What Is Hormone Therapy for Menopause?
For many women, menopause can be a challenging time. As your ovaries slow the production of hormones, you might experience a number of uncomfortable symptoms.
One solution to the challenges around menopause is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). When administered by an experienced health professional, HRT alleviates many of the symptoms menopausal women face. To help you understand how hormone therapy works and why it might be right for you, we’ve created this short guide.
What Happens to You During Menopause?
Menopause is a natural process that can last for years. It occurs in three stages: perimenopause, which is when hormone production begins to decline; menopause itself, which is when you haven’t had a period for 12 months; and postmenopause. When people refer to menopause, they can mean any of these stages.
Menopause itself typically happens between the ages of 45 to 55. As you approach this age, your body produces less estrogen and progesterone. You begin to experience fewer periods or periods at irregular intervals until your menstrual cycle eventually ceases. Your ovaries stop releasing eggs, and you can no longer become pregnant.
The same hormones that dictate your menstrual cycle also regulate other bodily functions. As these hormone levels decrease, you might feel like your body has been thrown into a tailspin.
Functions That Estrogen and Progesterone Regulate
- Body temperature and perspiration: This is why many women experience hot flashes, heart palpitations and increased sweating.
- Vaginal dryness: Decreased hormones cause atrophy which in turn leads to dryness and discomfort during intercourse.
- Sleep and mood: Changing hormone levels can cause your mood to swing, resulting in depression, anxiety, sleeplessness and low libido.
In addition to these short-term effects, menopause can have serious, long-lasting health risks, including loss of bone density (osteoporosis) or cardiovascular disease. Addressing menopause not only provides daily relief but can also increase your longevity.
How Hormone Therapy Works for Menopause
While menopause is an inevitable life transition, hormone replacement therapy can diminish the impact it has on your body. Replacing your naturally occurring hormones with synthetic equivalents can help your body regulate non-menstrual functions, such as mood and libido.
How Is Hormone Treatment Given During Menopause?
There are several delivery methods available for hormone treatment, including pills, gels, patches and pellets. At Balance Hormone Center, we favor the pellet form of hormone treatment because it supplies your body with a steady release of the hormones.
To determine which approach is best for you, consult with one of our physicians. Estrogen replacement therapy is different for every individual, and we want to match you with the treatment that’ll give you the best results.
How to Schedule Estrogen Replacement
Finding menopause relief is easy with Balance Hormone Center. Simply schedule an appointment with our team. We’ll review your health history and your symptoms and come up with a hormone treatment plan that addresses your unique body chemistry. We look forward to working with you!
