What Are the Signs of Perimenopause — and When Should I Get Help?

Many women start experiencing symptoms of perimenopause as early as their late 30s or early 40s — but it's often brushed off as stress, aging, or “just part of life.”

At Ovella Health, we want you to feel confident understanding what’s happening in your body — and know that support is available.

Common Signs of Perimenopause:

• Irregular periods (longer or shorter cycles)

• Hot flashes or night sweats

• Mood swings or irritability

• Trouble sleeping

• Brain fog or memory lapses

• Vaginal dryness or discomfort with intimacy

• Increased anxiety or depressive symptoms

When to Seek Help:

If these symptoms are disrupting your daily life — sleep, relationships, energy, or mood — you don’t have to wait until menopause to get support.

There are both hormonal and non-hormonal treatments available that can help you feel like yourself again.

At Ovella Health, Kelly Baxter, MD and Kelsey Sherman, MD offer virtual menopause and perimenopause care for women in Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho. We use FDA-approved bioidentical hormones, personalized treatment plans, and real doctor access — not rushed visits or brush-offs.

Book a free discovery call with Dr. Kelly Baxter or Dr. Kelsey Sherman

Is Hormone Therapy Safe for Menopause? What You Need to Know

If you’ve been told hormone therapy is dangerous, you’re not alone — and you’re not getting the full story.

At Ovella Health, we’re here to clear up the confusion and give you the facts. For many women, hormone therapy (HRT) is not only safe — it can improve quality of life and prevent long-term health issues when used appropriately.

What Changed the Conversation?

Decades ago, the Women’s Health Initiative study raised concerns about hormone therapy. But that research focused on oral estrogen and synthetic progestins, not the safer forms used today.

Since then, newer studies have shown that:

• The type of hormone

• The form it’s delivered in

• And the age and health of the woman using it
  ...all play a major role in its safety and benefits.

When Hormone Therapy is Considered Safe:

• You’re under age 60 or within 10 years of menopause (for women outside this age window, we recommend using transdermal formulations only and avoiding oral forms)

• You’re using transdermal estradiol (patch or gel) and micronized progesterone

• Decision to start follows a comprehensive appointment and medical history

This kind of therapy can actually reduce your risk of:

• Osteoporosis

• Colon cancer

• Type 2 diabetes

• Hot flashes, sleep issues, and brain fog

But Is It Right for Me?

That’s the most important question — and it’s where we come in. At Ovella Health, we look at your full picture: your symptoms, health history, goals, and lifestyle.

We use FDA-approved, bioidentical hormones in forms that maximize safety and effectiveness.

Ready to learn if HRT is a good fit for you?
Book a free discovery call with Kelly Baxter, MD or Kelsey Sherman, MD at Ovella Health — no pressure, just clarity.

What Is FDA-Approved HRT — and Why Does It Matter?

When it comes to hormone therapy, not all options are the same — and the terms can be confusing.

At Ovella Health, we prescribe FDA-approved hormone therapy, also known as bioidentical HRT — not compounded or unregulated hormones. Here’s why that distinction matters for your health.

What Is FDA-Approved HRT?

FDA-approved hormone therapy refers to medications that:

• Are produced by major pharmaceutical manufacturers

• Have been tested for safety, consistency, and dosage

• Are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

These include:

• Estradiol (the same estrogen your body makes), available in patch, pill, gel, or vaginal form

• Micronized progesterone, a plant-derived version of natural progesterone

These are what we use at Ovella Health — because they’re bioidentical, effective, and evidence-based.

What About Compounded Hormones?

Compounded hormones are mixed in specialty pharmacies — they aren’t FDA-regulated, and the dosages can vary from batch to batch.

We understand some women have used these in the past, but research shows they may carry increased risks due to inconsistent dosing and lack of oversight.

Why We Choose FDA-Approved

• Safer, consistent dosing

• Clear research backing

• Covered by many insurance plans

• Easier to monitor and adjust

You deserve hormone therapy that’s backed by science and built around your needs — not guesswork.

Questions about your current hormones — or wondering where to start?
Book a free discovery call and Dr. Kelly Baxter and Dr. Kelsey Sherman will talk through your options with clarity and care.