Menopause Symptoms & Relief

Perimenopause is the transitional phase before menopause when hormone levels begin to fluctuate. It often begins in a woman’s 40s (sometimes earlier) and can last several years. Common symptoms include irregular periods, sleep disruption, mood changes, hot flashes, and brain fog.

Menopause is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. It marks the end of ovarian estrogen and progesterone production and may bring symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, and metabolic changes.

Perimenopause is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and menstrual pattern changes, not just lab tests. Common signs include irregular cycles, worsening PMS, sleep changes, mood shifts, hot flashes, and brain fog. There are more than 70 symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause.

Most women reach menopause between ages 45 and 55, with the average age around 51. Perimenopause symptoms often begin several years before the final menstrual period.

Treatment may help improve hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, mood changes, brain fog, vaginal dryness, low libido, and metabolic changes such as weight gain.

Yes. Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and body composition, which may contribute to weight gain or changes in fat distribution.

Yes. When appropriate, we prescribe FDA-approved bioidentical hormone therapy to help relieve menopause symptoms and support long-term health. Treatment is personalized based on your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors.

For most women, hormone therapy is safe and effective when started at the right time and prescribed appropriately. We review your health history carefully and discuss potential risks and benefits before starting treatment.

A functional medicine approach looks beyond symptoms to understand the underlying factors influencing hormone balance and midlife health, including sleep, stress, metabolic health, nutrition, and lifestyle. The goal is to support both symptom relief and long-term health.

Not always. Menopause care is often symptom-driven, though lab testing can sometimes help guide treatment decisions depending on your clinical picture.

You may benefit from menopause care if you are experiencing irregular periods, hot flashes, sleep problems, mood changes, brain fog, or weight changes in your 40s or 50s. Some women also seek care to better understand and prepare their bodies for this transition.

Yes. Tendwell provides menopause and perimenopause care in Denver, Colorado. We offer in-person visits for Colorado patients and telemedicine visits for patients in Oregon, New York, Connecticut, and Idaho.

At Tendwell, menopause care combines modern hormone therapy with a functional medicine approach. We take time to understand your symptoms and physiology so we can create a personalized plan and guide you through this transition with thoughtful, ongoing care.

Hormone therapy is considered the most effective treatment for moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats. Other strategies may include lifestyle changes, sleep support, and certain non-hormonal medications depending on your health history.

Yes. Many women find that hormone therapy improves sleep disruption caused by night sweats and hormone fluctuations. Addressing factors such as stress, blood sugar balance, and sleep habits can also support better sleep.

Yes. Women who still have a uterus typically need progesterone along with estrogen therapy to protect the uterine lining. Your clinician will determine the safest and most appropriate hormone regimen.

Hormone therapy is often most beneficial when started within 10 years of menopause or before age 60, although individual circumstances vary. A clinician can help determine whether hormone therapy may still be appropriate for you.

Many women notice improvements in brain fog, mood stability, and overall wellbeing when hormone levels are supported. Sleep quality, stress levels, and metabolic health also influence cognitive function during midlife.

Not necessarily. Some women manage mild symptoms with lifestyle changes and supportive care. Others pursue treatment to support long-term health, including bone health, brain health, and cardiovascular health.