What Is Menopause?
Menopause is officially reached when you have gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, typically between the ages of 45 and 55. It is driven by a natural decline in estrogen and progesterone produced by the ovaries.
The years leading up to this point — called perimenopause — often bring the most noticeable symptoms, while some women continue to experience effects for years after their last period.
Common Symptoms
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Sleep disturbances and insomnia
- Mood changes, irritability, or anxiety
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Vaginal dryness and low libido
- Weight changes, particularly around the midsection
- Joint aches and fatigue
- Thinning hair or dry skin
How Dr. Mary Approaches Menopause
Dr. Mary takes a whole-person view of menopause. Rather than treating it as a single event to get through, she looks at the full hormonal picture and works with you to identify what is driving your most disruptive symptoms.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
For many women, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is a highly effective and safe option. Dr. Mary prescribes and manages bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone when clinically appropriate — tailored to your labs, your history, and your goals.
Nutrition & Lifestyle
Diet plays a powerful role in how your body handles the menopausal transition. Anti-inflammatory eating patterns, phytoestrogen-rich foods, and targeted supplementation (magnesium, Vitamin D, omega-3s) can meaningfully reduce symptom burden.
Botanical Medicine
Herbs such as black cohosh, ashwagandha, and red clover have solid evidence for specific menopausal symptoms. Dr. Mary selects botanicals based on your individual symptom profile rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Lab Testing
A complete hormonal panel — including FSH, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S, and thyroid — helps confirm where you are in the transition and informs treatment decisions.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment is 75 minutes. You will cover your symptom timeline, health history, lifestyle, and goals. If labs are needed, Dr. Mary will order them directly. Together you will leave with a clear, personalized plan.