Bioidentical hormones are derived from plants and can be used to optimize and restore hormone balance during perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. Menopause occurs when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 months. During menopause, the ovaries stop producing the same levels of sex steroid hormones (estrogen , progesterone and testosterone ). This decline in ovarian hormone production is what leads to the undesired symptoms that middle-aged women experience. Hormone replacement therapy is implemented to offset these symptoms and restore balance.