Perimenopause & Menopause Explained
Perimenopause is the transition period leading up to menopause. It typically begins in a woman's early-to-mid 40s — though for some women it starts in the late 30s — and can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years. During this time, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate unpredictably, causing a wide range of symptoms that can significantly affect your quality of life.
Menopause is reached when you've gone 12 consecutive months without a period. At this point, your ovaries have significantly reduced hormone production. But that doesn't mean the symptoms stop — many women experience ongoing hot flashes, sleep disruption, mood changes, and weight gain for years.
The good news: you don't have to power through it. Hormone replacement therapy restores the hormones your body is producing less of, relieving symptoms and protecting your long-term health. Research from the Women's Health Initiative — a study of over 27,000 women — has shown that when HRT is started within 10 years of menopause, it reduces risks of coronary disease, osteoporosis, and all-cause mortality.
Key Facts
1.2B
women worldwide will be over 50 by 2030
~50%
of women experience significant menopause symptoms
4-10 yrs
is how long perimenopause can last
2-4 wks
to notice initial improvements with HRT
Symptoms We Treat
Hormonal imbalance affects every woman differently. If you're experiencing several of these symptoms, your hormones may be the root cause.
Hot Flashes & Night Sweats
Sudden waves of heat, flushing, and sweating that disrupt your day and your sleep. The most common menopause complaint.
Mood Swings & Anxiety
Irritability, unexplained sadness, heightened anxiety — especially at night — and feeling emotionally unlike yourself.
Weight Gain
Stubborn pounds, especially around the midsection, that don't respond to the diet and exercise that used to work for you.
Fatigue & Low Energy
Exhaustion that no amount of sleep seems to fix. Feeling drained by mid-afternoon and lacking the energy you used to have.
Brain Fog
Difficulty concentrating, forgetting words, walking into rooms and forgetting why. You're not losing your mind — it's your hormones.
Sleep Problems
Difficulty falling asleep, waking at 3am, tossing and turning. Night sweats that force you to change the sheets.
Low Libido
Decreased interest in intimacy, vaginal dryness, and discomfort. These are treatable hormone symptoms, not just "getting older."
Hair Thinning
Noticing more hair in the drain, thinner ponytail, or changes in hair texture. Hormonal imbalance is a common culprit.
Joint Pain & Stiffness
New aches and pains in your joints that seem to come out of nowhere. Declining estrogen affects joint lubrication and inflammation.
Sound familiar? A simple blood test can reveal whether your hormones are the cause.
How HRT Helps
What HRT Replaces
Hormone replacement therapy works by restoring the hormones your body is producing less of. For women, this typically means a personalized combination of:
- Estrogen — relieves hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and protects bone density and heart health
- Progesterone — balances estrogen, supports sleep quality, calms anxiety, and protects the uterine lining
- Testosterone — yes, women need it too. Restores energy, sex drive, mental clarity, and helps maintain muscle mass
What You Can Expect
When your hormones are brought back into balance, the effects are often described as life-changing:
- Hot flashes and night sweats reduced or eliminated
- Stable mood, less anxiety, and improved emotional resilience
- Deeper, more restful sleep without night sweats
- Improved energy and mental clarity throughout the day
- Renewed libido and comfort with intimacy
- Easier weight management and improved metabolism
- Long-term protection for bones, heart, and brain
Is HRT safe? Earlier fears about HRT were largely based on the initial 2002 Women's Health Initiative findings, which have since been re-evaluated. Updated analysis shows that for women who begin HRT within 10 years of menopause, the benefits — including reduced risks of heart disease, osteoporosis, and overall mortality — significantly outweigh the risks. At Glow Medical Group, we monitor your labs regularly to ensure your treatment remains safe and effective.
Meet Chasidy Crist, NP
Chasidy brings 20 years of nursing experience and 8 years as a nurse practitioner to Glow Medical Group. She has advanced training in women's hormone optimization through Elite NP and HRT University, and she understands firsthand how disruptive hormonal changes can be to a woman's daily life.
Chasidy takes the time to listen to your symptoms, review your lab work thoroughly, and build a hormone replacement plan that's tailored to your body and your goals. She'll walk you through every step — from understanding your blood work to adjusting your protocol as your body responds — so you always feel informed and supported.
Your Path to Feeling Like Yourself Again
Getting started with hormone replacement therapy is simple. Here's what to expect.
Book Your Consultation
In-person at our Delaware, OH office or via telehealth from anywhere in Ohio
Comprehensive Lab Work
Full hormone panel at Quest Diagnostics to understand your unique levels
Personalized Protocol
Customized estrogen, progesterone, and/or testosterone plan for your body
Ongoing Optimization
Regular check-ins and lab monitoring to keep your hormones balanced
Women's HRT Membership
No insurance hassles. No surprise bills. No contracts. Just personalized hormone therapy with everything included.
Women's HRT
Everything you need for balanced, optimized hormones.
- All medical visits included
- Estrogen, Progesterone & Testosterone as prescribed
- Most relevant medications included
- Personalized dosing and protocol adjustments
- In-person or telehealth visits
- Labs at Quest: 1-2x/year (~$120-$220/draw)
Why Women Choose Glow Medical Group
A Provider Who Listens
Chasidy Crist, NP takes the time to understand your symptoms, your concerns, and your goals. You won't feel rushed or dismissed.
Evidence-Based Approach
Your protocol is built on your lab results and the latest medical research — not guesswork or one-size-fits-all dosing.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
$229/month covers your visits and most medications. No insurance games, no prior authorizations, no surprise bills.
Telehealth Across Ohio
Get expert hormone care from anywhere in Ohio. Virtual visits, labs at your nearest Quest, and a personalized treatment plan.
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular lab work and follow-ups ensure your hormones stay balanced and your treatment continues to work as your body changes.
Complete Hormone Care
We address the full picture — estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone — not just one hormone. Most women need all three for optimal results.
Women's HRT Frequently Asked Questions
What hormones are prescribed for women's HRT?
We commonly prescribe estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone for women. Each treatment plan is personalized based on your lab results, symptoms, and health goals. Chasidy will work with you to find the optimal combination and dosing.
Am I too young or too old for HRT?
There's no single "right age." Perimenopause can begin in your late 30s or early 40s, and many women benefit from starting HRT at that stage. For women in menopause, research shows that HRT initiated within 10 years of onset offers the greatest benefits. We evaluate each patient individually.
Is hormone replacement therapy safe?
Yes, when properly prescribed and monitored. Earlier concerns were based on the initial 2002 WHI study, but subsequent analysis has shown that for women who begin HRT within 10 years of menopause, benefits — including reduced risks of heart disease, osteoporosis, and overall mortality — significantly outweigh risks. We monitor your labs regularly.
How much does women's HRT cost?
Women's HRT at Glow Medical Group is $229/month, which includes all medical visits and most relevant medications. Labs are drawn at Quest Diagnostics 1-2 times per year at approximately $120-$220 per draw. No contracts, no hidden fees.
Can HRT help with menopause weight gain?
Yes. Hormone imbalances are a major contributor to the stubborn weight gain women experience during perimenopause and menopause. Restoring estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone to optimal levels can improve metabolism, reduce fat storage, and make it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
Does HRT help with anxiety and mood swings?
Absolutely. Declining estrogen and progesterone directly affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA that regulate mood. Many women report significant improvements in emotional well-being and reduced anxiety within weeks of starting HRT.
What is bioidentical hormone therapy?
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the ones your body naturally produces, derived from plant sources. They're designed to function the same way as your own estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. We use bioidentical hormones when appropriate for effective, well-tolerated treatment.
Do women really need testosterone?
Yes! While often thought of as a "male hormone," women produce testosterone too — and levels decline significantly with age. Low testosterone in women contributes to fatigue, low libido, difficulty maintaining muscle, and brain fog. Restoring it to healthy levels can dramatically improve energy, sexual health, and vitality.
How long does HRT take to work?
Most women notice improvements in sleep, mood, and energy within 2-4 weeks. Hot flashes and night sweats often improve within 4-8 weeks. Full benefits including body composition changes, libido, and cognitive clarity typically develop over 3-6 months.
Can I get HRT via telehealth?
Yes! We offer women's HRT consultations and follow-ups via telehealth across all of Ohio. Labs are drawn at any Quest Diagnostics location near you. This makes HRT accessible whether you're in Columbus, Lewis Center, New Albany, Pickerington, Dublin, or anywhere in the state.
Will HRT help with perimenopause symptoms?
Yes. Perimenopause is often when symptoms are most disruptive — irregular periods, anxiety, sleep problems, weight gain, and brain fog can all occur as hormones fluctuate unpredictably. HRT stabilizes these hormones and relieves symptoms, helping you feel more like yourself during this transition.
Do I need a referral?
No referral needed. You can schedule a consultation directly with Glow Medical Group. We operate on a direct-pay membership model, so there's no insurance authorization required. Simply book online or call (614) 392-8111.
Women's HRT Across Central Ohio
Glow Medical Group is located in Delaware, Ohio and proudly serves women seeking hormone replacement therapy for menopause, perimenopause, and hormonal imbalance throughout Central Ohio. In-person visits and telehealth appointments are both available.
Telehealth HRT consultations available for women throughout the entire state of Ohio.
Take the First Step Toward Feeling Like Yourself Again
Schedule your HRT consultation with Chasidy today. Women's HRT is $229/month — all visits and most medications included. You deserve to feel good again.
Visit Us
152 W Central Ave D
Delaware, OH 43015
Hours
By Appointment
In-person & Telehealth
Looking for men's testosterone therapy? View Men's TRT · All Hormone Services