Belinda Ferguson, DNP, FNP-BC, CPC


Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Family Medicine

Specialty

Addiction Medicine,
Adolescent Medicine,
Preventive Medicine

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Bella Medical Associates, PLLC
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Women's Hormone Therapy

Women 35+ Overcome Hormone Imbalance & Low Energy - Feel like Yourself Again Naturally Restoring Hormonal Balance

Ladies, it's time to reclaim your vitality! Bid farewell to the days of struggling to keep up, feeling constantly drained, stressed, and overwhelmed. Let's banish the mental fog and weight gain miseries, even after putting in endless hours at the gym

Hormones, including thyroid, testosterone, progesterone, estrogen, adrenal hormones (E.g. stress hormones such as DHEA and cortisol), play vital roles in your overall health. When these hormones are imbalanced, it can disrupt various aspects of your life.

Check Your Symptoms

Signs & Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalances

  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Mood Swings
  • Vaginal Dryness
  • Insomnia
  • Decreased Skin Elasticity
  • Weight Gain
  • Difficult to Lose Weight
  • Decreased Energy

Hypothyroidism

An underactive thyroid is a common condition characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormone. Located in the front of the neck, the thyroid gland regulates various bodily functions. When it functions inadequately, individuals may experience mental fog, fatigue, and weight gain, significantly impacting their quality of life. Sadly, hypothyroidism is frequently overlooked or inadequately treated, leaving patients feeling hopeless. Many seek multiple healthcare providers before receiving a diagnosis. While levothyroxine (T4) is often prescribed to alleviate symptoms, it doesn't address the root cause. At our practice, we conduct thorough examinations to accurately diagnose hypothyroidism and address its effects while exploring deeper to identify underlying causes.

Signs & Symptoms of Low Thyroid

  • Hard stools or Constipation
  • Cold Intolerance
  • Fatigue or Feeling Exhausted
  • Irregular periods
  • Weight Gain
  • Stiff Muscles
  • Not Feeling Well
  • Insomnia
  • Dry skin
  • Thinning Hair/Brittle Nails
  • Decreased/Poor Libido
  • Anxiety/Depression

Testosterone

When discussing hormone imbalance, estrogen often takes the spotlight, yet testosterone is equally crucial. As one of the most abundant hormones in women, testosterone plays a vital role in female health. Testosterone decreases with age, similar to men. Testosterone levels can decline in women as early as their 20s, with a significant reduction in production typically occurring around age 35. Various factors such as birth control, obesity, genetics, and environmental influences can contribute to lower testosterone levels.

Signs & Symptoms Low Testosterone

  • Weight Gain
  • Mental Fog
  • Decreased Libido
  • Irregular Periods
  • Vaginal Dryness
  • Dry Skin
  • Weight gain
  • Low Energy Levels
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Insomnia
  • Elevated Blood Sugars
  • Increased Cholesterol

Perimenopause

While the reasons for seeking hormone replacement therapy with us varies, there's a common theme - the desire to restore or  enhance the body. Perimenopause can begin at different ages. On average, perimenopause begins 8-10 years before menopause which is a normal part of the aging process. Some women begin in their 30s, however most often all women experience a decline in hormone production that typically starts around age 40 to early 50s. Menopause usually starts around 45 to 55 and is determined after 12 consecutive months without having a menstrual period and any spotting of blood.

When women experience declining hormone levels, especially estrogen, and imbalances in the estradiol to estrone ratio, it can lead to menopause-related hormonal fluctuations. These fluctuations are linked to health concerns like osteoporosis, breast cancer, and other significant issues.

Beyond cardiovascular protection, hormone replacement therapy targeting estrogen restoration may also safeguard against cognitive decline during aging and potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Reduced estrogen production post-menopause is a primary factor contributing to the heightened Alzheimer's risk among women. If you're struggling with hormone imbalance, we offer various treatment options. Our therapy treatment aims to help women achieve their desired outcomes.

Symptoms of Menopause

  • Hot Flashes
  • Insomnia
  • Vaginal Dryness
  • Frequent Urinary Tract Infections
  • Decrease Libido
  • Heightened Anxiety
  • Thinning bones

Menopause

Are you experiencing any of the above symptoms? Have you had lab tests come back normal, yet still find yourself going from one medical provider visit to another, only to be told that everything is normal and it's just a part of aging? You're not alone—and you're certainly not imagining things. You might be going through menopause.

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life, marking the cessation of her reproductive years. It occurs when the ovaries cease producing estrogen and progesterone, leading to the permanent end of menstrual cycles. A woman is considered to have reached menopause after going 12 consecutive months without a period. Estrogen receptors are located throughout a woman’s body and affects multiple organ systems like bone, central nervous system, cardiovascular, digestive, pituitary, and liver. Remember, suffering in silence is outdated; reaching out for help is in!

Adrenal Dysfunction

Waking up feeling tired and irritable might not just be fatigue; it could indicate adrenal fatigue, a condition where prolonged stress wears out the body's stress system. The adrenal glands manage stress hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, epinephrine, and pregnenolone. Adrenal fatigue advances through four stages: alarm, resistance, exhaustion, and burnout. During the alarm stage, the body’s natural response to stress intensifies. Resistance comes next, prompting your body for a need to slow down. Exhaustion follows with a notable drop in cortisol, causing extreme tiredness and energy fluctuations. Eventually, burnout occurs, resulting in reduced adrenal function and various physical and psychological symptoms. Recovery requires a holistic approach to reduce stress and adhere to an appropriate adrenal fatigue protocol. If you're frequently experiencing these symptoms, simple blood and saliva tests can diagnose this condition.

  • Persistent fatigue after sleeping a lot
  • Difficulty focusing or thinking clearly
  • Feeling irritable than usual
  • Frequent illness
  • Difficulty recovering from sickness
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Difficulty handling stress
  • Feeling overwhelmed

Hormones & Weight Loss

To lose weight, it's essential to be in balance, healthy and able to activate six fat-burning hormones: thyroid, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), testosterone, glucagon, and adrenaline. To activate these hormones, you must balance the three fat-building hormones—estrogen, insulin, and cortisol—that impact weight gain and body fat distribution.

Concerns of Potential Hormone Therapy Risk 

You may have heard concerns about hormones and their association with breast cancer, which can be alarming. However, it's important to note that estrogen replacement therapy does not inherently increase the risk of breast cancer. In fact, for most women, the benefits of estrogen replacement far outweigh any potential risks.

Any treatment carries its own set of risks and benefits. For many women, particularly those within 5-10 years of menopause, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy far outweigh the risks.

Without hormone replacement therapy, you may experience symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. However, there's a myriad of other symptoms that you might not even attribute to menopause, including fatigue, mood swings, irritability, sleep disturbances, memory issues, and changes in hair, skin, sexual function, and body composition.

These symptoms can have a profound impact not only on your own well-being but also on your relationships, performance, wellness, energy levels, stamina, and overall quality of life.

It's essential to recognize that not all women are suitable candidates for menopausal hormone replacement therapy, underscoring the importance of a personalized approach.

Even if estrogen replacement therapy isn't suitable for you, or if you opt not to undergo menopausal hormone replacement therapy, ensuring the balance of other hormones like cortisol, thyroid, and insulin is crucial for optimal health. 

Benefits of Hormone Therapy 

  • Overall well-being
  • Improved focus and concentration
  • Elevated mood and outlook
  • Better quality of sleep
  • Increased energy and strength  
  • Enhanced sexual performance 
  • Heightened libido
  • Improved cholesterol levels
  • Balanced blood sugar levels
  • Improved muscle mass

In addition to hormone therapy, simple lifestyle medicine, and realistic changes can help control peri -and menopausal symptoms such as:

  • Quit Smoking- Linked to a decline in estrogen levels.
  • Healthy body weight- Eat nutritious meals, fresh low glycemic fruits, and vegetables, reduce trans/saturated fats. 
  • Physical activity- Aerobic exercise to reduce the risk of heart disease and weight-bearing and resistance exercise to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
  • Supplements- Vitamin D, Omega 3 Fatty acids, DHA/EPA.
  • Reduce Sodium- Can lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and heart failure. Alternate Pink Himalayan sea salt.
  • Organic herbs, spices, and Seasonings.
  • Limit sugar intake- Eat fresh low glycemic fruits, and vegetables.
  • Alcohol- Consume in moderation.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) 

bhrt

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is commonly used as individuals age and experience declines in hormone levels, particularly among women entering perimenopause or menopause. BHRT aims to replenish hormone levels that have decreased and improve moderate to severe peri and menopausal symptoms, including:

  • Mood swings
  • Weight gain
  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Memory loss
  • Sleep disruptions
  • Reduced libido
  • Painful intercourse

Beyond symptom management, BHRT may potentially lower the risk of conditions such as diabetes, cataracts, and tooth loss. Additionally, research suggests that it could enhance skin thickness, moisture, and elasticity, as well as diminish wrinkles.

For cancer survivors affected by treatments impacting estrogen levels, BHRT has demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing overall well-being and quality of life. In a notable study, individuals undergoing BHRT post-cancer treatment reported relief from associated symptoms like migraines, incontinence, low libido, and insomnia, with no observed increase in breast cancer recurrence rates compared to the general population.

Women’s Sexual Wellness

Sex drive can decrease with age and be affected by factors like stress, depression, and health conditions such as low testosterone levels. Certain medications and health issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes can also impact sexual wellness. If you're experiencing changes in libido or discomfort during sex, our virtual care provides a discreet and supportive environment to address your concerns. We understand that discussing sexual problems can be difficult, but it's essential for your self-esteem and relationships. Intimacy shouldn't be painful, and restoring hormone balance can rejuvenate your vitality and restore your vibrancy.

Lifestyle changes and interventions that can positively influence sexual wellness

  • Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, increase lean proteins, and whole grains.
  • Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, focusing on both cardiovascular and strength training exercises. 
  • Manage stress levels through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
  • Prioritize adequate sleep to support overall health and well-being.
  • Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking, as they can negatively impact sexual function.
  • Communicate openly with your partner about sexual concerns and desires.

What You Can Expect


Initial Consultation

Initial Personalized Labs, initial 1 -on- 1 60-minute consultation with provider to review lab results and symptoms to discuss a customized performance and wellness protocol, first month of hormone therapy, 1 month of vitamin supplement, supplies to self-administer and medication shipped from pharmacy directly to address on file in 5-7 business days in discreet packaging. This approach enables enhanced and precise modifications during your treatment, offering greater flexibility compared to other hormone options, which follow a one-size-fits-all approach.

Follow Up

Follow-up sessions will need to occur every 3-months initially (2-months depending on health conditions), allowing us to track your progress. Once you are at an optimal level of performance and wellness follow up visits can occur every 6 months. These appointments can be conducted via telehealth. Medication dosages will be adjusted according to your individual progress. Medication refills will be authorized according to follow up visits and lab results. Pharmacy will ship your medication directly to address on file in 5-7 business days in discreet packaging. We value your trust and understand the expense of medication and delivery. Therefore, a signature or designated signature is required upon delivery of your medication.


Payment Options

  • Option 1: Month-to-Month Follow-up.
    • Price depending on method of administration you prefer, medication, dosage and injection frequency.
  • Option 2: Three-Month Savings. 
    • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) Medication.
    • Two (30-minute) follow up visits with medical provider.
    • One follow-up lab visit.
    • 30-Day Access to a Certified Personal Training Coach.
  • Option 3: Six-Month Savings Plan. 
    • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) Medication.
    • Two (30-minute) follow up visits with medical provider.
    • Two follow-up labs.
    • 1 add-on support medication or supplement.
    • 30-Day Access to a Certified Personal Wellness Training Coach.
  • Option 4: Twelve-Month Savings Plan. 
    • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) Medication.
    • Quarterly (30-minute) follow up visits with medical provider.
    • Two follow-up labs.
    • One add-on support medication or supplement.
    • EmpoweHER Bootcamp- Women Over 40 Four Week Hormone Balance and Shape Up Wellness Program.
    • 30-Day Access to a Certified Personal Wellness Training Coach.

Add-On Enhancements

  • Three Month Supply Prescription Supplement (Add-On for Option 1 Only).
    • Price Per Month Depends on Type of Enhancement, Dose, Route of Administration and Pharmacy Pricing at Time of Sign up or Visit.
    • Customized plan and one support enhancement. Enhancement may improve anti-aging, decrease recovery time, improve endurance, strength, and stamina to enhance athletic performance. Enhancement can promote better overall wellness and performance.
  • EmpoweHER Bootcamp (One Time Add-on Fee) (One Time Purchase With Option 1 Only).
    • Women Over 40- Four Week Hormone Balance & Shape Up Wellness Program.
    • Designed to get you back in balance. Tailored for individuals experiencing common symptoms of hormonal imbalance such as fatigue, night sweats, menstrual irregularities, insomnia, low libido, anxiety, irritability, or depression and weight gain.
    • This specialized program is dedicated to restoring hormonal balance and addressing concerns effectively.
    • Includes: Bella Weight Loss Kit, Choice of a 30-day Enhancing supplement and access to Bella Tribe Women Over 40 Private Wellness Community.