Menopause doesn’t take a vacation — and for many women, summer can be the most challenging season to navigate its effects. The combination of heat, humidity, and fluctuating hormones can leave even the most health-conscious feeling anything but cool and comfortable.
But relief is possible — and more accessible than many women realize.
According to Courtney Lo, Founder and CEO of Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center (CSLC) and RegenCen, and a national leader in aesthetic and anti-aging medicine, “Menopause and perimenopause aren’t just lifestyle challenges — they’re medical conditions rooted in real hormone imbalances. And when treated properly, women can feel vibrant and empowered, even in the heat of summer.”
Lo speaks from experience. After founding one of the country’s first aesthetic and anti-aging medical centers in 2001, she added hormone optimization to her practice after going through her own menopause journey at age 48.
“I couldn’t believe how transformative hormone therapy was — and how few women had access to this level of care,” Lo says. Today, she and her team deliver advanced, medically led hormone therapy to women across Michigan and Florida.
So, what can women do to manage menopause symptoms this summer? Lo offers several key insights.
Understand what’s really happening
Many women are surprised to learn that perimenopause — the years leading up to menopause — can begin as early as the mid-30s or early 40s. Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, and brain fog are common, yet often misunderstood.
“It’s not just about hormones being ‘low,’” explains Lo. “It’s about hormone imbalance and fluctuation. Progesterone and testosterone gradually decline, while estrogen can swing wildly. That creates many of the confusing symptoms women experience.”
Understanding the root cause is the first step toward effective treatment and feeling better all year.
Lifestyle strategies for summer
While hormone optimization addresses the core issue, supportive lifestyle adjustments can help women manage symptoms, especially during hot weather:
- Hydration is key. Drinking plenty of water helps regulate body temperature and can reduce the severity of hot flashes.
- Limit alcohol and sugar. Both can trigger symptoms and disrupt sleep, which is already a challenge for many women during menopause.
- Prioritize strength training. Building and maintaining muscle mass supports metabolism, bone health, and overall vitality.
- Cool down strategically. Light, moisture-wicking clothing, cooling pillows, and portable fans can offer much-needed relief.
The role of medical treatment
For many women, however, lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough. The most effective way to address menopause symptoms — and improve long-term health — is through medically guided hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
“Restoring hormone balance with bioidentical therapy supports what your body once produced naturally,” says Lo. “Bioidentical hormone therapy can dramatically reduce hot flashes, improve mood and energy, restore cognitive sharpness, and protect against conditions like osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease.”
Women often report that balanced hormones help them sleep better, think more clearly, and feel more like themselves again, even during the most challenging summer months.
Why now is the ideal time to start
Many women wait until symptoms become unbearable to seek help. But according to Lo, summer is the perfect time to be proactive.
“When you’re already dealing with hot weather and poor sleep, restoring hormonal balance now can help you feel better in a matter of weeks,” she notes. “That allows you to truly enjoy the season with more energy, confidence, and resilience.”
Finding the right provider
One of Lo’s most important pieces of advice is to seek out a hormone specialist. “This is not one-size-fits-all medicine,” she says. “You need someone who truly understands the nuances of HRT and will create a treatment plan tailored to your body and your needs.”
Women in Florida now have more access than ever. RegenCen offers advanced hormone optimization at multiple locations across the state, including Hobe Sound and Vero Beach on the Space Coast, making it easier for local women to find expert, personalized care close to home.
Lo also encourages women to talk openly with friends and family about menopause and perimenopause. “Community and support are powerful medicine,” she adds. “Women shouldn’t have to navigate this alone.”
Final takeaway
The message is clear: menopause doesn’t have to slow women down — not in summer, not ever. With the right care and support, it’s possible to feel empowered, vibrant, and fully yourself in every season.
As Lo says, “You’re not broken. You’re not crazy. And you don’t have to suffer through this. We have the tools and knowledge today to help women thrive through menopause — and beyond.”
