For Women, By Women. Reclaiming Menopause Together.
At The Menopause Center, we understand firsthand the challenges that come with perimenopause and menopause. This isn’t just our profession—it’s our passion.
Welcome To The Menopause Center
Life-Changing Solutions
We believe that hormone replacement therapy and perimenopausal care are not just treatments—they are life-changing solutions. The physical, emotional, and mental shifts that come with hormonal changes can impact every part of your life.
A Partner in Your Journey
Our mission is to walk alongside you through this transition, providing personalized care that helps you regain your energy, confidence, and quality oflife.
Custom Treatment Plans
During your consultation, you will meet with a Nurse Practitioner to discuss your health history, symptoms, discuss treatment options, risks and benefits, and determine a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and needs.
Available Services
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Vaginal Rejuvenation
Hair Loss Treatment
Medication Management
Symptom Management
Non-Hormonal Treatment Options
About Us
The Menopause Center
At The Menopause Center, we understand firsthand the challenges that come with perimenopause and menopause. This isn’t just our profession—it’s our passion. As Nurse Practitioners, we’ve seen how the lack of comprehensive, compassionate care in this area has left many women feeling unheard, misunderstood, and dismissed. That’s why we created a space where your experiences are validated, your symptoms are addressed, and your well- being is our top priority.
We believe that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and perimenopausal care are not just treatments—they are life-changing solutions. The physical, emotional, and mental shifts that come with hormonal changes can impact every part of your life. Our mission is to walk alongside you through this transition, providing personalized care that helps you regain your energy, confidence, and quality of life.
You deserve to feel your best at every stage of life. At The Menopause Center, we’re here to make sure you do.
Understanding Menopause
Symptoms and Their Duration
Menopause is a natural transition in a woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age being 51. The perimenopausal phase can start up to 10 years before menopause! This phase is characterized by hormonal changes that lead to various physical and emotional symptoms, which can vary in intensity and duration. Understanding these symptoms and how long they last can help women navigate menopause with confidence and seek appropriate care when needed.
Common Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause symptoms result from declining estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels. While some women may experience only mild discomfort, others find their daily lives significantly affected. The most common symptoms include:
Hot Flashes & Night Sweats
- Sudden feelings of intense heat, often accompanied by sweating and flushed skin.
- Night sweats can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and irritability.
Irregular Periods
- Periods may become unpredictable before stopping entirely.
- Can include heavier or lighter bleeding and changes in cycle length.
Mood Changes
- Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
- Irritability and difficulty concentrating are also common.
Vaginal Dryness & Discomfort
- Thinning of vaginal tissues leading to dryness, itching, and pain during intercourse.
- Increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Sleep Disturbances
- Difficulty falling and staying asleep.
- Night sweats and increased anxiety can contribute to poor sleep quality.
Weight Gain & Metabolism Changes
- Hormonal shifts contribute to increased fat storage, particularly around the abdomen.
- Slower metabolism may require lifestyle adjustments to maintain a healthy weight.
Joint & Muscle Pain
- Increased stiffness and soreness due to hormonal changes affecting inflammation levels.
- Frozen shoulder can be attributed to menopause.
Cognitive Changes
- Memory lapses, brain fog, and difficulty focusing.
- Some women report increased forgetfulness and trouble multitasking.
Hair & Skin Changes
- Thinning hair, dry skin, and increased wrinkles due to decreased collagen production.
- Some women may experience increased hair growth in unwanted areas.
How Long Do Menopause Symptoms Last?
The duration of menopause symptoms varies from woman to woman. Perimenopause, the phase leading up to menopause, can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years. Once menopause is reached (defined as 12 months without a period), symptoms may continue for several more years, though they often gradually diminish in intensity. Some women experience symptoms for only a few years, while others may deal with them for a decade or longer.
Managing Menopause Symptoms
While menopause is a natural process, its symptoms can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes, medical interventions, and supportive care. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management, as well as non-hormonal treatments, can all help improve quality of life.
Menopause is a unique experience for every woman, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe and lasting for varying durations. Understanding these symptoms and their potential timelines can empower women to seek the right care and make informed choices about their health. Consulting a healthcare provider can help determine the best management strategies to ensure a smoother transition through this stage of life.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) offers significant benefits for perimenopausal women by alleviating many of the uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms associated with hormonal fluctuations. By restoring estrogen and progesterone levels, HRT can help reduce hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, improving overall quality of life. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures as women age. Additionally, HRT has been shown to support cardiovascular health and may offer cognitive benefits, potentially lowering the risk of dementia. When tailored to an individual’s needs and medical history, HRT can be a safe and effective way to navigate the perimenopausal transition with greater comfort and well-being.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) During Perimenopause
Forms of Hormone Replacement Therapy:
- Bioidentical Hormone Pellets: Small, implantable pellets which deliver chemically identical hormones to that the body produces into the body over a period of 3 to 5 months.
- Oral HRT: Estrogen or combined estrogen-progestin pills are common and easy to use.
- Transdermal HRT: Patches: Applied to the skin, providing small doses of hormones steadily. Gels and Sprays: Absorbed through the skin, offering flexibility in dosing.
- Vaginal HRT: Creams, Tablets, Rings: Target vaginal and urinary symptoms with localized estrogen.
Considerations:
While HRT offers numerous benefits, it’s important to first have a complete consultation with one of our nurse practitioners to discuss individual risks and benefits. Factors such as age, health history, and personal preferences play a vital role in determining the best treatment approach.
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What treatments are available for menopause symptoms?
Our clinic offers a range of treatments tailored to your individual needs, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle counseling, nutritional support, and non-hormonal alternatives as well as vaginal rejuvenation devices and procedures.
What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
HRT is a treatment that replenishes the body with estrogen, testosterone and/or progesterone to relieve menopausal symptoms. It can be administered through pills, patches, creams, or pellets.
Is HRT safe?
HRT is generally safe for most women when used under medical supervision. The benefits often outweigh the risks for many women, especially when started close to the onset of menopause. We provide personalized risk assessments to determine the best course of treatment for you. We have posted a link to a peer reviewed article pertaining to the safety of HRT in women: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8034540/
Are there any risks associated with HRT?
Like any medication, there are risks associated with HRT. However, the overall risk varies depending on individual health history and the type of therapy used. Our providers will discuss these factors in detail during your consultation.
Insurance & Payment Questions
Why doesn’t insurance cover HRT?
Unfortunately, many insurance providers consider bioidentical hormone therapy and some other menopause treatments to be “elective” or “non-essential,” despite their significant impact on quality of life. However, we offer affordable payment options and financing plans to make treatment accessible.
What payment options are available?
We accept major credit cards, HSA/FSA funds, Cherry financing and Klarna. Our staff can help you navigate financing options to ensure you get the care you need.
Do you accept insurance for other services?
While HRT may not be covered, some diagnostic tests and consultations may be eligible for reimbursement through your insurance provider. We can provide necessary documentation for you to submit claims.
Appointments & Consultations
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule an appointment by calling our clinic or visiting our office in person.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required to visit our clinic.
What should I expect during my first visit?
During your first visit, you will meet with one of our nurse practitioners to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. We may also conduct lab tests to assess hormone levels and tailor a treatment plan to your needs.
Questions?
Contact Us
Phone
Address
6230 Massard Rd Suite C, Fort Smith, AR 72916
Hours
Mon: Closed
Tue-Fri: 9am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: Closed