Struggling with Perimenopause or Menopause? Here’s How We Can Help
Confused about perimenopause or menopause? Dr. Shahnoos Mahdavi of Novel U Wellness in Long Beach explains the differences, symptoms, treatment options, and how personalized hormone therapy or holistic alternatives can help you feel like yourself again.
Hello, My Dears –
Let’s take a moment to discuss something many of us are going through, or will go through, and yet so few of us feel truly prepared for: perimenopause and menopause. Perimenopause and menopause are not taboo topics or something to quietly endure and “get through” – they are natural, powerful phases of life.
If you’ve been wondering why your sleep is off, your moods are unpredictable, or your body just doesn’t “feel like yours” anymore, I want you to know that you are not alone – and you are not imagining things.
You deserve to understand what’s happening in your body, to feel supported, and to know that you are not alone on this part of your life’s journey. And if you are not personally going through perimenopause or menopause, chances are that someone you love – your partner, sister, mother, or friend – is or will. The more we all understand, the more compassion and care we can bring to this important stage of life.
At Novel U Wellness & Med Spa, I’ve helped hundreds of women understand what’s happening in their bodies and feel like themselves again through thoughtful, evidence-based care. So, let’s clear the confusion and dive into what’s really going on during the natural phases of perimenopause and menopause, and how we can support you every step of the way.
To fully understand these natural transitions, it helps to begin with clarity. While perimenopause and menopause share some overlapping symptoms, they are each distinct life phases.
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause means “around menopause.” It’s the transitional time before menopause officially begins, and it can start as early as your mid-30s or 40s, though most women notice symptoms in their 40s. During this time, your ovaries gradually start producing less estrogen and progesterone, but it’s not a steady decline. Instead, your hormone levels fluctuate wildly, which is why perimenopause can feel like a hormonal rollercoaster. Perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to 8-10 years before menopause sets in.
What is Menopause?
Menopause is officially marked by 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. By this point, your ovaries have significantly reduced hormone production, and estrogen and progesterone levels stay consistently low. Where perimenopause is unpredictable, menopause is more like a new baseline: your body has settled into a different hormonal state.
Symptoms: Perimenopause vs. Menopause
Many perimenopause and menopause symptoms overlap, but the intensity, timing, and cause can vary between these two stages.
Medical and Non-Medical Approaches to Menopause and Perimenopause
There’s no “one size fits all” approach to navigating these life transitions, just the one that feels right for you. Your health journey is personal, and at Novel U Wellness, we honor that with science-backed, compassionate care that helps you reconnect with your body and reclaim your sense of confidence, joy, and ease. We often combine therapies to create a balanced, sustainable path to wellness. Together, we’ll design a personalized treatment plan and keep you informed and empowered at every step.
Some examples of medical and non-medical approaches for perimenopause and menopause relief include:
Medical Options for Perimenopause and Menopause
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Includes bioidentical and conventional hormones to rebalance estrogen, progesterone, and/or testosterone levels.
- Non-hormonal prescription medications: Such as SSRIs or gabapentin for mood changes or hot flashes.
- Vaginal estrogen or DHEA: For localized relief from dryness or discomfort.
- Thyroid support if metabolic changes are present.
Non-Medical Options for Perimenopause and Menopause
- Nutritional therapy: Anti-inflammatory, hormone-supportive foods
- Exercise and strength training: For bone density, weight maintenance, and mood.
- Supplements: Such as magnesium, omega-3s, or adaptogens (always under guidance).
- Stress reduction: Breathwork, meditation, therapy, acupuncture, or massage.
Types of Hormone Therapy Available
When prescribed by a qualified provider who monitors the process, hormone therapy is both safe and effective. I evaluate every patient’s lab results, health history, lifestyle factors, and goals before developing a personalized plan. We keep track of your progress with regular follow-ups and hormone tests to ensure everything stays on track. This isn’t a cookie-cutter approach; it’s a partnership focused on maintaining your body’s balance.
A customized hormone treatment plan may include several key hormones, depending on what your body needs, and how it responds. Hormones that might be used in this treatment may include:
- Estrogen: Supports mood stability, skin elasticity, temperature control, and vaginal health.
- Progesterone: Calms the nervous system while enhancing sleep quality.
- Testosterone: Boosts energy levels, libido, and lean muscle mass.
- DHEA: Aids vitality and immune support.
- Thyroid hormones: Regulate metabolism and cognitive function.
What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones your body naturally produces. That means your body recognizes and uses them just like your own hormones, making them highly effective and often better tolerated. Sometimes BHRT is used to gently replenish what’s missing and stabilize what’s fluctuating to help you feel clear-headed, well-rested, emotionally balanced, and energized.
There are also several ways to deliver hormone therapy. We customize treatment based on your labs, lifestyle, preferences, and goals. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each, so you feel informed, empowered, and confident in your care plan. These delivery methods include:
- Topical creams and patches
- Oral capsules
- Vaginal tablets, or creams for localized support
What If I’m Not a Candidate for Hormone Therapy?
There are a few medical conditions where hormone therapy may not be recommended. Some of these medical conditions include, but are not limited to:
- History of breast or endometrial cancer
- Active or recent blood clots (DVT or pulmonary embolism)
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Severe liver disease
- Certain cardiovascular conditions
- History of Stroke
This is why your initial consultation and lab work are so important. We review your complete history and discuss any risks to determine the safest, most supportive path forward.
We always keep your wellness at the center of everything we do. If hormone therapy isn’t suitable for you, we’ll look into other options such as nutritional support or lifestyle changes that align with your goals. These may include:
- Non-hormonal medication
- Targeted supplements
- Herbal and nutritional therapies
- Lifestyle and mind-body interventions
At Novel U Wellness, our approach is always personalized, flexible, and rooted in love and science.
The Novel U Wellness Experience
If you’ve been wondering whether hormone therapy might help you feel better again, consider this your invitation to reach out. We offer a welcoming safe space to explore what works best for you. I provide compassionate care grounded in science that’s all about helping you live your life with clarity and vitality.
Here’s what to expect when you meet with us to begin your Novel U Wellness journey:
Consultation and Labs: We’ll start with an open conversation about your symptoms and health history. Then we’ll conduct thorough hormone testing to assess what’s happening.
Comprehensive Lab Testing: We look at your hormone levels, thyroid function, and any underlying factors that could be impacting your wellness.
Customized Wellness Plan: Your plan may include hormones, nutrition, stress support, sleep optimization, and supplement recommendations.
Ongoing Monitoring and Support: We check in regularly through lab testing and wellness discussions to ensure everything is functioning well. Adjustments will be made as needed.
Ongoing Reassessment: Your needs may shift over time (as we age, go through life transitions, or shift goals) so we continuously reassess and refine your care plan accordingly.
You Deserve to Feel Like You Again
Menopause and perimenopause are natural transitions, but that doesn’t mean you should suffer in silence. Your body is not failing. It’s evolving. With the right support, this chapter of your life can be a time of strength, clarity, and renewed purpose.
If you’re ready to feel like yourself again b HYPERLINK “https://noveluwellness.com/contact/”ook a consultation with me today. Visit our Long Beach, CA office in the beautiful Bixby Knolls neighborhood, and together we’ll create a personalized wellness plan that’s all about you. Visit our website at www.noveluwellness.com, send us an email at hello@noveluwellness.com, or give us a call at 562-349-0239.
Wishing You Light and Love,
Dr. Shahnoos