Dr. Cova and her staff understand the symptoms of the hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause (before menopause) and throughout the menopausal years. Symptoms can occur as early as the mid-thirties, usually lasting from 2-8 years prior to menopause.

Menopause is common around the age of 51, though every woman’s body has its own timeline. Hormonal changes that prevent you from achieving an optimal lifestyle may be corrected. When your hormones are balanced you feel energetic, happy, sexy and alive.

In order to accomplish this, Dr. Cova recommends testing and assessing your hormone levels when symptoms occur. There are various types of hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Cova will partner with you to achieve a customized plan to fit your needs.

Are you balanced? If you have any of the following symptoms, you may be experiencing hormonal imbalance:

• Hot flashes/night sweats
• Food cravings
• Weight gain/inability to lose weight
• Foggy thinking
• Hair loss
• Vaginal dryness
• Breast tenderness
• Endometriosis
• Depression
• Arthritis/joint pains
• Migraines/headaches
• Insomnia/sleep disturbances
• Poor concentration
• Fatigue
• Inability to build/maintain muscle
• Irritability mood swings
• PMS
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Anxiety
• Bloating
• Impaired immune system/frequent infection

Dr. Cova and staff are committed to supporting and treating each woman with customized hormone replacement strategy.

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Pellet Therapy (BHRT)

Bio-identical hormones are derived from natural plant compounds and have the same chemical structure as the ones made in your body. Preliminary testing can be done with either blood, saliva, or both, and may be repeated every 3-6 months depending upon physician recommendations. Dr. Cova only prescribes compounded hormones that are manufactured according to the highest industry standards. Some patients notice results within a week while others may need additional time.The benefits of bio-identical hormones will be noticed as you restore your natural sense of well-being. You are supporting your immune system and reducing inflammation. This has tremendous positive benefits on your brain, heart muscle, bones, and your sleep. Bio-identical hormones have transformed the lives of many patients.

Bio-Identical Hormones

• Chemical structure is exact replica of human hormones
• Fits hormone receptor exactly
• Helps with all hormonal symptoms
• Individualized dosing
• Lab testing/monitoring available
• Must be obtained from compounding pharmacy

Conventional Hormone Therapy

• Chemical structure is different than human hormones
• Fits hormone receptor well
• Helps with hot flashes and vaginal dryness
• One-size-fits-all dosing
• No monitoring tests available
• Can be obtained at a regular pharmacy (e.g., CVS, Walgreens, Kroger)

Why is Dutch Testing Better?

The DUTCH model provides excellent results for reproductive hormones and may be a significant improvement compared to salivary testing. The better saliva assays are a good way to see the timing of hormones (when did I ovulate? Did I have a significant progesterone surge?). DUTCH is a little better for this line of questioning (with our DUTCH Cycle Mapping test) and quite a lot better at determining whether the patient is low, normal or high for their estradiol status. One of the things I have loved about DUTCH testing is how well we can define the patient with respect to estrogen (accurate values AND metabolites) and cortisol (free pattern AND metabolites).