Menopause occurs when a woman's reproductive hormones naturally decline, and she no longer menstruates, which may result in undesirable or uncomfortable symptoms. Fortunately, hormone replacement treatment has been clinically proven to help decrease these symptoms, allowing you to navigate menopause with ease.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment given to women to replace the declining estrogen and progesterone levels common with the onset of menopause. The therapy is used to help alleviate bothersome menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
Menopause is a normal transition in a woman’s life, and every woman will have her own unique experience. While one woman may notice her periods stop with minimal physical changes, another may experience prolonged symptoms that are uncomfortable.
When your menopause symptoms start to impact on your mental and physical health, making everyday life and tasks difficult or distressing, hormone replacement therapy may be an option.
Signs you may benefit from hormone replacement therapy include:
Has your period become more sporadic? Are you experiencing the above symptoms? Learn more about the signs of perimenopause here.
Estrogen-only hormone therapy and combination hormone therapy (estrogen and progesterone) are the two main types of hormone replacement therapy. If you still have your uterus, your doctor will suggest combination therapy because progesterone reduces your risk of endometrial (uterine) cancer.
If you have had a hysterectomy and no longer have a uterus, you typically will not need progesterone. This is important to know because taking estrogen alone has been shown to have fewer long-term risks compared to combination hormone therapy.
There are two ways a woman can receive hormone replacement therapy — systemically or locally:
Click here to get a closer look at the main hormones within a woman’s body and their important roles.
Unlike traditional hormone therapy, which uses lab-created synthetic hormones, natural hormone therapy, also known as bioidentical hormone therapy, uses plant-derived hormones. These hormones are then altered in a lab to have the same molecular structure as the hormones your body used to produce before menopause.
The decision to go on hormone therapy and which type, traditional or natural, is a personal one and should be made after talking to your health care provider. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to talk with a knowledgeable provider about your options.
Hormone replacement therapy can be very beneficial and plays an important role in managing menopause symptoms during the menopause transition.
Hormone replacement therapy may help alleviate the following symptoms:
Hormone therapy is a viable option for relatively young and healthy women — up to age 59 or within ten years of menopause. Although, there are risks involved. It's critical to talk to your doctor about these risks before starting therapy.
The following risks are associated with HRT:
You are less likely to experience any issues if you follow these suggestions:
It's important to tell your Moreland OB-GYN provider everything you know about your medical history. Let them know if you have a history of blood clots, high blood pressure, cancer, and if you are a current or former smoker. Keeping a close track of all your menopause symptoms can also help your doctor decide the best treatment course.
Once you start hormone replacement therapy, it's essential you follow up with your doctor to discuss any symptoms or side effects you experience. If you decide hormone therapy is not the best option for you, your doctor can discuss natural ways to help alleviate uncomfortable symptoms, including:
Moreland OB-GYN is proud to have Menopause Practitioners certified by the North American Menopause Society on staff. All of our providers are dedicated to helping women through this stage of their life by providing in-depth knowledge of the treatments available.
Our team of caring providers will take the time to listen and answer any questions you have about hormone replacement therapy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey towards a happier, healthier life during and after menopause.