Medically reviewed by Dr. Allyson Berkey, MD
Dr. Allyson Berkey, MD, board certified by the American Board of Regenerative Medicine. Meet Dr. Berkey
Night sweats that wake you up. Sleep that isn’t what it used to be. Periods that suddenly have a mind of their own. For a lot of women, midlife brings changes that are easy to brush off until they start getting in the way of daily life.
At Beyond Restore Wellness & Aesthetics, we offer hormone therapy for women in Newport Beach as a prescribed, monitored plan. This guide walks through how hormones shift, the methods we use, who is and isn’t a fit, and what the process looks like from the first visit on.
How Women’s Hormones Change Over Time
Estrogen and progesterone levels shift during perimenopause, change further at menopause and stay lower afterward. Some women also notice changes after pregnancy. We offer hormone therapy for women in perimenopause, menopause and after menopause, and after having a baby.
Your stage matters more than your age. Two women of the same age can be at very different points, so we plan around where you are and what you’d like to change.
What Women Often Notice First
Women often book a consultation when changes like these start to affect daily life:
- Night sweats or feeling warm at odd times
- Changes in sleep
- Mood changes
- Changes in periods
- Vaginal dryness or less interest in sex
These can have many causes, not only hormones. We’ll go over them with you and tell you honestly whether hormone therapy is worth considering. Intimacy concerns are common topics, and you can bring them up without feeling rushed.
What “Bioidentical” Actually Means
You’ll hear the term “bioidentical” a lot. It means the hormones used have the same chemical structure as the ones your body makes, such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. It describes the molecule. It doesn’t mean a therapy is better than other options or free of risks and side effects.
Women’s plans can include estrogen, progesterone and, in some cases, testosterone, depending on your health review. Any hormone therapy is a prescription. It starts with a medical review and is adjusted over time. You can read more on our bioidentical hormone therapy page.
Hormone Therapy Methods for Women
For women, options include pellets, creams, pills, patches and injections. Your plan uses the method that fits your health review and routine:
- Pellets are small pellets placed under the skin at a short office visit. Dr. Allyson Berkey, MD, or our nurse practitioner places them under lidocaine, you can go back to normal activity afterward, and they typically last about 3 to 4 months before the next placement.
- Creams, pills and patches are used at home on the schedule in your plan.
- Injections follow a set schedule and can be given in the office or at home. Your first one can be done or taught in the office.
If a method isn’t working for you, it can be changed at a follow-up.
Your First Visit and Labs
Everything starts with a free consultation about your cycle history, pregnancies, symptoms, medications and family history. Bring a list of your medications and supplements and any recent lab results.
From there, here’s how a plan usually goes:
- Baseline labs are drawn before your first dose.
- A written plan covers the hormone, the dose and the method, if hormone therapy is a fit.
- Repeat labs about 2 months in help fine-tune your dose if needed.
- Ongoing follow-up means labs and a plan review every 6 months. Follow-ups and refills can be handled by telehealth.
Between visits, let us know about any spotting, breast tenderness or other changes.
Who Is (and Isn’t) a Good Fit
Hormone therapy may be worth discussing if you’re in perimenopause or past menopause and the changes are affecting your daily life. It isn’t right for every woman. It’s not a good fit if you have a hormone-sensitive cancer, are pregnant or nursing, have a serious heart condition without medical clearance, or have a history of blood clots or stroke. We’ll review your personal and family history, including any history of blood clots, stroke or breast cancer, at your consultation.
Hormone therapy here doesn’t replace your regular care. Keep up with your checkups and screenings, such as mammograms and pelvic exams.
Results, Side Effects and Honest Expectations
Hormone therapy has risks as well as possible benefits, and they depend on your age, health history, the hormone and the method. We talk through possible side effects before you begin.
Most women notice changes gradually, and the pace is different for each person. Some women prefer a lower dose or a different method once they see how they feel. Results vary from person to person, and no result can be promised.
Pairing Hormone Therapy With Other Care
Hormone therapy can be one part of a broader plan. Women sometimes pair it with Emsella, the OMG-Shot or Morpheus8V. You can also ask about peptide therapy and medical weight loss if they fit your goals. Partners curious about their own options can read about hormone therapy for men.
Hormone Therapy for Women FAQs
Can I start hormone therapy after having a baby?
We offer hormone therapy for women after having a baby. It isn’t a fit while you’re pregnant or nursing, so timing is part of the conversation at your consultation.
Can a women’s plan include testosterone?
In some cases, yes. Women’s plans can include estrogen, progesterone and, in some cases, testosterone, depending on your health review.
What if the first method I try doesn’t suit me?
Your method can be changed at a follow-up. Some women also prefer a lower dose once they see how they feel.
What should I bring to my consultation?
A list of your medications and supplements, any recent lab results, and notes on your cycle history, pregnancies, symptoms and family history.
Book Your Free Consultation
If midlife hormone changes are on your mind, a free consultation is a no-pressure way to ask questions and see your options. Walk-ins are welcome, but scheduling is recommended. Financing is available through PatientFi, CareCredit and Cherry.
Beyond Restore Wellness & Aesthetics
1501 Westcliff Dr #303, Newport Beach, CA 92660
- Call: 949-503-9621
- Hours: Mon–Thu 9:00 AM–5:00 PM · Fri 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
This article is for general education and isn’t medical advice. Individual results vary, and no result can be promised. Please consult a qualified physician about your own health before starting any hormone therapy.