BRAE SCIENTIFIC
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes are one of the most well-known—and most disruptive—symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. While common, their frequency, intensity, and duration can vary significantly from woman to woman. For some, they last only a short time. For others, they can persist for years beyond menopause.
Fast Facts About Hot Flashes
Hot flashes often strike suddenly and typically last a few minutes.Common symptoms may include intense heat, facial flushing, sweating, chills, rapid heart rate, dizziness, or nausea.When they happen at night, they’re referred to as night sweats, often disrupting restful sleep.Some women experience occasional hot flashes, while others face them multiple times a day.
What Causes Hot Flashes?
While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, we know the root cause: a drop in
estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause and menopause.
This hormonal decline affects the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. When hormone levels shift, the hypothalamus becomes more sensitive and misfires—triggering a sudden feeling of heat, flushing, and sweating.
Other contributing factors that can worsen hot flashes include:
Chronic stressWeight gain or insulin resistancePoor diet and hydrationLack of physical activity or poor sleep hygiene
How We Treat Hot Flashes
The most effective way to reduce or eliminate hot flashes is to
restore hormonal balance. At Brea Scientific, we use bioidentical hormone therapy
tailored to your body’s needs. Once estrogen and progesterone levels are optimized, the hypothalamus can recalibrate—bringing relief from hot flashes and night sweats.
Our physicians take a personalized approach, carefully monitoring your labs, symptoms, and progress to ensure your treatment is both safe and effective.
You don’t have to tolerate daily disruptions or sleepless nights. Relief is possible—and it starts by bringing your hormones back into balance.
Weight Gain
Low Sex Drive in Men
A reduced interest in sex is a common effect of hormonal imbalance. Of course, “low” looks different for every man — but if your sex drive feels noticeably lower than what’s normal for you, it’s worth paying a
Women are often pressured to be weight-conscious—yet age-related weight gain is a natural, biological process. Unfortunately, hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause can make it feel like your body is working against you. But with the right treatment, that doesn’t have to be the case.
Facts About Weight Gain in Midlife
Approximately 90% of women experience age-related weight gain.The midsection becomes the most common area of fat accumulation.Untreated hormonal imbalances can lead to 10–15 pounds of weight gain over time. Diet and exercise often stop producing results when hormones are out of sync.
What Causes Hormone-Related Weight Gain?
Estrogen Decline
As estrogen production from the ovaries slows, the body compensates by storing fat—particularly around the abdomen—to help produce and preserve estrogen through fat cells.
Low Progesterone
Imbalances between estrogen and progesterone can cause bloating, water retention, and cyclical weight gain, especially during perimenopause.
Low Testosterone
Though often overlooked, testosterone supports muscle mass. Less muscle means a slower metabolism, reduced calorie burn, and more fat storage.
Thyroid Imbalance
An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) reduces your metabolic rate, making it harder to burn calories—even with consistent effort.
How We Treat It
Trying to lose weight when your hormones are imbalanced is exhausting and often discouraging. At Brea Scientific, we approach weight gain as a hormonal issue first, not simply a willpower problem.
Here’s what our treatment approach include:
Personalized hormone therapy to balance estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroidLab testing to assess metabolic function and uncover hidden barriers to weight lossLifestyle guidance on nutrition, sleep, and activity tailored to your hormonal needsSupplemental therapies that may include metabolic enhancers or injectable nutrientsOngoing support to help you build sustainable habits while feeling more like yourself again
You don’t have to feel stuck in a body that doesn’t feel like yours. We’re here to help you reclaim your energy, your metabolism, and your confidence.
Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common—and frustrating—symptoms women experience during perimenopause and menopause. Whether it’s trouble falling asleep, waking up multiple times a night, or feeling exhausted despite a full night’s rest, hormone imbalance is often at the root of it.
Why Fatigue Happens
Night Sweats
Hot flashes that occur during sleep can wake you suddenly, leaving you drenched and uncomfortable. Severe night sweats often make it difficult to fall back asleep, leading to broken sleep cycles and next-day exhaustion.
Anxiety and Depression
Mood disturbances are frequently tied to hormone fluctuations. These emotional shifts don’t just impact your mental well-being—they interfere with sleep. The result is a vicious cycle: poor sleep worsens fatigue, which deepens anxiety and depression, which in turn worsens sleep again.
Declining Hormones
Hormones are central to how your body regulates energy, mood, and rest. When they fall out of balance, fatigue often follows. Here’s how:
Estrogen and progesterone imbalance can trigger night sweats and mood instability.Low testosterone and thyroid function reduce stamina, focus, and metabolic energy.Low progesterone disrupts your ability to fall and stay asleep.Adrenal dysfunction leads to cortisol imbalances, making restful sleep difficult and contributing to daytime burnout.
How We Treat Fatigue
At Brea Scientific, we treat fatigue by addressing the core problem—not just the symptom. Our approach begins with comprehensive lab testing to assess hormone levels, adrenal function, and thyroid activity.
From there, your personalized treatment plan may include:
Bioidentical hormone therapy to restore balance in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroidAdrenal support protocols to regulate cortisol and improve stress resilienceLifestyle strategies for improved sleep hygiene and daily energy managementTargeted nutrient therapies to address deficiencies that worsen fatigue
When your hormones are back in sync, your energy improves, sleep becomes restorative again, and daily life stops feeling like a struggle. You don’t have to feel drained anymore—we’re here to help you recharge.
Low Sex Drive
Low libido is one of the most overlooked symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. While hot flashes and mood swings tend to steal the spotlight, diminished sex drive can quietly affect a woman’s confidence, relationships, and sense of self. For many women, sexuality is a vital expression of identity—and when it fades, it can feel like something essential is missing.
Why Hormones Matter to Libido
Estrogen Deficiency
Estrogen enhances sexual sensitivity, pleasure, and desire. It also maintains vaginal health by supporting natural lubrication and tissue elasticity. As estrogen declines, sex may become less pleasurable—and more uncomfortable.
Low Progesterone
Progesterone plays a supportive role in libido and emotional connection. When levels are low, the mental and physical spark for intimacy often fades.
Low Testosterone
Although typically labeled a male hormone, testosterone is critical for women’s sexual response, arousal, and orgasm. A drop in testosterone can reduce desire, delay climax, and cause vaginal dryness.
Related Symptoms That Interfere
Hormone imbalances don’t just affect libido directly—they also create other symptoms that make intimacy feel unappealing, including:
Vaginal dryness or painFatigue and low energyWeight gain or bloatingMood swings or depressionHair thinning or body image shifts
These combined effects can make a woman feel disconnected from her body and her partner—even when the desire for intimacy is still there on a deeper level.
How We Treat Low Libido
You’re not alone—and this isn’t something you just have to live with.
At Brea Scientific, we treat low sex drive by identifying and correcting the hormonal imbalances behind it. Your customized treatment plan may include:
Bioidentical hormone therapy to restore optimal levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosteroneVaginal health support through local estrogen or topical therapiesAdrenal and thyroid support to enhance energy and emotional well-beingLifestyle coaching to support confidence, connection, and self-expression
We understand how personal and sensitive this concern is—and we treat it with care, science, and zero judgment. Your sexuality is part of your vitality, and it’s entirely possible to restore what’s been lost.
Insomnia
Insomnia in Women
For many women in perimenopause or menopause, a full night of uninterrupted sleep starts to feel like a distant memory. Hormonal shifts during this stage of life often disrupt the body’s natural sleep rhythms—making it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel rested in the morning.
What Causes Insomnia During Midlife?
Night Sweats
Hot flashes at night—also known as night sweats—can jolt you awake and make it difficult to cool down and fall back asleep. These episodes are typically caused by a drop in
estrogen and progesterone
.
Mood Imbalances
Anxiety, irritability, or low mood are common side effects of hormonal fluctuations. These emotional shifts often make it difficult to relax at bedtime, triggering or worsening insomnia. Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid all influence mood regulation.
Low Serotonin
Estrogen plays a key role in serotonin production, a neurotransmitter that regulates sleep-wake cycles. When estrogen declines, so does serotonin—leading to restless nights and difficulty staying asleep.
Low Progesterone
Often called “nature’s Valium,” progesterone has calming effects on the brain. When levels are low, women often report increased restlessness, trouble falling asleep, or early waking.
Disrupted Growth Hormone (GH) Production
Growth hormone is released during deep sleep and is essential for tissue repair and metabolic health. Poor sleep reduces GH production, and low GH levels in turn can worsen insomnia.
Adrenal Dysfunction
Chronic stress and dysregulated cortisol levels (too high at night or too low in the morning) interfere with your circadian rhythm. This adrenal imbalance is a common root cause of insomnia.
How We Treat Sleep Disruption
At Brea Scientific, we know that quality sleep isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Restoring hormonal balance is one of the most effective ways to reclaim healthy sleep patterns.
Our personalized treatment plans may include:
Bioidentical hormone therapy to optimize estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroidAdrenal support to regulate cortisol levels and reduce nighttime alertnessLifestyle and sleep hygiene coaching tailored to your specific symptomsTargeted nutrient support to improve serotonin production and promote deeper restLab testing to understand the full picture of what’s interfering with your sleep
You don’t have to keep struggling with sleepless nights. Let us help you reconnect with the restorative rest your body and mind need to thrive.
Mood Changes
Mood Changes in Women
It’s no myth—perimenopause and menopause can significantly affect your emotional well-being. As hormones fluctuate, many women experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or even depression. These changes can feel overwhelming and unpredictable—not just for you, but for those closest to you.
Common Mood Changes During Midlife
Mood Swings: Sudden shifts in emotion—laughing one moment, crying the next. Calmness gives way to irritation or anger without warning.Depression: A persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, or feeling emotionally numb or withdrawn.Anxiety: Feelings of nervousness, worry, overwhelm, or racing thoughts—often without a clear cause.Irritability: Heightened impatience, low frustration tolerance, or a sense that everything is “getting on your nerves.”
What Causes These Mood Fluctuations?
Estrogen & Serotonin Connection
Estrogen plays a key role in producing serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for stabilizing mood. As estrogen declines, so does serotonin—making it harder to stay emotionally balanced.
Other Hormonal Imbalances
Progesterone has a naturally calming effect and helps regulate emotional responses.Testosterone at healthy levels supports motivation, mood, and mental clarity.Thyroid dysfunction can mimic or worsen depression and anxiety.When these hormones are imbalanced, mood disruptions often follow.
Secondary Symptoms Add Fuel
Hormone-related symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep deprivation, weight gain, or sexual changes can contribute to emotional distress—compounding feelings of frustration, sadness, or irritability.
How We Treat Mood Changes
At Brea Scientific, we approach mood issues with compassion and science. Our treatment begins by identifying the hormonal imbalances affecting your emotional health.
We offer:
Comprehensive hormone testing for estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, and cortisolPersonalized bioidentical hormone therapy to restore natural balanceAdrenal support and stress regulation to ease mental overloadNutritional and lifestyle guidance to support brain chemistry and mood stabilityTargeted supplements or injectables to boost neurotransmitter support where needed
You don’t have to feel emotionally unstable or disconnected from yourself. With the right support, it’s possible to feel steady, empowered, and emotionally clear again.
Let’s get you back to feeling like you.
Brain Fog
Brain Fog in Women
Can’t find the right words? Forget someone’s name mid-conversation? Lose your train of thought more often than you used to? You’re not alone—and you’re certainly not losing your mind.
Many women experience memory lapses, mental fog, and difficulty concentrating during perimenopause and menopause. It’s a frustrating symptom—but it’s also a fixable one.
What Causes Brain Fog in Midlife?
Estrogen & Progesterone Imbalance
Both estrogen and progesterone act as neuroactive hormones that influence memory, focus, and clarity. Estrogen, in particular, enhances blood flow to the brain by dilating vessels, supporting communication between neurons and improving cognitive performance. When these hormones decline, mental sharpness often declines with them.
Thyroid Dysfunction
Low thyroid function, which is common during hormonal transitions, can slow mental processing and impair memory recall. Even mild thyroid imbalance can affect how quickly and clearly you think.
Chronic Stress & Elevated Cortisol
The hormonal changes of midlife are stressful in themselves—and that stress can take a toll on your brain. Cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, disrupts memory and executive function when levels are consistently elevated.
Whether it’s caused by sleep loss, hot flashes, mood swings, or lifestyle changes, chronic stress alters brain chemistry—and brain fog is often the result.
How We Treat Brain Fog
At Brea Scientific, we take brain fog seriously—because clear thinking isn’t a luxury, it’s a part of your identity.
We start with comprehensive lab testing to evaluate your hormone levels, thyroid function, and stress response. Then, we develop a personalized treatment plan that may include:
Bioidentical hormone therapy to restore estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid balanceAdrenal support to reduce cortisol overload and improve focusTargeted nutrients and injectables, such as B vitamins and omega-3s, that enhance brain functionLifestyle guidance to reduce stress, improve sleep, and support long-term cognitive health
You don’t have to settle for forgetfulness or mental fog. With the right support, you can feel sharp, focused, and clear-headed again.
Vaginal Dryness
Understanding Vaginal Dryness in Women
We understand—this is a deeply personal topic. And because it’s often uncomfortable to talk about, many women silently endure vaginal dryness without seeking help. If you’re one of them, please know: you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place.
At Brea Scientific, we’re experienced in addressing even the most delicate concerns—and we’re here to help you feel comfortable, confident, and fully supported.
What Is Vaginal Dryness?
Before menopause, the vaginal lining is kept moist and elastic by mucus membranes stimulated by estrogen. This natural lubrication helps maintain vaginal wall strength, flexibility, and comfort—especially during intimacy.
During menopause, estrogen levels decline, especially a form called estriol. As estriol drops, the vaginal tissues begin to thin and dry out—a condition often referred to as vaginal atrophy.
Common symptoms of vaginal dryness include:
Discomfort or pain during intercourseItching or burning sensationsIncreased risk of urinary tract or vaginal infectionsMild urinary incontinence or urgency
These changes can significantly impact not only your physical comfort but your confidence and sexual well-being.
What Causes Vaginal Dryness?
Low Estrogen (Especially Estriol)
Estriol is one of the three primary types of estrogen, and it plays a key role in maintaining vaginal tissue health and lubrication. As estriol production declines during menopause, the vaginal walls lose moisture, thickness, and resilience.
Low Testosterone
Though often overlooked, testosterone also supports sexual function and natural lubrication. As levels drop during perimenopause and menopause, lubrication may diminish even further.
How We Treat It
Vaginal dryness is highly treatable, and you don’t have to continue suffering in silence. At Brea Scientific, we offer solutions that are both effective and personalized to your body’s needs.
Treatment options include:
Systemic bioidentical hormone therapy to restore optimal levels of estriol and testosterone throughout the bodyTargeted local therapy using vaginally applied estriol for women who need more focused supportLifestyle and hydration guidance to help protect vaginal health naturallyOngoing monitoring to ensure symptoms improve and remain under control
You deserve to feel comfortable in your body again—and to enjoy intimacy without pain or distress. With the right care, relief is possible, and confidence is absolutely within reach.
Skin Changes
Skin Changes in Women
Dry. Itchy. Thin. Wrinkled. These are common complaints we hear from women going through perimenopause and menopause. Hormonal changes don’t just affect how you feel—they also change the way your skin looks, behaves, and ages.
If left unaddressed, skin can become dull, crepey, and less elastic, making you feel older than you are. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Why Your Skin Changes During Menopause
Healthy, vibrant skin depends on:
Natural oils to keep it soft and moisturizedCollagen and elastin to keep it plump and firmAdequate hydration and cellular turnover
These essential components are regulated by key hormones—including
estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid
—all of which decline during midlife.
As hormone levels drop:
Oil production decreases, leading to dry, flaky skinCollagen and elastin production slows, causing thinning and saggingWound healing slows, and the skin becomes more prone to irritation and sensitivity
How We Treat Skin Changes
At Brea Scientific, we address skin health from the inside out. Your skin is a reflection of your internal hormonal environment, so we begin with balancing that foundation.
Our skin rejuvenation strategies may include:
Bioidentical hormone therapy to restore the estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid levels your skin needs to stay firm and hydratedPrescription-grade topical treatments, including estrogen-based creams or regenerative peptidesLifestyle and nutritional guidance to support collagen production and hydrationAdvanced skincare recommendations to support elasticity, texture, and overall tone
Whether you’re concerned about dryness, dullness, or premature signs of aging, we can help restore your skin’s natural glow—and your confidence.
You deserve to look as vibrant as you feel. Let us help your skin age beautifully.
Hair Loss
Hair Loss in Women
Hair thinning or shedding can be emotionally devastating—and for many women, it comes as a surprise during perimenopause or menopause. While hair loss has many potential causes, hormones often play a key role, especially in midlife.
At Brea Scientific, we take a whole-body approach to uncovering what’s contributing to hair loss and creating a plan to restore your hair health—and your confidence.
What Causes Hair Loss in Midlife?
Thyroid Imbalance
One of the most common yet overlooked causes of hair loss in women is low thyroid function. Here’s why:
The thyroid directly influences the hair growth cycle.Many women begin experiencing subtle thyroid decline in their 40s and beyond. Hair thinning, slow regrowth, or shedding may be early signs of underactive thyroid.
Testosterone, DHT & Genetics
A portion of testosterone naturally converts to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that can shrink hair follicles in genetically sensitive individuals. While DHT is often linked to hair loss in men, it can also affect women who are genetically predisposed—though this is far less common.
If DHT were the main factor for women, hair loss would typically begin in the 20s or 30s when testosterone peaks. Instead, most women notice thinning later in life—suggesting that declining hormone levels and thyroid health are more significant contributors.
Stress & Adrenal Dysfunction
Chronic stress raises cortisol, your body’s primary stress hormone. When cortisol is too high—or even too low over time—it can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding or stalled regrowth.
How We Treat Hair Loss in Women
At Brea Scientific, we know how personal hair loss can feel—and we take it seriously. Our treatment plans are tailored to your biology and your goals.
Our approach includes:
Thorough lab testing to assess thyroid, testosterone, DHT, and cortisol levelsBioidentical hormone therapy if thyroid or other hormones are deficientTargeted treatments (oral or topical) for women who are DHT-sensitiveAdrenal support protocols to regulate cortisol and reduce stress-driven hair lossSupplement recommendations to nourish follicles and support growth from the inside out
You’re not alone—and you’re not without options. Whether you’re just beginning to notice shedding or are dealing with long-term thinning, we’re here to help restore both your hair and your peace of mind.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis in Women
Osteoporosis is a silent yet serious condition that causes bones to lose density, becoming fragile and prone to fractures. While these fractures can be painful, they also carry the risk of long-term disability—and in severe cases, even life-threatening complications.
The Silent Symptom of Bone Loss
Osteoporosis often develops gradually and without obvious symptoms, which is why proactive screening is critical—especially for women entering menopause.
Here’s what the data shows:
50% of women in the U.S. will be affected by osteoporosisWithout hormone replacement, menopausal women lose 2–7% of bone mass annually1 in 3 women over age 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture
Because it progresses quietly, many women don’t realize they’re at risk until a fall or injury results in a break.
What Causes Osteoporosis in Women?
Declining Estrogen
At menopause, estrogen levels drop rapidly—and so does bone protection. Estrogen regulates two key types of bone cells:
Osteoclasts, which break down old bone tissueOsteoblasts, which build new bone
Estrogen keeps these systems in balance by slowing bone breakdown and stimulating new bone formation. Without it, bone loss accelerates.
Other Hormonal Factors
Progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA all play secondary roles in supporting bone strength and densityExcess cortisol from chronic stress can suppress bone-building activity and accelerate mineral loss
How We Prevent and Treat Osteoporosis
At Brea Scientific, we take a proactive and hormone-centered approach to protecting your bone health. Our treatment plans are designed to preserve bone density, reduce fracture risk, and promote lifelong strength.
Our approach may include:
Bioidentical hormone therapy to restore healthy levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEAGuidance on weight-bearing exercise, which helps stimulate bone formationSupplement recommendations including calcium, magnesium, Vitamin D3, and K2 for optimal bone mineralizationStress and adrenal support to regulate cortisol and prevent bone loss related to chronic stress
Osteoporosis doesn’t have to be your future. With the right combination of hormones, movement, and support, your bones can remain strong, flexible, and fracture-resistant well into later life.
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