Bioidentical Hormone Therapy for Perimenopause and Menopause
Many of our patients come to us with persistent symptoms that have been dismissed or inadequately addressed by conventional care. Hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and changes in body composition are common complaints during perimenopause and menopause. While these symptoms are often attributed to “normal” aging, they frequently signal an underlying hormonal imbalance that can be effectively managed with a comprehensive, individualized approach.
At Integr8 Health, we offer bioidentical hormone therapy as part of a holistic treatment plan designed to restore balance and improve quality of life. Our approach is grounded in functional medicine principles, emphasizing root-cause analysis, personalized care, and patient education. We recognize that each person’s hormonal journey is unique — and that effective treatment requires a deep understanding of symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors.
Why Conventional Care Falls Short
Most standard medical approaches to menopause and perimenopause rely on symptom management rather than addressing the underlying hormonal imbalances. This often involves the use of synthetic hormone therapies, which may carry risks such as increased cardiovascular events, thromboembolic events, and adverse effects on mood and metabolism. Additionally, many patients are not given comprehensive hormone testing, leading to a one-size-fits-all model that fails to account for individual variations in estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, and testosterone levels.
We believe that effective hormone therapy begins with a thorough evaluation. This includes a detailed review of your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. We use targeted laboratory testing to assess your full hormonal profile, including sex hormones, adrenal markers, and metabolic indicators. This data allows us to develop a treatment plan that is both safe and effective — tailored to your specific needs.
Our Approach to Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Our Nurse Practitioner Ari Kryskow, FNP, specializes in integrative hormone care. Ari is one of only a few providers in the state of Maine certified in functional medicine — bringing a rare depth of training and experience to hormone health and whole-person care. She combines evidence-based clinical guidelines with a patient-centered, holistic framework to deliver personalized care.
Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) uses hormones that are structurally identical to those produced by the human body. When appropriate, we may recommend estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, or testosterone — all derived from plant-based sources and formulated to match your body’s natural chemistry. These hormones are used in combination with lifestyle interventions and supportive supplements to promote long-term hormonal balance.
Our treatment process includes:
- A comprehensive initial evaluation to assess symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals
- Targeted laboratory testing to evaluate hormone levels and metabolic function
- Clear, transparent communication about treatment options, risks, and benefits
- A personalized treatment plan that may include bioidentical hormones, nutritional support, stress management, and targeted supplementation
- Ongoing monitoring and follow-up to adjust treatment as your body changes
Support for Those Not Seeking Hormone Therapy
Not every patient is a candidate for or interested in hormone therapy. For those who prefer a natural approach, we offer a comprehensive program focused on optimizing hormonal health through lifestyle and nutritional interventions. This includes:
- Individualized nutrition plans to support metabolic health and hormone regulation
- Herbal and nutraceutical support to manage symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes
- Stress management strategies to support adrenal and thyroid function
- Exercise and movement recommendations to improve energy, mood, and body composition
Who Can Benefit from Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?
Bioidentical hormone therapy may be appropriate for patients experiencing:
- Hot flashes, night sweats, or sleep disturbances
- Mood changes, anxiety, or irritability
- Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or memory issues
- Low libido or sexual dysfunction
- Weight gain, fatigue, or loss of muscle mass
- Vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, or urinary changes
- Hair thinning, dry skin, or joint pain
If you’ve been told your symptoms are “normal” or “just part of aging,” but you know something is off, you’re not alone. Many patients come to us after being told there’s nothing wrong — only to discover that their symptoms are indeed linked to hormonal imbalance.
How to Get Started
To begin your journey toward hormonal balance, we invite you to schedule a hormone evaluation with Ari Kryskow, FNP. During your initial appointment, you’ll receive a thorough assessment and a clear explanation of your options. We offer free 10-minute consultations to help you determine the best path forward.
You can reach us by phone at 207-482-0188 or by email at info@integr8health.com.
About Ari Kryskow, FNP
Ari is a licensed nurse practitioner with specialized training in hormone health and integrative medicine. As one of the few functional medicine-certified providers in Maine, she brings a rare combination of clinical expertise and holistic insight to every patient. Her approach integrates conventional medical guidelines with functional medicine principles, prioritizing safety, education, and long-term wellness. Patients consistently praise her for her ability to explain complex medical concepts clearly, her empathetic listening, and her passion and dedication to helping patients achieve optimal health.
At Integr8 Health, we believe that hormonal health is a cornerstone of overall well-being. We are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers you to take control of your health — and to feel like yourself again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is bioidentical hormone therapy?
A: Bioidentical hormones are molecularly identical to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. They are typically derived from plant sources (such as soy or yam) and compounded to match your body’s specific hormonal needs. Unlike synthetic hormones, which may have different molecular structures, bioidentical hormones are designed to be recognized and metabolized by the body more naturally.
Q: Is bioidentical hormone therapy safe?
A: When prescribed and monitored appropriately, bioidentical hormone therapy is considered safe for most patients. We begin with comprehensive testing to determine your baseline hormone levels and tailor your dosage to your individual needs. Regular follow-up visits allow us to adjust your treatment as your body changes, minimizing risks and maximizing benefits.
Q: How long does it take to see results?
A: Many patients report noticeable improvements in symptoms such as sleep, mood, and energy within 4–6 weeks. However, full hormonal balance and optimal results may take 3–6 months, depending on the severity of imbalance and individual response to treatment.
Q: Do I need to be in menopause to benefit from hormone therapy?
A: No. Many patients in perimenopause — the transitional phase leading up to menopause — experience significant symptoms that respond well to hormone therapy. This can start in your 30’s and 40’s. We also treat patients with hormonal imbalances unrelated to menopause, including those with low testosterone, adrenal dysfunction, or thyroid-related fatigue.
Q: Can I stop hormone therapy once I feel better?
A: Some patients choose to taper off hormones after achieving balance, while others continue long-term for ongoing symptom management. We work with you to determine the best approach based on your goals, symptoms, and lab results.
Q: Do you accept insurance?
A: We are an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly. However, we provide detailed superbill receipts that you may submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. You may call your insurance company beforehand and ask if they will reimburse for an out-of-network provider, and if so, what the reimbursement amount is.
Patient Success Stories
“After years of being told my symptoms were ‘just stress,’ I finally found someone who listened. Ari didn’t just treat my hot flashes — she helped me understand why they were happening. Within two months, I was sleeping through the night, my mood stabilized, and I had energy again. I feel like myself for the first time in years.”
— Sarah M., Portland, ME
“I was skeptical about hormone therapy, but Ari took the time to explain everything — the science, the risks, the alternatives. I started with a low dose of bioidentical progesterone and DHEA, and within six weeks, my brain fog lifted. I’m now back to hiking and gardening — things I thought I’d lost forever.”
— Linda R., Freeport, ME
“As a man in my 50s, I didn’t realize low testosterone could cause fatigue, weight gain, and low libido. Ari ran a full panel, explained my results, and started me on a gentle protocol. I’m sleeping better, my mood is stable, and I’ve lost 15 pounds without dieting. I’m grateful I didn’t wait any longer.”
— David T., Bangor, ME
“I wanted to avoid hormones, so Ari created a natural plan with adaptogens, targeted nutrition, and stress management. My hot flashes decreased by 80% in 8 weeks. I’m still not ready for hormones — but I know I have that option if I need it.”
— Rebecca L., Orono, ME