The Cycle of Better Health: A Holistic Approach to Perimenopause

Written and edited by Sarah Bonza MD, MPH, FAAFP, DipABLM, NBC-HWC

At Bonza Health, we focus on helping women feel better first.

Perimenopause is a significant transitional phase in a woman's life, often accompanied by a range of physical and emotional symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. At Bonza Health, we understand the challenges women face during this time and have developed a comprehensive, holistic approach to help you navigate this journey with confidence and vitality. Our Bonza Health Better Cycle is designed to address the multifaceted aspects of perimenopause, helping you feel better, think better, and do better.

Bonza Health helps perimenopausal and menopausal women feel better and implement positive lifestyle changes.

Feel Better: Addressing Immediate Symptoms

The first step in our Better Cycle focuses on alleviating the immediate physical and emotional symptoms associated with perimenopause. We begin with a thorough medical evaluation to rule out any underlying conditions and utilize functional medicine testing to assess your overall health status. This assessment includes an extensive history and discussion of all your concerns. The first assessment consultation is 50 minutes and is focused on your medical history and current concerns. We make suggestions for testing and screening both to search for the root cause of your symptoms. This frequently includes comprehesive lab testing and imaging. Women who are candidates for DEXA scaning to screen for osteoporosis or MRI breast scans to screen for breast cancer. This testing may also include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone levels, vitamin D levels, lipid panel, thyroid testing, comprehensive iron testing and inflammatory markers. Once we know the basics are covered, we can delve into functional testing such as the microbiome and cortisol testing.

For many women, hormone therapy can provide significant relief from perimenopausal symptoms. At Bonza Health, we prescribe FDA-approved menopausal hormone therapy in accordance with the North American Menopause Society guidelines. This approach ensures that you receive safe and effective treatment tailored to your specific needs.

Some women prefer not to take FDA approved hormone therapy and they would rather focus on supplements. For these women, we offer a personalized supplement protocol recommendation based on symptoms and preferences. These may include calcium and vitamin D for bone health, as well as adaptogens to support adrenal function and reduce stress. This is a collaborative process and nothing is enforced. Inquisitiveness and questions are welcome. We want to make sure you are satisfied with your treatment options and we aim to get you feeling better as soon as possible.

Some women are satisfied stopping here once they feel better. Some women just want the magic pill that will cure what ails them. However, we offer so much more. Once women feel better, we can start to think clearly about goals, longevity and expanding your health span. This starts stage 2 of the Cycle of Better.

Think Better: Shifting Mindset and Managing Stress

The second phase of our Better Cycle focuses on goal setting, mental well-being and stress management. As a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Dr. Bonza can provide one-on-one coaching sessions to help you identify personal goals and overcome barriers to change. She also collaborates with certified health coaches to help you achieve the growth mindset that will propel your health and well-being to new heights. One on one health coaching is all individualized and self directed with your coach guiding you along and helping you explore your dreams and goals and setting achievable goals and establishing healthy habits along the way.

Goal setting and visualization are key components of this phase. We help you envision your ideal future and set realistic, achievable goals using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework. This leads us to the third stage, Do Better.

Do Better: Implementing Sustainable Lifestyle Changes

The final phase of our Better Cycle focuses on implementing sustainable positive lifestyle changes to maintain and enhance your well-being. We work with you to help develop personalized exercise plans that include a mix of cardiovascular, strength training, and flexibility exercises. The key is to find activities you enjoy, ensuring long-term adherence to your fitness routine.

Sleep hygiene is another crucial aspect of this phase. We provide strategies for improving sleep quality, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a restful sleep environment. If necessary, we may recommend supplements or medications to address sleep disturbances. We also promote relaxation techniques, mindfulness or meditation, whatever techniques help you feel calm and grounded throughout your days.

Nutritional guidance is a cornerstone of our approach. We offer personalized nutrition plans focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods. As a Diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Bonza advocates for a whole food plant-based diet, which can be particularly beneficial during perimenopause.

Continuous Support and Monitoring

Throughout your journey with Bonza Health, we provide continuous support and monitoring. We use a telemedicine platforms like Practice Better to track your progress, allowing you to journal your food intake and monitor wellness metrics. You will be provided with a curated recipe list with suggestions of fulfilling, nutritious meals for you to share with your whole family. You may also text your provider directly through the patient care platform to get your needs met on an ongoing basis.

The reason this method is considered the Cycle of Better is as you move through the three stages, it continues to cycle and you feel better and better. Once your are feeling, thinking and doing better, you continue to feel even better, think clearer and continue to grow and do better. As the cycle continues and the habits stick, you notice your wellbeing improves.

Conclusion

The Bonza Health Better Cycle offers a comprehensive, holistic approach to managing perimenopause. By addressing immediate symptoms, shifting mindset, and implementing sustainable lifestyle changes, we help you uncover your hidden tools and resources to help guide your through this transitional with confidence and vitality. Our approach combines traditional medicine, functional medicine, lifestyle medicine, and wellness coaching to provide a truly personalized and holistic experience.