Perimenopause and Menopause Hormone Treatment
Personalized hormone treatment guided by comprehensive testing
Hormonal changes during the menopausal transition can affect nearly every system in the body. These shifts often begin years before menopause and can influence daily comfort, emotional well-being, and long-term health.
Dr. Kenton Bruice provides hormone treatment for women in Denver, Centennial and Aspen, CO and St. Louis, MO.
Hormone Changes in Midlife
Hormonal shifts during midlife are gradual and expected, but their effects can extend beyond short-term discomfort. Changes in estrogen and other hormone levels may influence bone density, cardiovascular health, metabolism, and cognitive function over time.
Understanding whether symptoms are related to perimenopause or menopause helps guide appropriate care. Treatment can focus not only on symptom relief, but also on protecting long-term health and overall well-being.
What Is Perimenopause?
Before perimenopause begins, women spend many years in their reproductive stage, often referred to as premenopause. During this time, menstrual cycles are typically regular, and estrogen and progesterone follow a predictable monthly pattern that supports ovulation and menstruation.
Perimenopause is the transitional phase that begins when these hormone patterns become less consistent. It often starts in the mid-to-late 40s, though some women notice changes earlier, sometimes in their late 30s. This stage can last several years and is characterized by fluctuating hormone levels rather than a steady decline.
During perimenopause, estrogen levels may rise and fall unpredictably from day to day. Progesterone production often declines earlier, which can contribute to irregular periods and increased sensitivity to hormonal shifts. For some women, this imbalance can intensify PMS-like symptoms during this stage.
Common perimenopause symptoms include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Mood swings, irritability, or anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping or persistent fatigue
- Breast tenderness
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort during intimacy
- Changes in weight distribution
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
Although hormone production continues during perimenopause, imbalance, rather than deficiency alone, is often responsible for symptoms.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is defined as the point when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. It typically occurs in the early 50s but may happen earlier or later.
At this stage, the ovaries significantly reduce estrogen and progesterone production. These changes can lead to persistent menopausal symptoms and may influence long-term health, including bone loss and cardiovascular disease risk.
Common menopausal symptoms include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness and urinary changes
- Sleep disruption
- Mood changes or anxiety
- Joint discomfort and muscle aches
- Weight gain related to metabolic changes
- Decreased bone density
Hormone changes during menopause may also affect cholesterol levels, blood clotting risk, and overall cardiovascular health.
Hormonal Imbalances and Their Impact
Hormones play a central role in protecting bone density, supporting heart health, and maintaining metabolic stability. When left unaddressed, hormonal imbalance may contribute to increased risk of:
- Osteoporosis and fractures related to bone loss
- Cardiovascular disease, including heart attack risk
- Changes in blood pressure and cholesterol
- Cognitive changes over time
Medical evaluation allows symptoms to be addressed while also considering long-term health outcomes.
Hormone Testing and Evaluation
Treatment begins with a thorough consultation and targeted blood tests. Dr. Bruice evaluates your hormone levels alongside symptoms, medical history, and individual risk factors.
Hormone testing may include assessment of:
- Estrogen levels
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
- Follicle-stimulating hormone
- Thyroid markers, when clinically appropriate
- Markers related to metabolic and cardiovascular health
Results help determine whether hormone therapy, lifestyle adjustments, or other supportive treatments are appropriate.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Hormonal Imbalance
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses hormones that are chemically identical to those produced naturally by the body. These hormones are derived from plant sources and prescribed based on your individual hormone levels, symptoms, and health history.
Treatment is never one-size-fits-all. Dosage, delivery method, and ongoing adjustments are guided by lab testing and how your body responds over time, with the goal of restoring balance and improving daily function.
BHRT is personalized based on your hormone levels and symptoms, with the goal of restoring balance and supporting both daily function and long-term health.
Ongoing Monitoring and Support
Hormone treatment is closely monitored to support proper absorption and sustained effectiveness.
About two months after starting treatment, you will see Dr. Bruice for a follow-up visit to review symptoms and repeat blood tests. This allows adjustments to be made based on how your body is responding.
Between visits, patients have direct email access to Dr. Bruice for questions or concerns. After the initial follow-up period, most patients transition to annual visits or are seen on an as-needed basis, depending on their care plan.
Optimize Your Hormone Health With Dr. Kenton Bruice
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a safe and effective option for women suffering from negative symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances.
With personalized treatment plans from Dr. Bruice, you can alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life during these transitional stages.
If you are searching for a ‘menopause specialist near me’ or have questions about BHRT, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bruice, the best hormone doctor in Denver, CO, Aspen, CO and St. Louis, MO. To book an appointment in Denver or St. Louis, call (303) 957-6686 or complete the online inquiry form.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are experiencing symptoms related to perimenopause or menopause, personalized hormone treatment may help restore balance and improve quality of life.
Dr. Kenton Bruice provides care at four locations:
Denver Hormone Institute of Colorado
90 Madison Street, Suite 704, Denver, CO 80206
📞 (303) 957-6686
Centennial Hormone Institute of Colorado
7009 South Potomac St, Suite 111, Centennial, CO 80112
📞 (303) 957-6686
Aspen Hormone Institute of Colorado
305 Aspen Airport Business Center, Unit M, Aspen, CO 81611
📞 (970) 925-6655
St. Louis Hormone Institute of Missouri
9909 Clayton Rd, Suite 225, St. Louis, MO 63124
📞 (314) 222-7567
Take the first step toward balanced hormones and renewed vitality. Call one of our offices or complete the online inquiry form to schedule your consultation with Dr. Bruice today.
FAQs
Is hormone therapy safe?
When prescribed and monitored by an experienced physician, hormone therapy is considered safe for many women. Treatment decisions are based on individual health history, symptoms, and risk factors, with ongoing monitoring to ensure appropriate dosing and response. In November 2025, the FDA removed the black box warning from hormone therapy after updated evidence showed that earlier concerns did not accurately reflect risks for appropriately selected patients.
Is BHRT covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Some insurance providers may cover blood tests or portions of treatment, while others consider bioidentical hormone therapy an out-of-pocket service.
What are the stages of menopause?
The stages include perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. Each stage is defined by different hormone patterns and symptoms.
What is the difference between menopause and perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, while menopause is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period.
Does menopause cause weight gain?
Hormonal changes during menopause may affect metabolism and body composition, making weight management more challenging for some women.
Can perimenopause cause anxiety?
Fluctuating hormone levels during perimenopause can contribute to anxiety, mood changes, and sleep disruption.
Where can I get BHRT near me?
Dr. Kenton Bruice provides bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in Denver, Centennial, Aspen, Colorado, and St. Louis, Missouri.