Comprehensive Care for Perimenopause and Menopause: What You Need to Know
Menopause Isn’t Just About Hot Flashes—It’s a Whole-Body Experience
For many women, perimenopause and menopause bring a wave of physical, emotional, and metabolic changes that can feel overwhelming. Research shows that 60-86% of women experience symptoms significant enough to seek medical care, yet many leave their appointments feeling dismissed, misunderstood, or untreated.
Despite the availability of effective, evidence-based treatments, menopause care remains one of the most overlooked areas in medicine—with fewer than 7% of primary care physicians feeling adequately trained to treat menopause symptoms. As a result, women often turn to untested supplements, fad diets, or struggle in silence.
At Evolve, we take a science-backed, personalized approach to menopause and perimenopause care—helping women not just survive, but thrive through midlife and beyond.
The Full Spectrum of Menopause Symptoms
Menopause symptoms aren’t just hot flashes and night sweats—they can impact every system in the body, from metabolism to mental clarity. The most common include:
Vasomotor Symptoms – Hot flashes, night sweats, and sudden temperature fluctuations
Brain Fog & Memory Issues – Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, mental fatigue
Mood Changes – Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, and emotional instability
Sleep Disruptions – Insomnia, trouble falling asleep, or waking up multiple times at night
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) – Vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, frequent UTIs, and bladder discomfort
Metabolic Changes & Weight Gain – Increased belly fat, slowed metabolism, and insulin resistance
Heart Palpitations & Blood Pressure Changes – Linked to fluctuating estrogen levels
Bone Loss & Joint Pain – Declining estrogen can accelerate osteoporosis and cause stiffness
Sexual Health Changes – Reduced libido, vaginal discomfort, and hormonal imbalances affecting intimacy
While some symptoms resolve over time, others—like bone loss, metabolic changes, and genitourinary symptoms—progress with age, making early intervention critical for long-term health.
The Best Treatments for Menopause & Perimenopause Symptoms
1️. Hormone Therapy for Relief & Long-Term Health
Hormone therapy (HRT) remains the gold standard for treating menopause symptoms when prescribed appropriately. Research confirms that HRT is the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes), cognitive function, sleep disturbances, and bone protection.
Who is a candidate for HRT? Women under age 60 or within 10 years of their last menstrual period typically benefit the most with a favorable risk-benefit profile.
Who should avoid HRT? Women with a history of breast cancer, blood clots, or uncontrolled cardiovascular disease may need non-hormonal alternatives.
What type of HRT is best? Options include bioidentical estrogen and progesterone, delivered through patches, pills, creams, or vaginal formulations for symptom control and long-term health benefits.
Research also shows that timing matters—women who begin HRT early in menopause experience significant benefits for heart, bone, and cognitive health, while delaying treatment may reduce its protective effects.
2. Non-Hormonal Therapies: Effective Alternatives for Symptom Relief
For women who cannot or prefer not to take HRT, several clinically proven non-hormonal treatments can help, including:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) & SNRIs – Can reduce hot flashes and mood symptoms
Gabapentin & Clonidine – Helpful for night sweats and sleep disturbances
Ospemifene – FDA-approved for vaginal atrophy and painful intercourse
Lifestyle & Supplement Strategies – Targeting inflammation, gut health, and metabolic support
3️. Nutrition, Gut Health & Metabolism: A Whole-Body Approach
The gut plays a major role in hormone balance, metabolism, and overall menopause health. A personalized nutrition strategy can significantly improve symptoms and long-term health.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet – Whole foods, fiber-rich plants, omega-3s, and gut-friendly prebiotics to reduce inflammation
Strategic Exercise for Midlife Women – Strength training, resistance workouts, and mobility exercises are critical for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and metabolic health. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and low-impact cardio help enhance fat metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, and support heart health, while yoga and Pilates promote flexibility, stress reduction, and nervous system balance.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) – Helps identify insulin resistance and blood sugar imbalances affecting weight and energy
Targeted Supplements – Including magnesium, omega-3s, vitamin D, and phytoestrogens to support hormone balance
4️. Sexual Wellness & Genitourinary Health
Menopause-related changes in sexual health and urinary function are common but highly treatable. Our approach includes:
Localized Vaginal Estrogen & DHEA Therapy – Helps restore vaginal moisture, reduce pain, and prevent UTIs
Non-Hormonal Lubricants & Moisturizers – Long-term hydration and comfort
Pelvic Floor Therapy & Lifestyle Strategies – Strengthening muscles to improve sexual function and bladder control
Take Control of Your Menopause Journey with Personalized Care
Menopause care isn’t one-size-fits-all—your treatment should be as unique as your symptoms, goals, and lifestyle.
At Evolve, we offer:
Personalized hormone and non-hormonal treatment options
Advanced metabolic and hormone testing
Comprehensive nutrition and longevity strategies
In-person care in Issaquah & telemedicine throughout Washington
You don’t have to suffer through perimenopause alone. Get expert guidance, personalized solutions, and compassionate care that empowers you to thrive—not just survive—through midlife and beyond.
