Menopause

Overview

Menopause is a natural stage of life, but the hormonal changes that come with it can significantly impact how you feel day to day. From fatigue and weight gain to mood changes and sleep disruption, these shifts can affect both your quality of life and long-term health. At Norterra Family Medicine in Phoenix, we take a personalized, functional approach to menopause care. Through advanced evaluation and bioidentical hormone therapy, we help restore hormonal balance, reduce symptoms, and support healthy aging—so you can continue to feel like yourself through every stage.

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle, typically occurring around age 51. However, many women begin experiencing symptoms years earlier during perimenopause—a transitional phase marked by fluctuating and declining hormone levels. During this time, estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones shift, often leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog, hair changes, and disrupted sleep. These hormonal changes can also affect cardiovascular health, bone density, and metabolism.

Why Menopause Treatment Matters

While menopause is natural, unmanaged symptoms and hormonal decline can significantly impact both daily life and long-term health. Changes in hormone levels can increase the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and metabolic conditions, while also affecting energy, mood, and cognitive function. At Norterra Family Medicine, we address menopause at the root level through personalized bioidentical hormone therapy. These plant-derived hormones are structurally identical to your body’s natural hormones and are carefully tailored to your individual needs. By restoring balance, this approach helps relieve symptoms, improve overall function, and support long-term vitality—without relying on a one-size-fits-all solution.