Bioidentical Hormone Therapy for Women

Feel Like Yourself Again

Hormonal changes can affect nearly every part of how you feel—from your sleep, mood, and energy to your metabolism, menstrual cycle, and sexual health. Yet many women are told that their symptoms are simply part of getting older or that everything is “normal” because their laboratory results fall within a standard range.

At Monterey Natural Wellness, we take a more thoughtful and individualized approach. We listen closely to what has changed, assess your symptoms alongside your medical history and laboratory findings, and help you understand your treatment options.

Your care is guided by Dr. Allison Serrano, ND, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and member of The Menopause Society and the Endocrinology Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and Dr. Ryann McInturf, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with advanced training in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Perimenopause and Menopause.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may be one part of your care plan when it is medically appropriate and aligned with your goals.

Hormonal Symptoms Are Personal

Perimenopause can begin years before your periods stop completely. During this time, hormone levels may fluctuate significantly, and symptoms can change from month to month.

Women throughout Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Seaside often seek our help for:

• Hot flashes or night sweats

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

• Increased anxiety or changes in mood

• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

• Fatigue or reduced motivation

• Irregular, heavy, or changing periods

• Vaginal dryness or discomfort

• Reduced libido

• Changes in body composition

• Headaches or migraines that have changed with age

• Feeling unlike yourself

These symptoms are not always caused by hormones alone. Thyroid disorders, nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar changes, chronic stress, sleep disorders, and other health concerns can cause similar symptoms. Our goal is to evaluate the full picture before recommending treatment, through the same functional medicine testing approach we use across our practice.

What Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?

Bioidentical hormones have the same chemical structure as hormones produced naturally by the human body. Depending on your needs, treatment may include estradiol, progesterone, or other carefully selected therapies.

We do not believe in using the same hormone formula for every woman. The medication, dose, and method of delivery should be selected according to your symptoms, health history, risk factors, preferences, and response to treatment.

A More Comprehensive Approach to Hormone Care

Hormone therapy should not begin and end with a prescription.

Your evaluation may include:

• A detailed review of your symptoms and menstrual history

• Personal and family medical history

• Review of current medications and supplements

• Appropriate laboratory testing

• Thyroid and metabolic assessment when indicated.

• Discussion of sleep, stress, nutrition, exercise, and sexual health

• Review of the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives to hormone therapy

• Ongoing follow-up and adjustments based on your response

Some women benefit from hormone therapy, while others may be better served by non-hormonal treatment or a broader naturopathic medicine plan that addresses your contributing factors. We will help you understand your options so that you can make an informed decision about your care.

What Can Hormone Therapy Help With?

For appropriately selected patients, menopausal hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats. It may also help with sleep disruption, libido, mood and vaginal symptoms associated with menopause.

Every woman responds differently. We will discuss which symptoms are reasonably likely to improve, what hormone therapy cannot be expected to fix on its own, and how we will evaluate whether your treatment is working.

Hormone Care Beyond a Quick Prescription

Convenience matters, but hormone care should still feel like healthcare.

At Monterey Natural Wellness, your treatment is based on more than a brief questionnaire or a single laboratory result. You have an ongoing relationship with a local healthcare provider who knows your history, monitors your progress, and can adjust your plan as your health and goals change.

Our approach includes:

• Longer, individualized appointments

• Careful review of benefits and potential risks

• Consideration of thyroid, metabolic, nutritional, and lifestyle factors

• Thoughtful medication selection rather than a preset hormone package

• Regular follow-up and appropriate monitoring

Our goal is not simply to prescribe hormones. It is to help you feel like yourself again with personalized healthcare designed for your needs and long-term health.

Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Right for You?

Hormone therapy is not appropriate for every woman. Your Naturopathic Doctor will review your individual history, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment preferences before making a recommendation.

If hormone therapy is prescribed, your plan will be tailored to you and reassessed over time. If it is not the right fit, we can discuss other ways to address your symptoms and support your health through perimenopause and menopause.