Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause

Hormone replacement therapy is one way to treat the symptoms of menopause. It is a treatment that uses hormones to counter the drop in estrogen levels that happens during menopause. Some people may find hormone replacement therapy a bit drastic until they consider all the downsides of menopause.

The absolute worst part about menopause has to be the sudden spike in body temperature that will routinely and rudely interrupt your day or even your sleep. Hot flashes and night sweats are the biggest motivators that drive women to seek out hormone replacement therapy.

So, what can hormone replacement therapy do for you?

Menopause and hormonal changes

In women of childbearing age, estrogen regulates the menstrual cycle and keeps the reproductive system working properly. It also helps to preserve bone strength. It impacts how the brain regulates body temperature and keeps the skin supple.

At the onset of menopause, your body will cut its estrogen production. As a result, you will start to experience:

• Weaker bones
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Changes in mood
• Unexplained weight gain
• Aches and pains in the muscles or joints

The symptoms can range from barely noticeable to moderate or severe. Severe symptoms can affect your daily life, causing you to choose to treat the symptoms with hormone replacement therapy.

About hormone replacement therapy

Also known as HRT, hormone replacement therapy is the use of hormones, mostly estrogen, to counter the drop of estrogen levels that happens during menopause. There are two ways to administer HRT.

The first is systemic HRT, where the medication can be in the form of pills, patches, creams, foams or sprays. This method treats all symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes.

The second method is localized hormone therapy. This is given in the form of low-dose vaginal preparations of estrogen. This technique is only used to treat vaginal discomfort caused by menopause.

Who should stay away from hormone replacement therapy?

Women with a personal or family history of cancer should avoid HRT. Women who have a history of heart disease, blood clots, liver disease or stroke should also avoid this treatment. If you only experience mild symptoms of menopause, you may not need the therapy.

For the best results, you should start hormone therapy within ten years of the onset of menopause. A woman who starts the treatment in her 60s risks downsides like breast cancer, blood clots, stroke and heart disease.

Who should use it?

If you experience early menopause, you can benefit from hormone replacement therapy. The treatment protects you from mood changes and osteoporosis. It also lowers the risk of heart disease.

Risks of HRT and how to reduce them

The active ingredient in HRT is estrogen, a hormone that stimulates the growth of tissue in the uterus. Because it acts as a growth hormone, estrogen needs to be regulated. To prevent the estrogen from affecting the uterus negatively, progesterone is used as a counterbalance.

A woman who has had a hysterectomy will not need progesterone.

Is hormone replacement therapy a good option?

If you have severe menopause symptoms and your doctor clears you for HRT, then it will likely be a good move. The treatment will keep you comfortable as you navigate your way through menopause.

At our practice, you will talk to a doctor who will work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailor-made to your needs. Call us to begin managing your menopause.

Request an appointment here: https://omgwellnessmd.com or call Optimal Medical Group at (559) 425-1118 for an appointment in our Fresno office.

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