They say midlife brings freedom—freedom from monthly cycles, pregnancy worries, and hormonal ups and downs. But if you’re in the midst of menopause or perimenopause, you may be wondering when that “freedom” actually starts. Instead of relief, you might be dealing with brain fog, weight gain, hot flashes, or sleep issues that leave you feeling unlike yourself. So—when is it time to consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
At Core Functional Medicine, we believe these changes aren’t just “part of getting older”—they’re signals from your body that deserve deeper investigation. Our root-cause approach focuses on optimizing hormone health and restoring balance, so you can feel energized, focused, and in control again.
Recognizing the Signs That You Might Benefit from HRT
Menopause and perimenopause bring major hormonal shifts. As estrogen and progesterone levels decline, many women experience a wide range of symptoms, including:
Weight Gain (Especially in the Midsection)
If you’ve managed your weight successfully for years and suddenly notice belly fat creeping in, you’re not alone. Hormonal fluctuations, especially decreased estrogen, can disrupt metabolism and muscle mass—making fat easier to gain and harder to lose. Add in factors like poor sleep and stress, and the body’s natural fat-burning processes slow dramatically.
Hot Flashes & Night Sweats
These aren’t just minor inconveniences—they can severely disrupt your quality of life and sleep. While avoiding common triggers like caffeine, spicy foods, and stress can help, they don’t solve the underlying hormone imbalance. HRT can reduce both the frequency and intensity of these symptoms.
Vaginal Dryness & Discomfort During Sex
As estrogen levels drop, vaginal tissue becomes thinner, drier, and more prone to irritation—a condition known as vaginal atrophy. This can cause discomfort, pain during intimacy, and a decline in sexual wellness. Hormone optimization can help restore tissue health and ease symptoms.
Mood Swings & Emotional Imbalance
Mood changes during midlife are often dismissed as “normal,” but they can be deeply disruptive. Depression, anxiety, and irritability may all intensify as hormone levels fluctuate. Functional medicine takes these changes seriously and works to restore emotional equilibrium—often with HRT as one of several tools.
Additional Symptoms That May Signal Hormonal Imbalance:
- Insomnia
- Low libido
- Hair thinning
- Urinary issues
- Poor concentration
- Chronic fatigue
These symptoms are common—but they’re not inevitable. We’ve helped many patients reclaim their vitality by identifying and correcting hormone deficiencies using a comprehensive, personalized plan.
Why Core Functional Medicine Is Different
Rather than rushing to prescribe a single treatment, we take time to understand the full picture—how your symptoms, lifestyle, diet, stress, and genetics intersect. With advanced hormone testing and a 60-minute initial consultation, we co-create a treatment plan that may include but not limited to:
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
- Nutritional & lifestyle support
- Gut health optimization
- Stress & sleep management
HRT is one tool among many we use to support whole body health—never a band-aid.
Let’s Talk About Your Hormone Health
If you’re noticing changes that are affecting your quality of life, don’t wait to get support. Hormone imbalance is common—but treatable. And when balanced properly, your hormones can be a powerful ally in feeling strong, vibrant, and empowered in this next phase of life.
Contact Core Functional Medicine to schedule your personalized evaluation and find out if hormone replacement therapy is right for you. Give us a call at 737-271-1804 today to get started or request an appointment online.
