Perimenopause, Menopause & Hormone Therapy in Torrance, CA

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, when your ovaries gradually make less estrogen and progesterone and hormone levels rise and fall unpredictably. It often starts in your 40s, sometimes in your late 30s, and can last several years. Menopause is confirmed once you have gone 12 months in a row without a period.

Because hormone levels swing from month to month, a single blood test often can't confirm perimenopause. Diagnosis is based mainly on your symptoms, your cycle and your health history, which is why a provider who takes the time to listen matters.

Common signs and symptoms

• Irregular, heavier or lighter periods

• Hot flashes and night sweats

• Trouble falling or staying asleep

• Anxiety, irritability, low mood or feeling unlike yourself

• Brain fog and trouble concentrating

• Vaginal dryness or pain with sex

• Lower sex drive

• Bladder urgency or more frequent urinary infections

• Joint aches, fatigue, and changes in weight or body shape

You don't need all of these to get care. If something has changed and it's affecting your life, it's worth a visit.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy replaces some of the estrogen your body makes less of. Women who still have a uterus also take a progestogen, such as progesterone, which protects the uterine lining. Many FDA-approved options use estradiol and micronized progesterone, which are chemically identical to the hormones your body makes. HRT comes in several forms:

• Patches, gels and sprays applied to the skin

• Pills taken by mouth

• Low-dose vaginal estrogen as a cream, tablet or ring, for dryness and urinary symptoms

HRT is the most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats. For many healthy women who start before age 60 or within about 10 years of menopause, the benefits outweigh the risks. It may not be safe if you have a history of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, heart disease or certain liver conditions, so Dr. Abigail reviews your history in detail first.

Other treatment options

• Non-hormonal medications for hot flashes, sleep and mood, for women who can't or prefer not to use hormones

• Vaginal and pelvic care for dryness, painful sex, leaking or pelvic pressure

• Lab work and screening to rule out other causes, such as thyroid problems or anemia, and to keep up with bone, heart and breast health

• Lifestyle guidance on sleep, nutrition, exercise and stress that fits your real schedule

Your treatment plan, step by step

1. Full review: your symptoms, cycle, medical and family history, medications and goals.

2. Labs and screening when needed.

3. A shared decision: Dr. Abigail explains the benefits, risks and choices so you can decide with full information.

4. Start and adjust: many women notice fewer hot flashes and better sleep within a few weeks. Your dose and form are adjusted until you feel well.

5. Ongoing follow-up: regular check-ins, then at least once a year.

Visits are in person in Torrance or by telehealth anywhere in California. Telehealth in Maryland is coming soon.

Insurance and payment

We accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross of California, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, Health Net PPO and UnitedHealthcare. Coverage varies by plan, so call us to confirm yours. Self-pay visits and Cherry payment plans are also available.

Call to inquire on pricing: (424) 247-7397