Perimenopause Hormone Therapy & BHRT in Scottsdale, AZ
Personalized hormone care with Dr. Abigail Montag, NMD.
If you're in your late 30s, 40s or early 50s and suddenly struggling with sleep, weight changes, brain fog or mood shifts, perimenopause may be part of the picture.
At Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, Dr. Abigail Montag helps women in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and the greater Phoenix area explore their symptoms and develop individualized treatment plans. Care may include bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), nutrition and lifestyle support, or a combination of approaches.
8901 E Mountain View Rd, Suite 118 | Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Feel supported.
Feel like yourself. Dr. Abigail Montag, NMD
What Is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the natural transition leading up to menopause, which is defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. This transition often begins in your 40s, although symptoms can start earlier, and may continue for several years.
During perimenopause, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate. These changes can affect sleep, menstrual cycles, temperature regulation, mood and overall well-being.
Because hormone levels can vary throughout the menstrual cycle, Dr. Montag considers symptoms, health history and appropriate testing together rather than relying on a single hormone result.
Common Perimenopause Symptoms
Sleep Changes
Night sweats, frequent waking, hot flashes or difficulty falling back asleep.
Weight Changes
Changes in body composition, including increased weight around the midsection.
Brain Fog
Difficulty concentrating, remembering details or feeling mentally sharp.
Mood Shifts
Increased irritability, anxiety or changes in emotional well-being.
Irregular Periods
Menstrual cycles that become heavier, lighter, shorter, longer or less predictable.
Intimate Changes
Changes in libido, vaginal dryness or discomfort during intimacy.
Skin & Hair Changes
Dryer skin, changes in hair texture and other midlife skin concerns.
Fatigue
Persistent tiredness, reduced energy or changes in exercise recovery.
Joint Discomfort
New aches, stiffness or changes in physical comfort.
Very heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods or after sex, and any bleeding after menopause should be evaluated promptly by a qualified healthcare professional.
A Thoughtful Approach to Perimenopause Care
Dr. Abigail Montag is an Arizona native and licensed naturopathic medical doctor. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Medical Microbiology from Arizona State University and her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Sonoran University of Health Sciences.
Her approach considers the broader factors that influence how you feel, including hormonal changes, thyroid function, metabolic health, stress, sleep and nutrition.
Rather than focusing on a single symptom, Dr. Montag works to understand your health history and goals before discussing appropriate treatment options.
Schedule With Dr. MontagWhat to Expect From Your Evaluation
- Comprehensive consultation: Review your symptoms, menstrual history, medications, health concerns and goals.
- Individualized testing: Blood work or specialty hormone testing when clinically appropriate.
- Personalized recommendations: Discussion of treatment options, lifestyle strategies and possible hormone therapy.
- Ongoing follow-up: Review of symptoms, treatment response and appropriate monitoring.
What Your Hormone Evaluation May Include
Not every patient needs the same testing. Dr. Montag may recommend laboratory evaluation based on your symptoms, medical history and clinical findings.
Estrogen & Progesterone
Selected hormone testing may help evaluate particular menstrual or reproductive health concerns.
Testosterone & DHEA-S
Androgen testing may be considered when specific symptoms or clinical findings warrant further investigation.
Thyroid Function
Thyroid testing may help identify conditions that can resemble or contribute to perimenopause symptoms.
Metabolic Health
Glucose, HbA1c and other appropriate markers may help assess broader metabolic concerns.
Stress & Lifestyle
Sleep patterns, stress, nutrition and daily routines are considered as part of the overall evaluation.
Specialty Testing
Additional testing, including DUTCH hormone testing, may be discussed when appropriate. These tests have limitations and are not routinely required to diagnose perimenopause or determine hormone therapy dosing.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) in Scottsdale
Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as hormones naturally produced by the human body. They are available in certain FDA-approved prescription products as well as compounded preparations.
Hormone therapy may be appropriate for some women experiencing bothersome perimenopause or menopause symptoms. The decision depends on your symptoms, medical history, individual risk factors and treatment preferences.
FDA-approved hormone products are generally preferred when available because compounded hormone preparations are not FDA-approved and may carry additional quality and dosing uncertainties.
Micronized Progesterone
May be included in certain hormone therapy regimens, particularly to protect the uterine lining when systemic estrogen is prescribed to someone with a uterus.
Estradiol Therapy
Systemic estrogen therapy, including transdermal options, may help relieve hot flashes and night sweats. Local vaginal estrogen may be considered for genitourinary symptoms.
Other Hormone Considerations
Additional hormone therapies, including testosterone, may offer meaningful benefits in select individuals. Treatment should be guided by a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms, medical history, laboratory findings, and individual health goals. Hormone therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and recommendations should always be personalized.
Specific prescriptions and treatment availability are determined during consultation. Not every therapy described is necessarily offered or appropriate for every patient.
Hormones, Metabolism & Skin: Care Under One Roof
Hormonal transitions can affect multiple aspects of well-being. Our Scottsdale practice offers access to medical, wellness and aesthetic services that may complement an individualized care plan.
Perimenopause & Weight Management
Midlife changes in hormones, sleep, activity and muscle mass can influence body composition.
For patients who qualify, Dr. Montag may discuss medically supervised weight-management options, including our GLP-1 weight loss program, alongside nutrition, physical activity and muscle-preservation strategies.
GLP-1 treatment is not a treatment for perimenopause itself, and eligibility requires an individual medical assessment.
Perimenopause & Skin Health
Estrogen changes can contribute to changes in skin hydration, elasticity and collagen.
Our aesthetic team offers options such as CoolPeel laser resurfacing, Sculptra and dermal fillers to address selected cosmetic concerns.
These aesthetic treatments complement skin care but do not replace medical treatment for menopause symptoms.
Why Choose Dr. Montag for Perimenopause Care?
Our goal is to help you understand your symptoms, explore evidence-informed options and make confident decisions about your health.
Personal Attention
A consultation centered on your health history, questions and individual goals.
Thoughtful Evaluation
Appropriate testing considered alongside symptoms and clinical history.
Integrative Care
Medical treatment options considered together with nutrition, sleep and lifestyle support.
Individualized Planning
Recommendations based on your needs rather than a one-size-fits-all hormone protocol.
Coordinated Services
Access to additional wellness and aesthetic services within the same Scottsdale practice.
Convenient Location
Located on Mountain View Road in Scottsdale, serving Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills and the greater Phoenix area.
Perimenopause & BHRT FAQs
What age does perimenopause start?
Perimenopause most commonly begins in a woman's 40s, although it can start in the late 30s. Changes in menstrual cycles, sleep, mood and temperature regulation may be among the early signs.
Is bioidentical hormone therapy safe?
For many women, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be a safe and effective option for managing menopausal symptoms and improving quality of life. While initiating therapy closer to menopause is generally associated with a more favorable benefit-risk profile, age and time since menopause are not absolute cutoffs for treatment. Women who are further into menopause may still benefit from hormone therapy following an individualized assessment. Safety depends on personal medical history, cardiovascular and breast cancer risk factors, hormone formulation, dosage, and route of administration. Both FDA-approved and compounded bioidentical hormones are available, although compounded formulations have not undergone the same FDA review for safety, efficacy, and consistency.
Who should not use hormone therapy?
Systemic hormone therapy may be inappropriate for patients with certain medical histories, including some hormone-sensitive cancers, unexplained vaginal bleeding, blood clots, stroke, certain cardiovascular conditions or liver disease. Your provider should evaluate individual risks and discuss alternatives.
How soon can hormone therapy improve symptoms?
Some patients experience improvement in hot flashes and night sweats within several weeks, although response varies. Follow-up appointments help assess benefits, side effects and whether adjustments are needed.
Do I need hormone testing to diagnose perimenopause?
Not always. In women over 45 with typical symptoms and menstrual changes, perimenopause is often diagnosed clinically. Hormone testing may be useful in certain circumstances, including evaluation of other possible medical conditions.
Do I need a referral to schedule a consultation?
You can contact our Scottsdale office directly at (480) 282-8386 or request an appointment online. Our scheduling team can explain the consultation process and any requirements.
Is perimenopause care covered by insurance?
Coverage and payment requirements vary by service and insurance plan. Please contact our office before your appointment to confirm consultation fees, laboratory costs and available payment options.
Do you see patients from Paradise Valley and Phoenix?
Yes. Our Scottsdale office welcomes patients from Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, North Scottsdale and communities throughout the greater Phoenix area.
Start Feeling More Informed About Your Hormone Health
You deserve answers to your questions about sleep, mood, energy and midlife changes. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Abigail Montag to explore your symptoms and discuss a personalized approach to care.
Book Your Hormone Consultation8901 E Mountain View Rd, Suite 118
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
(480) 282-8386
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This webpage is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Treatment decisions depend on a complete evaluation. Results and suitability vary by patient.