Do I Need Hormone Therapy After Menopause?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a safe and proven means of managing the symptoms associated with menopause, but how long do you need to continue treatment? While the unpleasant feelings of fatigue, mood swings and hot flashes eventually abate, your body never produces the same level of hormones again.

Most women only need to manage their symptoms for around two to five years after the onset of menopause. Others may struggle longer or be at risk for long-term effects such as osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease. Let’s look at the impact long-term HRT can have on your body and how long you might need to extend your treatment.

Symptoms Hormone Therapy Alleviates

During and after menopause, hormone replacement therapy can help you manage a variety of symptoms, including:

Hot flashes and night sweats
Vaginal dryness
Mood changes
Sleep difficulty
Brain fog

If you continue to experience any of the above, continuing HRT can help manage the ongoing issues. Additionally, some women are at risk for more severe postmenopausal symptoms. An extended period of treatment can help mitigate these risks.

Should I Continue HRT After Menopause?

The two most serious risks women face after menopause are osteoporosis (low bone density) and cardiovascular disease. You could be at risk for osteoporosis if you:

Have a small frame
Have a low body mass index (BMI)
Smoke
Drink more than two alcoholic drinks per day
Have low calcium levels

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include:

Having gone through menopause early
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
A family history of heart disease

Risks and Considerations With Long-Term Hormone Replacement

It’s important to understand that extending your hormone treatment for fifteen or more years could increase your risk of breast cancer, blood clots or gallbladder disease. You’ll want to carefully review your symptoms, health history and risk factors with your physician to determine the best time to stop treatment.

Women who are the best candidates for hormone replacement after menopause:

Experience significant menopausal symptoms that impact quality of life
Are at high risk for osteoporosis
Enter menopause early (before age 45)
Have a family history of heart disease

Women who should avoid hormone therapy after menopause:

Have a personal or family history of breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers
Have a history of blood clots or clotting disorders
Have had or are at risk for liver disease
Are over age 60

Get Clear Answers to Your Menopause Questions

There are many health questions to weigh when entering post menopause. However, it’s impossible to give one-size-fits-all answers because everyone has different health histories and symptoms.

Finding the right answers to your questions and getting the relief you need during and after menopause means finding a trusted doctor. They should test your hormone levels, review your health history, understand your lifestyle and make informed care recommendations. Fortunately, those professionals are easy to access at Balance Hormone Center. Call us today to book your consultation and start feeling better about life beyond menopause.