Temple, Texas women’s health provider, Dr. Shelley Cole offers natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy designed to help Central Texas women reclaim control of their lives and find peace from the distressing symptoms of perimenopause.

As women age, their bodies undergo a natural decline in hormone production that often triggers the uncomfortable symptoms of perimenopause, signaling an impending transition to menopause. Conventional treatments may provide temporary symptom relief through medications such as anti-inflammatories and antidepressants, but they are unable to address the underlying cause–imbalanced hormones. Temple, Texas women’s health provider, Dr. Shelley Cole offers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to Central Texas women as a safe, cutting-edge solution to relieving perimenopause symptoms.

Shelley Cole, M.D. of Healthy Success is committed to presenting Temple, Texas women with an effective solution to the root cause of perimenopause–imbalanced hormones–empowering them to reclaim their vitality and reassert their wellbeing. Shelley Cole, M.D. of Healthy Success specializes in naturally balancing hormones, delivering a sustainable solution to lasting well-being. Central Texas women’s health provider, Dr. Shelley Cole offers advanced, safe perimenopause solutions utilizing natural bioidentical hormones–enabling Temple, Texas women to experience life at its fullest with comprehensive, cutting-edge care.

Temple, Texas women’s health practitioner, Dr. Cole has helped countless Central Texas women take charge of their well-being and eliminate the unwanted symptoms of perimenopause. Call (254) 343-7837 today to schedule your bioidentical hormone replacement therapy consultation!

Symptoms of Perimenopause

Shelley Cole, M.D. of Healthy Success recognizes that every Central Texas woman is unique and her symptoms of perimenopause are no exception. Temple, Texas women’s health provider, Dr. Shelley Cole offers advanced, cutting-edge hormone testing and bioidentical hormone therapy to help each Central Texas woman restore balance and harmony within her body. Common symptoms of perimenopause may include:

If you’ve noticed more feelings of instability, irritability and uncontrollable surges of emotion, then you may be experiencing the common, yet often neglected, mood swings that are caused by imbalanced hormone levels.

Irregular periods can be concerning whether you spot for hours or gush for days. Cycles may also vary, and women may get periods sporadically, every few weeks, or every few months. Temple, Texas women going through perimenopause eventually stop their periods altogether when they enter menopause, but if you’re not there yet, having relief and a cycle you can trust can be important.

Hot flashes aren’t just for fully menopausal women. Dropping estrogen and progesterone levels can leave perimenopausal women suddenly needing to stand in front of the freezer because your body is radiating with the heat of a thousand burning suns. If you’ve experienced the quick and unexpected onslaught of symptoms such as sweat, blotchy skin, rapid heartbeats, and anxiety then you know how mortifying an unanticipated hot flash can be.

The fluctuating hormonal levels of perimenopause can cause extreme distress to a sleep cycle; often causing insomnia or fatigue from unrestful sleep. Other symptoms such as stress incontinence and hot flashes may also lead to frequently and urgently waking up at inconvenient times–adding to the frustration. If you are stressed about sleep, it may be time to call Dr. Shelley Cole at (254) 343-7837.

We never think it’s going to happen to us… then it does. Our drive for intimacy fades, we experience vaginal dryness, and it stresses our relationships with our partners. Studies suggest that around 50% of women struggle with maintaining their libido due to dropping estrogen and testosterone levels.

Decreasing hormone levels are often responsible for causing a loss of bone density in perimenopausal women. Along with improvements in diet and exercise habits, undergoing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help keep your bone density strong. This is important to prevent osteoporosis, a disorder that makes you much more likely to break bones in a fall. Balancing these hormones is a great step towards supporting your skeletal structure.

The natural decline of estrogen from perimenopause comes with a hefty toll in the form of cholesterol regulation. Due to its effects on the metabolism, lower estrogen levels can cause LDL (bad cholesterol) to spike while HDL (good cholesterol) wanes. This causes plaque buildup in our arteries, tampering with blood flow and leading to increased risk of heart disease or blood clotting.

Estrogen helps maintain the integrity of the muscles and organs in your pelvic area–keeping them strong and healthy. As estrogen levels decrease, those supporting structures weaken, forcing your bladder and urethra to do more work on their own and causing them to become lax and tired. This is why many Central Texas women experience urinary stress during their perimenopausal years.

A major environmental change such as moving or remodeling is considered one of the top ten stressors in a person’s life. Unlike changing apartments, you don’t get to decide when or how your body is going to start shifting hormones, and there’s no escape from that change: so, it stands to reason that perimenopause is considered a major impediment to your peace and comfort.

What is Perimenopause?

Every woman is born carrying eggs, and these will last her entire period of fertility, released monthly until her stores are depleted. When her eggs are gone, her body will begin to discontinue its monthly cycle and she will be considered menopausal.

Perimenopause is the time during which her body is beginning its hormonal decline, preparing itself for the last stretch of egg releases. This transition period can last from a few months to a few years, the average length being around a four-year timespan.

During this period a woman is still fertile, however, as her body recognizes the release of fewer eggs each month, her body creates less female sex hormones (progesterone and estrogen), which results in a skewed level of testosterone. This imbalance can lead to many frustrating symptoms and potential health risks.

Health Risks of Perimenopause

As female hormones begin to decline in the years leading up to menopause–new concerns begin to rise. Temple, Texas women experiencing perimenopause may see a spike in stress, irregular sleeping patterns, and cholesterol levels. Combined with decreasing bone density and an onslaught of urinary difficulties, the results can be health conditions such as:

  • Heart disease
  • Osteoporosis
  • Stroke
  • Weight gain
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Urinary tract infections

Perimenopause Risk Factors

Simply put, every woman will eventually become infertile and will reach a perimenopausal state. Some may transition to menopause quickly; others may take longer. Ultimately, genetics (or a family history of early or late perimenopause), diet, lifestyle, and previous health conditions will all have an impact on when this phase may start.

Am I Perimenopausal?

Many women begin to track perimenopausal symptoms in their 40s, however every woman is different: some may even notice symptoms in their early thirties or won’t begin the process until their fifties! If you feel like you are exhibiting symptoms of perimenopause, it is important to see Shelley Cole, M.D. of Healthy Success and have them run a range of tests.

Benefits of BHRT

While Shelley Cole, M.D. of Healthy Success‘s natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can relieve the symptoms of perimenopause for women, the balancing of hormones also provides Temple, Texas women with expansive benefits such as:

  • Increased Muscle Mass
  • More Energy
  • Better Moods
  • Improved Sexual Function
  • Healthier Sleeping Cycles
  • Stronger Bones
  • Reduced Anxiety
  • Increased Stamina
  • Elevated Workout Performances
  • More Lustrous Hair
  • Improved Skin Elasticity
  • Decreased Night Sweats
  • Decreased Depression
  • Improved Memory and Concentration
  • And MUCH more!

BHRT FAQs

Beginning a bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) protocol typically comes with several questions. We’ve gathered some of the most common questions related to starting BHRT and answered them here below. If you have any further questions or need any clarification, please contact Shelley Cole, M.D. of Healthy Success at (254) 343-7837.

How Is BHRT Different from Regular HRT?

The main difference between bioidentical HRT and other forms of HRT are the kind of hormones that are used. In regular HRT, the synthetic hormones used contain additional chemical components that allow the drug manufacturers to patent their chemicals. At best, these added components do nothing for you. At worst, your body may recognize them as foreign chemicals and they may cause unpleasant side effects.

In BHRT, the hormones used are bioidentical, which means that they are the exact chemical structure as the hormones naturally produced in your body. Bioidentical hormones are derived from natural plant sources such as yams and soy. This means there is no risk of your body not accepting them–meaning, minimal to no side effects!

What Form Does BHRT Come In?

Bioidentical hormones are prepared by a compounding pharmacy where they are produced into several forms including: pills, patches, subdermal pellets, creams, injections and more. Everyone responds to these various forms differently, and Shelley Cole, M.D. of Healthy Success can help you find the form that will be most beneficial to you and your body.

What Is The Cost Of BHRT?

The cost of BHRT varies by the hormones needed, the doses needed, the form of BHRT, and the length of time that you receive treatment. For a more accurate quote, please call Shelley Cole, M.D. of Healthy Success at (254) 343-7837 to schedule a consultation.

Is BHRT Covered By My Insurance?

Because insurance plans and providers vary considerably, there is no way for us to provide a blanket statement. Your plan may cover BHRT under certain circumstances. The best course of action is to call Shelley Cole, M.D. of Healthy Success at (254) 343-7837 to discuss whether we accept your current insurance plan and provider. After you call us, we recommend contacting your insurance provider as a follow-up to ensure that your treatment is covered or to discuss how your treatment may be covered.

Are Bioidentical Hormones Safe?

When prescribed and supervised by Shelley Cole, M.D. of Healthy Success, BHRT is generally safe. Any risks or side effects associated with your particular treatment will be reviewed thoroughly before you begin BHRT.

What If My Question Is Not Listed Here?

Temple, Texas women often have many questions before beginning BHRT. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have before, during and after treatment. Contact Shelley Cole, M.D. of Healthy Success at (254) 343-7837 today with any further questions or to schedule your initial consultation!

A middle-aged brunette woman in a light green button-up shirt stands outside smiling, happy with her perimenopause treatment from Shelley Cole, M.D. of Healthy Success in Temple, Texas.

Reclaim Your Balance and Restore Your Well-being

Call Temple, Texas women’s health practitioner, Dr. Cole and discover how bioidentical hormones can grant you relief from your unwanted perimenopause symptoms. Call (254) 343-7837 today!

Shelley Cole M.D. of Healthy Success in Temple, Texas.

Central Texas Female Hormone Specialist

Shelley Cole, M.D. of Healthy Success is Temple, Texas‘s leading female hormone specialist, offering bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to address symptoms related to menopause, perimenopause, and other hormonal imbalances. At Healthy Success, Dr. Shelley Cole provides tailored hormone therapies that restore balance and alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain. Dr. Shelley Cole’s holistic approach ensures that Central Texas women receive the personalized care they need to thrive.

Additional Services Offered by Shelley Cole, M.D. of Healthy Success: