Menopause: Symptom Relief to Long-Term Wellness
At InTouch Primary Care, Dr. Adelola Ashaye, a board-certified family medicine physician, offers a wide range of options— including non-hormonal approaches and individualized Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) — to help women navigate perimenopause and menopause with confidence. With a focus on preventive and proactive care, Dr. Ashaye tailors treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs and health goals — not only to relieve challenging symptoms but to protect long-term health, including heart health, bone density, cognitive function, and overall wellbeing.”
Menopause Care Options
You Have Options. We’ll Help You Find the Right One.
Menopause is not a one-size-fits-all experience — and neither is treatment. Every woman’s symptoms, health history, and preferences are different, which is why Dr. Ashaye takes a personalized approach to care. The range of options is broader than most women realize, spanning lifestyle changes, supplements, mind-body approaches, non-hormonal medications, and hormone therapy. Some women do best with one approach; others benefit from a combination. The goal is always to find what works best for you — not to follow a script. At InTouch Primary Care, we take the time to understand where you are, what you’re experiencing, and what matters most to you, so we can build a plan that fits your life..
Non-Hormonal Options for Menopause Relief
Not every woman is a candidate for hormone therapy, and some women simply prefer to explore other avenues first. The good news is that there is a meaningful range of non-hormonal options — from lifestyle changes to targeted medications — that can provide real relief.
Lifestyle Modifications: Small, consistent changes in daily habits can have a significant impact on menopause symptoms:
- A balanced, anti-inflammatory diet rich in protein, calcium, and phytoestrogens (found in soy, flaxseed, and legumes)
- Regular aerobic and strength training exercise to support mood, weight, sleep, and bone density
- Prioritizing sleep hygiene — consistent sleep and wake times, limiting screens and alcohol before bed
- Stress reduction through mindfulness, yoga, or breathing techniques, may help reduce the perceived severity of hot flashes and improve overall well-being.
- Avoiding common triggers like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and smoking
Supplements: Supplements can play a supportive role during menopause, though the strength of evidence varies. Vitamin D is well-supported for bone health and fracture prevention. Myo-inositol has preliminary evidence for supporting metabolic health, including insulin sensitivity, in postmenopausal women. Whey protein can help support muscle mass and strength, particularly when combined with resistance exercise. Other supplements, like curcumin and berberine, show only early promise. Dr. Ashaye will help you sort through the options and determine what may be appropriate for your specific symptoms and health history.”
Non-Hormonal Prescription Medications: For women who need more targeted treatment, several FDA-approved and off-label medications are available: Few examples are: Fezolinetant (Veozah): FDA-approved specifically for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats). SSRIs/SNRIs (such as paroxetine, escitalopram, or venlafaxine): Low-dose options with proven effectiveness for hot flashes and mood symptoms. Gabapentin: Particularly helpful for nighttime hot flashes and sleep disruption
Mind-Body Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Strong evidence for improving sleep, mood, and the perception of hot flash severity. Acupuncture: Some women find meaningful relief, particularly for hot flashes and sleep.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
HRT involves supplementing the body with hormones – primarily estrogen and progesterone – that decline during menopause. This therapy primarily aims to alleviate menopausal symptoms and can also help reduce the risk of fractures from osteoporosis and improve genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
Symptoms of menopause vary widely and include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings and irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort
- Reduced libido
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Cognitive challenges like memory lapses and brain fog
- Hair and skin changes
By restoring hormonal balance, HRT can significantly improve quality of life during the menopausal transition.
Types of HRT Offered
Dr. Ashaye provides various HRT options to suit individual preferences and medical histories:
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): Utilizes hormones chemically identical to those produced by the body, often derived from plant sources. There are several FDA-approved formulations.
- Traditional Hormone Therapy: Involves FDA-approved synthetic hormones available in various forms.
- Customized Delivery Methods: Includes oral tablets, transdermal patches, topical creams, vaginal rings, and injections, selected based on patient comfort and efficacy.
Is HRT Right for You?
HRT may be beneficial if you are:
- Experiencing moderate to severe perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms
- In good overall health without contraindications such as certain cardiovascular conditions
- Seeking a long-term solution to improve quality of life during menopause
- Interested in understanding how HRT may affect long-term health
Dr. Ashaye conducts thorough evaluations, including medical history reviews and necessary screenings, to determine the suitability of HRT for each patient.
Benefits of HRT
Beyond symptom relief, HRT offers additional health benefits:
- Reduces the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures
- May have a more favorable cardiovascular risk profile when initiated close to menopause onset.
- May improve skin hydration and elasticity.
- May help with mood symptoms during the menopausal transition.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While HRT is effective for many women, it’s important to understand the potential risks so you can make an informed decision. The risk profile of HRT depends on the type of therapy, route of administration, timing of initiation, and individual health factors:
- Combined estrogen-progestin therapy has been associated with a small increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots (venous thromboembolism), and stroke. The absolute increase in risk is small — approximately 1 additional event per 1,000 women per year — and is lower in younger women who start therapy close to menopause onset.
- Estrogen-alone therapy (for women without a uterus) has not been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and may actually reduce it, though a small increased risk of blood clots and stroke remains.
- Transdermal (patch) estrogen appears to carry a lower risk of blood clots and stroke compared to oral estrogen, which is why it is often the preferred route for many women.
- Micronized progesterone (body-identical) may have a more favorable safety profile — particularly regarding breast cancer risk — compared to some synthetic progestins, though more research is needed.
- Risks are generally lowest when HRT is started before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset.
Common side effects include bloating, breast tenderness, and mood changes. Regular follow-ups and personalized treatment adjustments are crucial to minimize risks and monitor health outcomes. Dr. Ashaye will review your individual risk factors and help determine the safest and most effective approach for you.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Bioidentical hormones are structurally identical to the hormones produced by the human body, often derived from plant sources. Synthetic hormones may have different chemical structures and are manufactured through various processes.
The duration of HRT varies per individual. Some may need it for a few years, while others might benefit from longer use. Regular evaluations with Dr. Ashaye will help determine the appropriate length of therapy.
Yes, options include lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, supplements and medications. Dr. Ashaye can discuss these alternatives to find the best approach for you.
HRT does not directly cause weight gain. However, hormonal changes during menopause can affect metabolism. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential.
It depends on the type of cancer and individual circumstances. Dr. Ashaye will assess your medical history to determine the safest treatment options.
Yes — and here’s why. Menopause is far more than a reproductive health issue. Hormones affect nearly every system in your body, from your heart and metabolism to your bones, brain, and mood. A menopause-trained primary care physician is uniquely positioned to see the full picture — managing preventive care, metabolic health, chronic conditions, and the wide-ranging effects of hormonal change all in one place. You don’t have to piece it together across multiple specialists.
Meet Dr. Adelola Ashaye
My interest in the medical field was first sparked when I was in high school, by my observation of a patient-doctor relationship. Many years have passed since that interaction which took place at Alpena General Hospital in Michigan; and it is the desire to build and maintain meaningful long lasting relationships that continues to draw me to medicine.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re in midlife — whether symptoms have started or not — you deserve a physician who will take your health seriously at every stage. Contact InTouch Primary Care to schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Adelola Ashaye. Serving Sugar Land, TX and surrounding communities, we’re here to support your journey to optimal health.”
Navigate the Menopause Transition with Confidence
Understand the signs of perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Take the wellness check-in and discover simple ways to support your health through every phase. Download your free guide today!
