The Benefits of HRT for Menopausal Symptoms
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the benchmark treatment for the uncomfortable symptoms that arise as you approach menopause. Here’s how it can help.
Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe? Get the Facts
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, a transitional period that can be uncomfortable. As your body slows production of specific hormones, you might experience sleep troubles, hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
According to a study, around 45% of surveyed women entering or in menopause currently use or have used hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to manage menopause symptoms.
Many women use HRT to alleviate the uncomfortable and life-altering symptoms that appear when estrogen, an important sexual and reproductive hormone, declines.
If you’re considering HRT to relieve menopausal symptoms, you may wonder about the safety of introducing hormones into your body that your body doesn’t produce.
Experienced women’s care provider Asia Mohsin, MD, can help you decide whether hormone replacement therapy is the right choice at Progressive Women’s Health OB/GYN in Friendswood and Mission, Texas.
Who should consider hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement isn’t for everyone, but your OB/GYN might recommend it if your perimenopause or menopause symptoms become a significant concern in your life. As you transition into menopause, the decline of estrogen can lead to:
- Hot flashes
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- Night sweats
- Heart palpitations
- Headaches
- Low energy
- Low bone mass
- Sexual dysfunction
If you have mild or no symptoms while transitioning into menopause, HRT isn’t necessary.
Does hormone replacement therapy have risks?
Like any medication or treatment, HRT comes with a few risks, especially when taken at high doses or for long periods. In some cases, HRT can increase your risk for:
- Breast cancer
- Blood clots
- Gallbladder disease
- Heart disease
- Uterine cancer
HRT risks are especially low if you start HRT before age 60, live a healthy lifestyle, and visit your gynecologist regularly.
Hormone replacement therapy and you
Many women find the benefits of HRT far outweigh the risks, allowing them to enjoy a greater quality of life with fewer menopausal symptoms. Dr. Mohsin can sit down with you to discuss hormone replacement therapy in the context of your health.
If you decide to proceed with HRT for menopause, Dr. Mohsin prescribes hormones in various forms to meet differing needs. Some hormone therapies use only estrogen, while others combine estrogen and progesterone.
Based on your symptoms, your options might include:
- Hormone replacement therapy for all menopause symptoms
- Low-dose hormonal contraceptives for all menopause symptoms
- Topical estrogen for vaginal dryness and itching
- Estrogen transdermal patches to treat all menopause symptoms
- Brisdelle® for hot flashes
- Osphena® for painful sex during menopause
- Intrarosa® for painful sex caused by vaginal dryness
To minimize HRT risks, Dr. Mohsin monitors you closely while you take hormone replacement therapy to ensure you’re on an appropriate dose.
If you’re unhappy with HRT or prefer a more natural alternative for managing menopause, Dr. Mohsin can recommend healthy lifestyle changes to help regulate your hormones.
Don’t let menopausal symptoms negatively affect your outlook on this new phase of life. To learn more about your hormone replacement therapy options, call Progressive Women’s Health OB/GYN or request an appointment online today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Life After Ectopic Pregnancy
If you’ve had an ectopic (out of uterus) pregnancy, you may wonder if you’ll ever be able to get pregnant again. Here’s what our expert has to say.
I'm Officially Infertile — What Are My Options?
If you’re trying to grow your family but aren’t able to conceive, you’re probably wondering about your fertility options. It turns out there are several, which we discuss here.
How Much Downtime Do I Need After a Hysteroscopy?
If you’re experiencing abnormal bleeding, your doctor may order a hysteroscopy to diagnose and treat the underlying problem. Keep reading to learn more about the procedure, including how much downtime is involved.
Is That an Ovarian Cyst Causing Pain?
If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, it could be coming from any number of sources. Here’s what you need to know about ovarian cysts and the problems they create.
Help! I'm Struggling to Lose Weight
If you’ve tried all the fad diets and workouts and still can’t shed the pounds, a medical weight loss program may be just the trick. Here’s what you need to know.