By Deanna Neu
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
If you are confused about perimenopause, menopause and the possibility of hormone supplementation, you are not alone! I see women in my office every day that have suffered for years with frustrating, life-altering symptoms but have been too afraid of hormones to even consider them as an option. I also see patients that desire hormone supplementation, but are so confused by all of the current controversy that they don’t know what to do. There are many conflicting messages about hormones. Even as a medical professional I have at times found it a daunting task to understand the reality.
I don’t envy women who have to navigate the path of hormone replacement therapy today. As a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, I am here to help women navigate that path and to understand their options.
If you are perimenopausal or menopausal, and if your life is affected by bothersome symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, irritability, lack of libido, vaginal pain or irritation, or “foggy thinking”; or if you feel that you are just “getting through” your life and no longer have the vitality that you once did, find a health-care provider who will take the time to understand your individual situation and help you decide whether hormones are right for you.
We will live half our lives beyond menopause and in many cases hormone supplementation is both appropriate and beneficial. Though menopause is a natural transition, you don’t have to suffer. One of the most rewarding areas of my practice has been working with women suffering from hormonal imbalance. Improvement takes time and effort; but you can feel better!
When new patients come to see me with hormonal symptoms, I spend a great deal of time discussing their individual situation. Patients leave my office with a good understanding of hormone supplementation and all of their options. I discuss bioidentical hormones and explain the difference between compounded and commercially prepared hormones. It’s important to me that my patients feel listened to and that their concerns are addressed.
Hormone supplementation is not for everyone; but if hormones aren’t right for you then there are other options. I offer adrenal testing as well as personalized nutritional testing. We can discuss small life-style changes that will greatly affect the way you feel. We can talk about pharmaceutical-grade supplements that will help you on your journey toward feeling your best. Don’t give up because it seems overwhelming. Your life can be different. You are worth the effort.
Deanna Neu is a women’s health nurse practitioner at Women’s Health Specialists, the offices of Dr. Teresa Knight and Dr. Julie Gould. Deanna is currently accepting new patients.