Menopause is a difficult transition for some women. Although symptoms can be mild for some, others deal with harsh side effects that may need additional treatment. That is where hormone replacement therapy comes in handy. For those experiencing harsh symptoms, hormone replacement can help to ease side effects that cause the change to become more difficult. Here are 4 things to know about hormone replacement therapy for menopause:
1. How It’s Used
Hormone replacement therapy, also known as HRT, is a way to optimize and normalize female hormones. The customized medication is made to replace the estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA that your body stops producing during menopause. When a woman goes through menopause, they may experience a variety of side effects. In some cases, the symptoms are very mild and will not require much attention. However, these side effects can also become severe. Hormone therapy is used to treat the most common menopausal symptoms, which we will discuss a little later. The most important thing to know is that we use bioidentical hormones that come from soy or yam to enhance the body’s response.
2. Forms of Hormone Therapy
One of the best things about HRT is that there are a few different forms so women can find what works best for them. There are three main forms of estrogen therapy, topical, oral, and vaginal hormone therapy products. Systemic hormone therapy contains a higher dose of estrogen that is absorbed through the body while low-dose vaginal products minimize the amount of estrogen absorbed by the body. The main difference between the three is that treatment is specified for the individual's symptoms of menopause, for example, vaginal formulations work best for urinary and vaginal-specific symptoms.
3. How You Can Benefit
Now, let’s take a look at some of the common symptoms and see how hormone replacement for menopause may be able to help. If you suffer from extreme hot flashes, systemic estrogen therapy is the most effective treatment. Many women who go through menopause can lose sleep due to night sweats, and this is a wonderful solution. Some other symptoms of menopause to look for include changes in mood, anxiety, changes in the skin, vaginal discomfort, and depression. If you are suffering through menopause, talk to your doctor to see if HRT is right for you.
4. Other Uses for Hormone Replacement Therapy
In addition to treating the symptoms of menopause, HRT is used for other health conditions as well. Hormone medication may be prescribed by a doctor to be used for osteoporosis, to initiate puberty in adolescents, as part of gender transition, to treat some forms of cancer, and to treat infertility. While hormone replacement therapy is used in many cases, experts recommend if you have ever had breast cancer, stroke, heart attack, blood clots, or liver disease to consult a medical professional before initiating therapy. For those cases, there are other alternatives such as over-the-counter products and nonhormonal medications.
Do you have questions about hormone replacement therapy for menopause or other health-related issues? Sign up for a consultation with one of our experienced staff members who will be happy to talk with you! We look forward to helping you live a happy and healthy life.
