some of the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats.

However, it is important to remember that BHRT is not a cure for high blood pressure. It is simply a treatment option that can help to alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause. If you are interested in taking BHRT, be sure to speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits.

In Conclusion

High blood pressure is a common problem during menopause, but it is important to remember that there are treatments available. If you are concerned about high blood pressure, be sure to speak with your Family Doctor or Cardiologist and get a yearly physical.

Making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, can help to prevent or treat high blood pressure.

Note: This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Jeanette Maxey

26/May/2022

If you’re concerned about early menopause, you’re not alone. Many women are wondering what the symptoms of early menopause are.

The average age of menopause in the United States is 51, but it can happen as early as your 30s or 40s.

In this blog post, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of perimenopause and early menopause so that you can be better prepared. We’ll also offer some tips on how to cope with these changes!

early menopause

What are the symptoms of menopause?

The most common symptom of menopause is a change in your period.

You may have irregular periods, lighter periods, or no period at all. Other symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, loss of sex drive, and weight gain.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor so that they can rule out other potential causes.

What are the symptoms of perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition period before menopause.

The average age of onset is 47, but it can start in your 30s or 40s. Symptoms of perimenopause include changes in your period (irregular, lighter, or heavier), hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, loss of sex drive, and weight gain.

Again, if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

What can I do to get through perimenopause and menopause without being miserable?

There are a few things you can do to ease the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.

First, try to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy foods and exercising regularly. This will help your body cope with the hormonal changes.

Second, consider talking to your doctor about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). BHRT can help alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause.

Finally, try to find a support system whether it’s friends, family, or a support group for women going through menopause.

Can BHRT help with menopause?

Yes, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause.

BHRT is a treatment that replaces the hormones your body is no longer producing. Bioidentical means that the hormones are identical to the ones your body made when you were younger. BHRT can be taken in the form of injections, rapid dissolving tablets (RDTs), pills, patches, or creams.

If you’re interested in BHRT, talk to your doctor to see if it’s right for you.

If you’re experiencing any changes in your body that are concerning you, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if it’s menopause or something else. And remember, you’re not alone! There are many resources and treatments available to help you through this time in your life.

Hormones by Design is here to help you with any concerns you may have related to your hormones, thyroid, or weight loss. Give our location in New Braunfels a call at 830-627-7979 to get your hormones tested and get back to feeling great again!

Jeanette Maxey

16/May/2022

It’s no secret that hormones play a major role in our moods and emotions. This is especially true for women, as many female hormones regulate mood and feelings. As we approach menopause, many women experience a variety of symptoms that are often classified as depression.

However, before automatically prescribing antidepressants to these women, it’s important to look at all the possible causes of their symptoms. In some cases, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be the answer.

Menopausal Symptoms

Women in perimenopause and menopause can experience hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, lack of sex drive and so many more symptoms that disrupt your life.

You feel like you have lost your vitality and don’t feel like yourself. It can be hard to cope with the changes. It’s no wonder that so many women end up feeling depressed during this time.

Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone all Play a Role

Estradiol regulates mood and emotion by affecting the brain’s serotonin levels. As we age and approach menopause, our estradiol levels decline, which can lead to feelings of depression. Progesterone also plays a role in regulating mood and emotions. In addition, it has a calming effect on the brain and can help with anxiety and insomnia.

Testosterone is another hormone that can affect mood, although it’s often thought of as a “male” hormone. However, women also produce small amounts of testosterone, and this hormone can play a role in energy levels, sex drive, and a feeling of well-being.

When any of these hormones are out of balance, it can lead to feelings of apathy or even depression.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Help

middle aged woman feeling happy

The first step to determining if you are feeling down/depressed due to declining hormone levels is testing your hormone levels. This can be done with a simple blood test.

If your hormone levels are low, you may be a candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). BHRT is an individualized treatment that uses hormones that are identical to the ones your body naturally produces.

These hormones can help to restore balance and alleviate many of the symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, including feelings of apathy or depression.

Antidepressants Also Play a Role

Antidepressants can still be necessary for some women. If you and your doctor have determined that your feelings of depression are not solely due to declining hormone levels, then antidepressants may be the best course of action.

What is the MOST IMPORTANT item to remember? Talk to your doctor. If you feel like you are experiencing depression or anxiety, don’t wait. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and possible treatment options.

This is the best way to determine if BHRT, antidepressants, or a combination of both is right for you.

We here at Hormones by Design understand what a huge toll all this takes on your marriage, your family, and even your work.

We can help you by testing your hormone levels and helping you get back in balance. We want you to have clear thinking, good sleep, no hot flashes or night sweats, and the desire to be intimate with your significant other.

We understand how important it is to feel like yourself again. Give us a call today and let’s get started on getting your life back on track.

Our newest location in New Braunfels, Texas is accepting new patients. Call 830-627-7979 to schedule today!

Jeanette Maxey

28/Apr/2022

Do you sometimes have trouble sleeping? Are you finding it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep at night? If so, you’re not alone.

Millions of women deal with insomnia every year. And while there are many potential causes, one of the most common is menopause.

In this blog post, we will discuss the relationship between menopause and insomnia and look at some of the possible treatments.

What is menopause and what are the symptoms

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years.

It typically occurs around the age of 51, but menopause can occur earlier or later depending on individual health and hormonal factors.

Menopause is caused by a decline in the production of estrogen and other reproductive hormones.

This decline leads to changes in a woman’s menstrual cycle and eventually to the cessation of menstruation.

Symptoms of menopause can vary from woman to woman, but they are often characterized by hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.

While menopause is a natural part of aging, the symptoms can be disruptive and even debilitating for some women.

Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help manage menopausal symptoms and minimize their impact on quality of life.

What causes insomnia during menopause?

Menopause is a time of great change for women. Not only are there changes in hormone levels, but also changes in sleeping patterns.

Many women find that they have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep during menopause. There are several possible causes of insomnia during menopause.

First, the hormonal changes that occur during menopause can disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycle.

Second, menopause can cause hot flashes and night sweats, which can make it difficult to sleep.

Finally, stress and anxiety can also contribute to insomnia during menopause.

How to treat insomnia during menopause

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for menopause-related insomnia, there are a few treatments that can help. Here are five of the best treatments for menopause-related insomnia:

Hormone therapy: For women who are experiencing menopause symptoms due to a decrease in hormone levels, hormone therapy can be an effective treatment. This can be done through a pill, patch, or cream that replaces the hormones that are no longer being produced by the body. We only recommend bio-identical hormones.
Sleep aids: Over-the-counter sleep aids can be helpful for menopausal women who occasionally have trouble sleeping. These include melatonin, valerian root, CBD and more. Remember to always talk to your doctor before starting any supplement as it can interact with other medications.
Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help to ease menopause symptoms and promote better sleep.
Exercise: Exercise can help to improve sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety. It is important to avoid exercising too close to bedtime, however, as this can make it difficult to fall asleep.
Dietary changes: Making dietary changes such as avoiding caffeine and eating a light evening dinner can also help menopausal women get a better night’s sleep.

FAQ’s

Does menopausal insomnia go away?

As any woman who has gone through menopause knows, the hot flashes and night sweats can be difficult to deal with. But menopausal insomnia can be even more disruptive, causing sleepless nights and fatigue during the day.

The good news is that menopausal insomnia is often temporary, and there are a number of things that women can do to help themselves get some relief, which has been discussed earlier in the blog post.

Can menopause cause severe insomnia?

There is some evidence that menopause can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythms, making it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. While more research is needed to confirm these connections, it’s clear that menopause can potentially cause severe insomnia. If you are suffering from insomnia, talk to your doctor about it.

How can I increase my sleeping hormones?

There are a few things you can do to help increase your sleeping hormones. One, as mentioned earlier, is to avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, as both can interfere with sleep. Another is to establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible.

Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps to regulate your body’s natural sleep cycle. Finally, make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet, and that the temperature is comfortable. Creating an environment that is conducive to sleep can help your body to produce the hormones needed for a good night’s rest.

Conclusion

Menopause can be a difficult time for many women, both physically and emotionally. One of the most common complaints during menopause is insomnia, which can be caused by a number of factors.

Fortunately, there are a number of treatments that can help to ease menopausal symptoms and promote better sleep. If you’re struggling with menopausal insomnia, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us. We would be more than happy to help! Our newest location in New Braunfels, TX is accepting new patients. Call us at 830-627-7979.

Dr. Melissa Miskell

15/Sep/2018

By now most people have at least heard about hormone replacement. But how do you know if you need it? Well, here are five distinct signs that hormone replacement could benefit you.

Hot Flashes – If you have ever had one, you KNOW what I am talking about. When it feels like your entire body is going to ignite and you need to stand in front of the open freezer, you are experiencing a hot flash. This is a sure sign that your hormones are changing, and you need to investigate hormone replacement. You don’t have to put up with this…it can be fixed.
Night Sweats – Can sometimes go hand-in-hand with hot flashes but waking up with your nightgown soaking wet doesn’t have to be tolerated. Not only is this a huge nuisance, it will inevitably interfere with your sleep, causing all the health issues that correspond with sleep deprivation as well.
Weight gain – Yes, getting “thicker around the middle” can be related to hormone imbalance. Particularly for women, weight gain is usually in the abdominal area. Thyroid can also play a role in weight gain and should be checked along with hormone labs.
Fatigue – Remember how much more energy you had when you were in your 20s? Well, part of that energy was due to your increased hormone levels during that time. Hormone replacement (in particular Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement) can help to replenish these hormone levels and get back the “pep in your step!”
Lack of Sex Drive – Don’t be afraid to admit it…you may be apathetic about sex. Not really wanting or caring if you have sex is a sign that your hormones levels are declining. Women need testosterone too (in much smaller doses than men) in order to help keep their sex drive active. If you find yourself just not in the mood, you need to see a qualified hormone replacement doctor. Believe me, your significant other will thank you.

There are multiple other signs and symptoms that hormone replacement can help alleviate. However, if you currently have any one of these five, you should see a doctor. A simple blood test can show the levels of all your hormones and thyroid.

Dr. Melissa Miskell is a bio-identical hormone replacement expert who has been practicing for 18 years, and is the Medical Director of Hormones by Design in Waco, Texas. Suzi Hancock is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner that will love to see you in our Waco office! Hormones by Design is currently accepting new patients at (254) 230-4225.

Dr. Melissa Miskell

05/Apr/2018

Although almost every woman learned about her menstrual cycle from other women in her life or in health class, menopause is rarely discussed even among the closest friends. With over 25 million search results for “symptoms of menopause” in Google, it is clear that most women seek information about menopause on the internet before turning to a doctor for confirmation.

For many women, the traits of menopause come as a gradual onset of slight body changes. Other women experience menopause like the last scene of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” with brilliant hot flashes or night sweats.

The most common signs reported by women in perimenopause are night sweats and hot flashes, but other physical warning signs can be hard to connect to menopause because most women experience these maladies throughout their lifetime.

Some of these menopause indicators include:

Fatigue: As mothers, wives and professionals, all women know fatigue as their friend every day, but the fatigue that comes with menopause is sometimes accompanied by a depression that makes the simple act of getting out of bed too much to accomplish. Suddenly, a woman can go from tired at the end of the day to completely without strength before the day even starts.
Breast Tenderness (or general changes): Any woman that has experienced her period knows the signs of breast tenderness. Like that favorite bra that will not fit right for a few days out of the month, breast tenderness is a constant indicator of menopause as well as PMS. Anytime breast changes are noted, a doctor should be consulted to rule our breast cancer, but breast tenderness at non-PMS times can be a suggestion by the body that menopause is on the way.
PMS: Notice that the letters do not change? Whether discussing pre-menstrual syndrome or perimenopause symptoms, the signs of menopause can mirror PMS. The first changes most women notice is a worsening of PMS mood swings, change in the length of periods or flow of periods, and an on-going inability to focus.
Lower Sex Drive: All women encounter times when they are just “not in the mood;” however, by their mid-thirties, most women know themselves enough sexually to know when their sex drive shifts. If a woman goes from “not tonight” to not in recent memory, especially in a relationship where intimacy usually exists, then a lower sex drive might be a signal of menopause.
Bladder Leakage: With the decrease of Estrogen and other female hormones, women sometimes experience bladder leakage when laughing, coughing, or sneezing. While sending women searching for the middle ground between a maxi-pad and Depends, bladder leakage can be an indicator that menopause is around the corner.
Vaginal Dryness: As Estrogen declines, many women experience vaginal dryness due to the thinning of the vaginal walls and decrease in lubrication as a part of their journey into menopause. Sometimes, the decrease in lubrication can lead to painful sexual intercourse, which may in turn trigger low sex drive.

The easiest way to determine if the symptoms are indicators of perimenopause or the onset of menopause is to visit a doctor and have your blood tested. Many women put off visiting a BHRT doctor, who specializes in bioidentical hormone replacement, once they notice the indicators because they are embarrassed or concerned about the next step.

The best way to find out the truth is to make an appointment with a qualified healthcare provider that specializes in BHRT to guide you through each step of menopause and help maintain your current quality of life.

TILES VIEW

High Blood Pressure in Menopause: Causes, Prevention and Treatment

What is a “normal” blood pressure?

Does menopause cause high blood pressure?

Can women develop high blood pressure before menopause?

Strategies for prevention and treatment of high blood pressure

Can I take Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) during menopause if I have high blood pressure?

In Conclusion

Symptoms of Early Menopause: What are the Signs?

What are the symptoms of menopause?

What are the symptoms of perimenopause?

What can I do to get through perimenopause and menopause without being miserable?

Can BHRT help with menopause?

If you’re interested in BHRT, talk to your doctor to see if it’s right for you.

Menopause and Depression: How Bioidentical Hormones Can Help

Menopausal Symptoms

Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone all Play a Role

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Help

Antidepressants Also Play a Role

Menopause and Insomnia: The Causes and the Treatments

What is menopause and what are the symptoms

What causes insomnia during menopause?

How to treat insomnia during menopause

FAQ’s

Does menopausal insomnia go away?

Can menopause cause severe insomnia?

How can I increase my sleeping hormones?

Conclusion

5 Signs You Need Hormone Replacement

The Symptoms of Menopausal Women

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