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Bonza Health Blog

Gain the tools and understanding you need to help manage the challenges of perimenopause and beyond.

Women experiencing perimenopause or menopause can reclaim their health and vitality. At Bonza Health, we help women see hormone changes as a natural midlife transition and provide the doctor-backed information women need to navigate hormonal health conditions with confidence. 

Check out our latest blog posts from our leading physician’s best tips and tools for easing hormonal symptoms, special announcements on our courses and services, and much more! Be a part of our ever-growing community of like-minded women who are thriving in health -- even with perimenopause or menopause conditions.

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Wellness, Hormone Sarah Bonza MD Wellness, Hormone Sarah Bonza MD

DEXA Scans in Perimenopausal Women: The Case for Earlier Bone Health Screening

The current medical paradigm typically recommends bone density screening through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans beginning at age 65, yet mounting evidence suggests that the most critical period for bone health occurs during the perimenopausal transition. Early screening and intervention are not just beneficial, but essential for optimal long-term outcomes.

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Hormone, Wellness Sarah Bonza MD Hormone, Wellness Sarah Bonza MD

Under-Eye Dark Circles After 40? It Could Be Perimenopause—Here’s What Your Skin Is Telling You

Dark circles under the eyes often appear as a shadowy discoloration around the lower eyelids. In midlife women, these circles can be one of the first subtle signs of hormonal changes. Instead of dismissing under-eye circles as mere “vanity issues,” consider them a potential early clue of perimenopause.

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Weight, Hormone, Wellness Sarah Bonza MD Weight, Hormone, Wellness Sarah Bonza MD

Creatine Supplementation During Perimenopause Mitigates Sarcopenia, the Age-Related Loss of Muscle Mass and Strength

Estrogen levels decline sharply during perimenopause, reducing muscle protein synthesis and accelerating sarcopenia. Supplementing with creatine monohydrate enhances cellular energy production and muscle protein synthesis, protecting against muscle catabolism during perimenopause.

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Hormone, Fatigue, Wellness Sarah Bonza MD Hormone, Fatigue, Wellness Sarah Bonza MD

Reclaiming Your Spark: A Physician’s Guide to Libido in Menopause

Menopause reshapes your hormonal landscape. Estrogen decline thins vaginal tissues, reduces lubrication, and dulls sensitivity—a trifecta that can make sex feel like a chore. Progesterone fluctuations disrupt sleep and amplify anxiety, while testosterone plummets—sapping desire and arousal. But hormones alone don’t tell the whole story.

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Hormone, Wellness, Fatigue, Brain fog Sarah Bonza MD Hormone, Wellness, Fatigue, Brain fog Sarah Bonza MD

Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women

While testosterone is commonly associated with men, it plays a vital role in women’s health as well. For perimenopausal and menopausal women experiencing symptoms such as low libido, fatigue, or brain fog, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be a transformative option. By addressing issues like low libido, fatigue, and cognitive decline, TRT has the potential to restore vitality during this transitional phase of life.

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Hormone, Wellness, Mood Sarah Bonza MD Hormone, Wellness, Mood Sarah Bonza MD

Rethinking the Pill in Perimenopause: Why Menopause Hormone Therapy May Be a Better Fit

For years, the go-to solution to managing perimenopause symptoms has been oral contraceptives. And in certain situations, they can help—especially when contraception is still a must. But here’s the catch—and it’s an important one: oral contraceptives suppress your body’s natural hormone production. That’s where menopause hormone therapy (MHT) comes in. This approach mimics the way your body would naturally produce hormones if you were still ovulating regularly. Instead of suppressing your hormonal landscape, MHT can support and strengthen it.

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Wellness, Weight Sarah Bonza MD Wellness, Weight Sarah Bonza MD

Collagen vs. Protein Powder: A Guide for Vegetarian Women to Build Muscle and Maintain Youthful Skin

Choosing between collagen and protein powder can be confusing, especially for vegetarian women striving for both muscle strength and youthful skin. While traditional collagen supplements are animal-based, plant-powered alternatives can still support collagen production through vitamin C, lysine, and antioxidants. Meanwhile, pea protein offers a high-quality, muscle-building option that rivals whey—allowing you to fuel your body effectively without compromising your values.

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Wellness Sarah Bonza MD, MPH, MSCP, FAAFP, NHWC Wellness Sarah Bonza MD, MPH, MSCP, FAAFP, NHWC

What It Means to Be a Strong Woman

This piece highlights the quiet yet powerful resilience of women facing midlife changes, emphasizing that strength goes far beyond physical power. It acknowledges the dismissals many experience in healthcare and calls on them to stand firm in seeking the care and support they deserve. Ultimately, it offers an invitation to join a community where women can lift each other up, challenge outdated norms, and embrace their evolving bodies with confidence.

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Weight, Wellness Sarah Bonza MD, MPH, MSCP, FAAFP, NHWC Weight, Wellness Sarah Bonza MD, MPH, MSCP, FAAFP, NHWC

Perimenopause Weight Woes? This Could Be the Best-Kept Secret for Healthier Aging

Metformin, also known as Glucophage, is an affordable and effective option for women in perimenopause or menopause who aren’t eligible for GLP-1 medications but still want to manage weight and support healthy aging. This well-studied drug enhances insulin sensitivity and can stabilize blood sugar levels, potentially reducing stubborn midsection fat. Some women also report better bowel regularity, which can be a welcome relief during hormone fluctuations. One patient, Cassandra, lost eight pounds of body fat over six months without major changes to her lifestyle. Metformin’s decades of data and accessibility make it a compelling choice for those seeking a steady, evidence-based approach to weight control and vitality.

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Wellness, Hormone Sarah Bonza MD, MPH, MSCP, FAAFP, NHWC Wellness, Hormone Sarah Bonza MD, MPH, MSCP, FAAFP, NHWC

Understanding Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: Why Vaginal Estrogen Matters

This blog sheds light on Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), a commonly overlooked condition involving vaginal and urinary changes after midlife. It underscores the role of local estrogen therapy in easing dryness, preventing infections, and improving quality of life. A real-life patient example illustrates how GSM can manifest through recurrent urinary tract infections and discomfort. By citing key research and insights from The Menopause Society, the blog highlights practical approaches and encourages open communication with healthcare providers. It reinforces that relief is attainable, and no one should feel alone or dismissed when seeking answers for these concerns.

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Wellness, Hormone Sarah Bonza MD, MPH, MSCP, FAAFP, NHWC Wellness, Hormone Sarah Bonza MD, MPH, MSCP, FAAFP, NHWC

Healthy Eating Habits During Menopause: Nourishing Your Body Through Change

Menopause triggers hormonal changes that often result in hot flashes, mood swings, and altered metabolism. Emphasizing fiber, healthy fats, and phytoestrogens can help balance hormones and reduce symptoms. Staying hydrated, limiting added sugars, and including antioxidant-rich foods promotes well-being. Supporting emotional health completes a holistic, positive approach for women everywhere.

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Fatigue, Wellness, Hormone Sarah Bonza MD, MPH, MSCP, FAAFP, NHWC Fatigue, Wellness, Hormone Sarah Bonza MD, MPH, MSCP, FAAFP, NHWC

How Menopause Affects Your Sex Life

Menopause marks a season of significant change that may impact your body, mood, and relationships—particularly when it comes to intimacy and sexual wellness. Learn how shifting hormone levels, including declines in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, can affect your libido, vaginal comfort, and emotional state. Understand how to find balance through medical options like localized or systemic hormone therapy, along with practical steps such as pelvic floor exercises and thoughtful communication. While menopause can bring challenges—like dryness, pain, or lower desire—it can also introduce a newfound sense of freedom once fertility concerns fade.

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Wellness Sarah Bonza MD, MPH, MSCP, FAAFP, NHWC Wellness Sarah Bonza MD, MPH, MSCP, FAAFP, NHWC

Working with a Trainer During Perimenopause: Why Strength Matters and How Guidance Can Help

This blog offers practical guidance and personal reflections on working with an exercise trainer during the physical shifts of perimenopause. It explains why strength training matters at this stage, not only to maintain muscle and manage changes in body composition, but also to support bone health and help prevent osteoporosis. Readers will find straightforward discussions on technique, form, and how a trained professional can provide steady support, accountability, and tailored programs to keep them progressing safely.

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Weight, Wellness Sarah Bonza MD, MPH, MSCP, FAAFP, NHWC Weight, Wellness Sarah Bonza MD, MPH, MSCP, FAAFP, NHWC

Why Your Body Doesn’t Feel Full in Perimenopause: A Physician’s Look at Leptin

Perimenopause's hormonal shifts can disrupt leptin signaling, creating a disconnect between our fat cells and brain. This leptin resistance often results in difficulty feeling full and increased stress eating, especially after demanding days.The interplay between leptin resistance and perimenopausal metabolic changes creates a complex scenario affecting weight, energy, and overall well-being. However, there are effective strategies to improve leptin sensitivity

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