Menopause and perimenopause are natural transitions in a woman’s life, but for many, they can bring a host of challenging and confusing symptoms. From hot flashes and mood swings to insomnia, weight changes, and sexual health concerns, these hormonal shifts can disrupt daily life and leave women feeling lost.
In Sarasota, Dr. Victoria Andarcia at Reveal Vitality specializes in helping women navigate perimenopause and menopause with a modern, evidence-based, and compassionate approach. This guide will answer key questions about menopause, perimenopause, and how Dr. Andarcia can support women through this important chapter.
What is menopause?
Menopause marks the natural end of menstrual periods, defined by a full 12 months without a period. It usually occurs between ages 45 and 55, with the average age in the United States around 51.
Menopause happens because the ovaries stop producing eggs and estrogen and progesterone levels decline significantly. This hormonal shift triggers a range of physical and emotional symptoms as the body adjusts.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause, when hormones begin to fluctuate and menstrual cycles become irregular. It can start as early as a woman’s late 30s or early 40s and may last anywhere from a few months to several years.
During perimenopause, estrogen levels rise and fall unpredictably, creating symptoms that can sometimes be even more intense than menopause itself.
What are the most common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause?
Hormonal fluctuations during these transitions can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Brain fog and memory lapses
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia
- Irregular periods (perimenopause)
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort
- Reduced libido or painful intercourse
- Weight gain or body composition changes
- Fatigue and low energy
- Thinning hair or dry skin
Because every woman’s experience is unique, symptoms may vary in type, severity, and duration.
Why do some women struggle more than others during menopause?
A woman’s menopause experience can be influenced by many factors, including:
- Genetics
- Stress levels
- Diet and nutritional status
- Past medical history
- Lifestyle habits
- Gut health
- Environmental toxin exposure
For some, these factors create a perfect storm of hormonal imbalance, making symptoms much more severe. That is why an individualized approach, like the one Dr. Andarcia offers, can be so valuable.
How does Dr. Victoria Andarcia approach menopause and perimenopause?
Dr. Andarcia uses a holistic, root-cause approach to help women manage perimenopause and menopause with confidence. Her practice focuses on:
- Listening carefully to a woman’s story and validating her symptoms
- Comprehensive hormone evaluations, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, and adrenal testing
- Assessing lifestyle, nutrition, sleep, stress, and environmental influences
- Creating customized plans that may include hormone therapy, nutritional adjustments, supplements, and stress-reduction tools
- Monitoring progress and adjusting care as needed to support lasting results
By combining advanced science with compassionate, personalized care, Dr. Andarcia empowers women to regain control of their health during these transitional years.
What treatment options are available for menopause symptoms?
Depending on a woman’s symptoms, medical history, and preferences, treatment may include:
- Lifestyle recommendations, such as nutrition, exercise, and sleep support
- Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to balance estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone
- Herbal or nutritional supplements to reduce hot flashes, improve sleep, and ease mood swings
- Stress management techniques, including breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness
- Sexual wellness support, addressing vaginal dryness and libido changes
Dr. Andarcia helps women evaluate the benefits and risks of each option to develop a plan that feels safe, effective, and aligned with their health goals.
What is bioidentical hormone therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy uses hormones that are chemically identical to those the human body naturally produces. Many women find BHRT more comfortable and easier to tolerate than traditional synthetic hormones.
BHRT can help relieve symptoms of estrogen and progesterone deficiency, and in some cases, testosterone deficiency, by restoring optimal hormone balance. Dr. Andarcia can help determine if BHRT is appropriate and monitor therapy to ensure the best outcomes.
Can diet and lifestyle help during menopause?
Yes — lifestyle changes can make a big difference during perimenopause and menopause. Women may benefit from:
- Eating a whole-food, anti-inflammatory diet
- Ensuring adequate protein intake to preserve muscle mass
- Increasing phytoestrogen-rich foods such as flaxseed or soy
- Prioritizing hydration and fiber
- Practicing stress management techniques
- Exercising regularly for bone health and mood support
- Improving sleep habits
Dr. Andarcia works with women to design lifestyle strategies tailored to their unique needs.
How does stress affect menopause symptoms?
Stress can make menopausal symptoms worse by raising cortisol levels, which can further disrupt estrogen and progesterone balance. Chronic stress also impacts sleep, weight, mood, and immune function, all of which can aggravate symptoms.
Dr. Andarcia teaches women to incorporate relaxation practices such as breathing exercises, guided meditation, or gentle movement to help calm the nervous system and support hormonal balance.
What about sexual health and menopause?
A common but sometimes uncomfortable topic is how menopause affects sexual wellness. Declining estrogen can lead to:
- Vaginal dryness
- Reduced lubrication
- Thinning of the vaginal lining
- Painful intercourse
- Lower libido
These changes can affect confidence and relationships. Dr. Andarcia offers compassionate support, including safe hormone therapies, moisturizers, and lifestyle strategies to help women maintain comfort and intimacy.
Is menopause just about hormones?
No — menopause is a whole-body experience that involves the brain, bones, heart, metabolism, immune system, and even gut health. Hormone changes can influence:
- Cholesterol and heart disease risk
- Bone density and osteoporosis risk
- Blood sugar and insulin sensitivity
- Cognitive health and memory
This is why Dr. Andarcia looks at menopause through a wide-angle lens, evaluating the full picture of a woman’s health and designing comprehensive strategies to support well-being in every system.
When should I see a menopause specialist?
You may want to seek expert care with Dr. Andarcia if you experience:
- Severe or disruptive hot flashes
- Mood swings or depression
- Sleep difficulties
- Irregular or heavy periods in your 40s
- Vaginal discomfort or painful sex
- Memory or concentration struggles
- Sudden weight gain
- Anxiety or loss of confidence
Early support can ease the transition and prevent symptoms from disrupting your quality of life.
How does Dr. Andarcia help women feel empowered during menopause?
Dr. Andarcia’s patients often say they feel respected, heard, and encouraged. Her approach includes:
- Listening to a woman’s entire story without rushing
- Validating her symptoms
- Offering education so women understand what is happening
- Providing choices and discussing risks and benefits
- Building a personalized plan to restore balance and confidence
Instead of dismissing menopause as “just part of aging,” Dr. Andarcia helps women thrive during this powerful time of change.
How can I schedule an appointment with Dr. Victoria Andarcia?
You can book an appointment with Dr. Andarcia at Reveal Vitality in Sarasota by contacting their office directly. They will guide you through intake forms, insurance details, lab testing options, and any other questions you might have.
Getting proactive, compassionate support now can help you transition through perimenopause and menopause with less discomfort and more confidence.
Dr. Victoria Andarcia: Professional Bio
Dr. Victoria Andarcia, MD, is a board-certified physician specializing in integrative and functional medicine. She graduated from American University of the Caribbean for medical school. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at Florida Atlantic University, where she developed her commitment to combining conventional medical science with holistic healing principles.
Dr. Andarcia has extensive experience in women’s health, hormone management, weight management, and comprehensive wellness strategies. She is known for her warm, approachable style and dedication to empowering patients through education, root-cause analysis, and evidence-informed care.
At Reveal Vitality in Sarasota, Dr. Andarcia helps women navigate menopause and perimenopause with thoughtful, personalized treatment plans that integrate lifestyle interventions, advanced lab testing, bioidentical hormone therapy, nutrition guidance, and mind-body strategies. Her mission is to support women in reclaiming their vitality, confidence, and long-term health through every phase of life.
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Reveal Vitality was birthed out of a passion to change how you approach your health. Instead of just treating symptoms in isolation as they arise, we develop a comprehensive wellness plan for our patients and then help them implement it. Our goal is to help our patients be healthier and live longer.
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