Menopause
Evidence-based hormone therapy for lasting vitality after menopause
Care in Howard County and Across Maryland
Meet with Dr. Andrea Ridgeway for in-person appointments on Mondays in Woodbine or virtual telehealth throughout Maryland.
Start with a Clarity Consult from $195. If you decide to proceed, ongoing care is $225 per month. Laboratory and medication costs are separate.
What Is Menopause?
Menopause is officially reached when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. At this stage, the ovaries have significantly reduced their production of estrogen and progesterone, leading to a range of symptoms and long-term health considerations.
While menopause is a natural biological process, the hormonal changes it brings can profoundly affect your energy, mood, body composition, cardiovascular health, bone density, and cognitive function. The good news is that these changes are treatable.
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms associated with menopause include:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort
- Sleep disturbances and insomnia
- Weight gain, particularly visceral (abdominal) fat
- Mood changes, anxiety, or depression
- Brain fog, memory lapses, and difficulty concentrating
- Decreased libido and sexual dysfunction
- Thinning hair and changes in skin elasticity
- Joint stiffness and muscle loss
- Increased risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease
What Causes Menopause?
- Complete cessation of ovarian estrogen and progesterone production
- Significant testosterone decline
- Reduced insulin sensitivity and metabolic slowdown
- Changes in hunger and satiety hormones (ghrelin and leptin)
- Increased inflammatory markers
- Accelerated bone density loss
How Soluna Vitality Treats Menopause
At Soluna Vitality, we help women navigate menopause with confidence. Our physician-led approach focuses on restoring hormonal balance, protecting long-term health, and helping you feel like yourself again.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) with estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone as indicated
Comprehensive lab testing including advanced lipid panels, inflammatory markers, and bone density assessment
Metabolic health optimization to address insulin resistance and weight changes
Cardiovascular risk assessment and prevention strategies
Bone health monitoring and support
Personalized nutrition and supplement recommendations
Ongoing follow-up and protocol adjustments
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hormone therapy safe after menopause?
Menopausal hormone therapy may be an option for some women to manage menopause symptoms. Whether it is appropriate depends on your symptoms, medical history, and individual risk factors. Dr. Ridgeway can discuss potential benefits and risks with you and monitor your care over time. Hormone therapy is not right for everyone.
How long can I stay on hormone therapy?
How long you use hormone therapy depends on your symptoms, health history, treatment goals, and how the potential benefits and risks apply to you. There is no single duration that is right for everyone. Dr. Ridgeway can reassess your treatment with you over time.
Can menopause cause weight gain even if I eat well and exercise?
Menopause can coincide with changes in body composition, including increased abdominal fat and loss of lean mass. Weight changes can have multiple contributing factors. Dr. Ridgeway can assess whether hormonal or metabolic factors may be involved and discuss options based on your health and goals.
What is the difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones?
“Bioidentical” means a hormone has the same molecular structure as a hormone produced by the body. The term alone does not establish that a medication is safer or better tolerated. Hormone products differ by formulation, dose, and route, and their risks and benefits depend on the specific treatment and individual health factors. Dr. Ridgeway can discuss the options she prescribes and what may be appropriate for you.
Related Conditions
Menopause is often connected to other hormonal and metabolic conditions. Learn more:
Ready to Address Your Menopause?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ridgeway to discuss your symptoms, get comprehensive testing, and create a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for you.