Menopause is finally stepping into the spotlight. After being overlooked for far too long, it’s now the focus of science-based discussions aimed at dispelling misconceptions and providing much-needed clarity. At Racquel Aesthetics & Wellness, we are committed to empowering women with the knowledge and treatment options they need to safeguard their long-term health and enhance their quality of life.
You’ve likely heard the terms perimenopause and menopause, but understanding their key differences is essential. Perimenopause, meaning “around menopause,” refers to the transitional phase leading up to menopause—a time when hormone levels fluctuate as the body prepares for permanent infertility and a decline in sex hormone production.
As we age, hormone levels naturally decline by about 10% each year. Testosterone, often thought of as a male hormone, is actually the most abundant biologically active hormone in women. During the perimenopausal phase, as testosterone levels significantly decrease, many women begin experiencing symptoms such as brain fog, anxiety, depression, irritability, muscle aches, fatigue, reduced sex drive, insomnia, and night sweats.
As a woman transitions into menopause, the decline in progesterone and estrogen becomes more pronounced, triggering additional symptoms, including joint and muscle pain, weight gain (particularly around the hips and thighs), hot flashes, and vaginal dryness. The decrease in estrogen and progesterone also affects other biological processes, leading to increased cholesterol levels, loss of bone density, hypertension, and insulin resistance.
Let’s take a closer look at how optimizing hormones can help manage these symptoms and promote longevity. “One in seven perimenopausal women die from heart disease. After menopause, that number increases to one in three. More than 200,000 women die each year from heart attacks—five times as many as from breast cancer.” Optimizing hormones through testosterone replacement has been shown to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels while increasing good HDL cholesterol, which in turn helps prevent plaque formation and reduces inflammation in the blood vessels. In addition to testosterone, micronized natural progesterone (not to be confused with synthetic progestin) offers heart protection by dilating blood vessels and improving HDL cholesterol levels.
In addition to their heart-protective benefits, natural, bioidentical forms of testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone can also help safeguard brain health by protecting nerves from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Estrogen, in particular, has neuroprotective properties and, when initiated early in menopause, is known to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Depleted hormone levels contribute to oxidative stress on brain neurons, leading to inflammation. By balancing and optimizing hormone levels, this inflammation is reduced, and blood flow to the brain is improved, promoting overall brain health.
Osteoporosis occurs when bones become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. Women begin losing bone density during perimenopause, but hormone optimization—particularly estrogen replacement—helps maintain bone mineral density and reduces the risk of fractures. Additionally, testosterone replacement stimulates new bone growth, further preventing the development of osteoporosis and osteopenia.
Currently, Type 2 diabetes is a major health concern in the U.S., increasing the risk for heart disease, kidney disease, vascular problems, and more. Optimizing hormones through hormone replacement therapy can have significant benefits in managing and potentially slowing the progression of Type 2 diabetes, especially in women. By improving glycemic control and insulin sensitivity, hormone optimization can help lower HbA1C levels, reduce central abdominal fat, and enhance lipid metabolism.
Finally, one of the most controversial topics surrounding hormone therapy is its relationship to breast cancer. In 2002, data from the Women’s Health Initiative led many to believe that all hormones increase the risk of breast cancer. However, a closer look at the study reveals a different truth. The increased risk was specifically linked to synthetic progestin (PremPro)—not bioidentical hormones. In fact, the study showed that estrogen alone does not cause breast cancer. Additionally, testosterone and natural micronized progesterone have been found to be breast-protective, reducing the risk of breast cancer when used appropriately.
While hormone imbalances occur naturally with age, that doesn’t mean they should go untreated. As your wellness provider at Racquel Aesthetics & Wellness, our goal is not only to manage your symptoms but to offer treatment options that enhance your quality of life and promote longevity. We provide bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, including testosterone, estrogen, and micronized progesterone, with a variety of administration options. We will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle.
Let us guide you through the menopause transition, providing support and solutions to help you achieve your longest, healthiest life! If you’re interested in learning more, please reach out to wellness@racquelaesthetics.com or call or text us at 314-200-2334.
XO-
Racquel
Resources:
Donovitz, G. (2015). Age Healthier Live Happier. Celebrity Press, LLC.
Hodis HN, Sarrel PM. Climacteric : The Journal of the International Menopause Society. 2018;21(6):521-528. doi:10.1080/13697137.2018.1514008.
Speksnijder EM, Ten Noever de Brauw GV, Malekzadeh A, et al. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(10):1866-1875. doi:10.2337/dc23-0451
Wang X, Feng S, Deng Q, et al. Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. 2024;:10.1007/s11010-024-05071-4. doi:10.1007/s11010-024-05071-4.
