Women’s Health
At Verve Health, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for women at every stage of life. Whether you are dealing with the challenges of perimenopause, or menopause, our team of expert providers are here to listen and guide you toward improved health and well-being. We understand that each woman’s experience is unique, which is why we create personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, helping you regain balance, feel heard, and live your most vibrant life.
Our practice serves women across Ventura County,¹ including Ventura, Camarillo, Oxnard, and beyond. We are passionate about helping you navigate hormonal changes, including managing symptoms of menopause and perimenopause through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and other integrative treatments.
Women’s Health
Women’s Health Conditions We Treat
At Verve Health, we specialize in addressing a wide range of women’s health concerns, including menopause, perimenopause, PCOS, and sexual dysfunction. We understand that hormonal changes can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life, from hot flashes and night sweats to mood swings, irregular periods, and weight gain. Our team of medical providers use personalized care tailored to your unique needs, offering comprehensive solutions. For women with PCOS, we offer treatments that address hormone imbalance, promote menstrual cycle regularity, and support overall wellness, including fertility and weight management. Additionally, we provide compassionate care for women experiencing sexual dysfunction, helping to improve libido, reduce vaginal dryness, and enhance overall sexual well-being.
MENOPAUSE & PERIMENOPAUSE
Menopause and perimenopause are natural stages in a woman’s life, but the symptoms can vary widely and significantly impact your well-being. To diagnose and manage menopause or perimenopause, we start by obtaining a full history of your symptoms, such as changes in your menstrual cycle, sleep disturbances, and mood fluctuations. We also conduct a comprehensive lab panel to evaluate your hormone levels, including estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid function, to identify any imbalances that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Common symptoms of menopause and perimenopause include²:
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Mood swings
Irregular periods
Vaginal dryness
Low libido
Weight gain
Fatigue
SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
Sexual dysfunction in women can arise from hormonal imbalances or emotional and psychological factors. At Verve Health, we take a holistic approach to diagnosing sexual dysfunction, starting with an in-depth consultation to understand your symptoms and concerns. We may recommend lab testing to assess hormone levels, particularly estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which can impact libido and sexual function.
Common symptoms of sexual dysfunction include:
Low libido or lack of sexual desire
Pain during intercourse
Vaginal dryness
Difficulty achieving orgasm
PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)³ is a complex hormonal condition that can affect your menstrual cycle, mood, insulin, and overall health. Diagnosis begins with a detailed review of your symptoms, such as irregular periods and weight gain, and a lab panel to assess hormone levels, including androgens, insulin, and other key markers of metabolic health. Identifying hormonal imbalances is critical in diagnosing PCOS and guiding effective treatment.
Common symptoms of PCOS include:
Irregular periods or missed periods
Heavy menstruation
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Acne or oily skin
Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)
Hair thinning or hair loss
Fertility challenges or infertility
Treatments We Offer for Women’s Health
Menopause & Perimenopase
For women experiencing menopause and perimenopause, we offer Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), a natural approach to hormone replacement that helps restore balance and alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and night sweats. We also provide individualized lifestyle recommendations, such as nutritional guidance and stress management techniques, to help you maintain energy levels, manage weight, and improve your quality of life during this transition. Our goal is to help you feel your best as you navigate these changes in your body.
Sexual Dysfunction
For women experiencing sexual dysfunction, we provide hormone therapy to address vaginal dryness, boost libido, and improve sexual satisfaction. In addition to hormone treatments, we offer personalized support through lifestyle modifications and stress management to enhance your overall sexual health and confidence. Our compassionate approach ensures that your concerns are heard, and your treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs.
PCOS
Our approach to treating PCOS includes medication and lifestyle modifications. For weight management, incorporating medications that can decrease insulin resistance can help promote sustainable weight loss. We also offer lifestyle interventions, including nutrition counseling and exercise recommendations, to improve metabolic health and support fertility. Our goal is to help you manage the underlying causes of PCOS and improve your overall well-being.
FAQs About Women’s Health Treatments
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Unlike traditional hormone therapies, BHRT uses hormones that are molecularly identical to those produced by your body, which allows for a more natural and precise approach to hormone balance. BHRT is delivered in various forms, such as creams, patches, or pellets, to suit your preferences and needs. This therapy helps to restore optimal levels of estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone, addressing common symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.⁴
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Most women begin to notice improvements in their symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks of starting BHRT. However, it may take up to 3 months for your body to fully adjust and experience the maximum benefits. Every individual is different, so we closely monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan for optimal results
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Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is generally safe when administered by a healthcare professional, but like any medical treatment, it may come with some potential side effects. Some women may experience immediate effects such as mild bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, or mood changes. These side effects are often temporary and can be managed by adjusting the dosage. At Verve Health, we closely monitor your progress and hormone levels throughout your treatment to ensure the safest and most effective care.
In the past, some observational studies suggested that hormone replacement therapy, in general, might increase the risk of conditions such as breast cancer or cardiovascular disease. However, more recent research, which uses clinical trials and more reliable data, has shown that when BHRT is administered carefully and tailored to the individual, the risks are minimal. For women with symptoms of hormone deficiency or imbalance, BHRT has been shown to be an effective option with a low risk of serious complications, such as heart disease or cancer, particularly when compared to traditional synthetic hormone therapies.
While this newer research is reassuring, we will always discuss the potential risks and benefits and treatment options with you before committing to long-term hormone therapy, especially if there are any underlying health conditions to consider. At Verve Health, your safety is our top priority, and we tailor each treatment plan to your unique needs while carefully monitoring your progress.⁶
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PCOS is a chronic condition, and while it cannot be "cured," its symptoms can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan. We focus on regulating hormonal imbalances, improving insulin sensitivity, and addressing symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and acne through a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and support. Our goal is to help you feel your best and manage your symptoms over the long term.
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Many women with PCOS face fertility challenges due to irregular ovulation, but with the right treatment, it is often possible to conceive. At Verve Health, we offer individualized treatment plans that address hormonal imbalances, improve ovulation, and support fertility. By managing your PCOS through medication and lifestyle changes, we can help increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.⁷
Contact Us
At Verve Health, we are committed to providing personalized, compassionate care to help you navigate every stage of your health. Whether you're seeking relief from menopause symptoms, managing PCOS, or looking to improve your overall well-being, our tailored treatment plans are designed to address your unique needs and goals. With the latest in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and integrative health solutions, we're here to support you in living your most vibrant life.
Ready to take control of your health? Schedule a consultation with Verve Health today, and let’s create a plan that empowers you to feel your best. We’re here for you every step of the way.
¹ National Library of Medicine. The Menopause Transition: Signs, Symptoms, and Management Options. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33095879/. October 2, 2024.
² National Library of Medicine. Menopause Transition: Physiology and Symptoms. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35382992/. October 2, 2024.
³ Annals of Medicine. The Latest Reports and Treatment Methods on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11229724/. October 3, 2024.
⁴ Cleveland Clinic. Bioidentical Hormones. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15660-bioidentical-hormones. October 2, 2024.
⁵ National Library of Medicine. Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy and Reduction of All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Diseases: It’s about Time and Timing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9178928/. October 2, 2024.
⁶ National Library of Medicine. Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy and Reduction of All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Diseases: It’s about Time and Timing. . https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9178928/. October 2, 2024.
⁷ JCEM. Obesity, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and Infertility: A New Avenue for GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7457958/. October 4, 2024.