Menopause is a normal, but challenging time in a woman’s life. She notices changes in the frequency and duration of her period as her body begins to produce less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The search for help as a woman’s body changes can often be confusing and frustrating. Menopause is officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. However, even during this time, a woman may experience various symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms can vary both in type and intensity, with some women experiencing no symptoms at all. Low libido, dryness, hot flashes, and night sweats are just a few of the symptoms many women live with daily.
- Hot flashes: Getting warm or hot in the face, neck, or shoulders, with or without sweating.
- Night sweats: Causes a lack of sleep and feelings of stress, tension, and fatigue.
- Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): Can lead to thinning and drying of the vaginal tissues and painful intercourse.
- Thinning of the bones: Can lead to osteoporosis, weakened bones, and fragility.
Some women’s symptoms may simply go away; however, many continue to experience these effects for a prolonged period of time.
Those who experience menopause symptoms may choose to start hormone therapy. The use of hormone therapy for menopause may help to alleviate some of the symptoms. This also eases the progression into menopause. Some women also choose to undergo hormone therapy to slow down the potential loss of bone density that’s commonly found in menopause.
What is hormonal replacement therapy?
Hormone therapy for menopause refers to the use of synthetic hormones to replenish hormone levels in the body. It generally involves the use of estrogen. Women who have a uterus will usually also receive progesterone as part of HRT for menopause. The addition of progesterone helps to protect the lining of the uterus.
During menopause, estrogen levels begin to decline. Replenishing them to normal levels with HRT can help to reduce the severity of symptoms experienced during this period of a woman’s life.
There are different kinds of hormone replacement therapy for menopause options. This includes conventional options, which include the use of synthetic hormones. In some cases, plant-derived hormones are also used.
Who needs hormonal therapy?
Any woman who is going through or has gone through the “change of life “ should feel comfortable speaking with a trained professional about her concerns. Women who are experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, or painful intercourse may be able to benefit.
Trained professionals, such as our team of medical experts at Androgenix, can help women experiencing these changes manage their symptoms.
It’s a good idea for women to start with an initial consultation to get a baseline of their hormone levels and health. A doctor at Androgenix can assess the situation and determine if hormone therapy is the best choice. They can also help the patient understand the risks and benefits.
When is the best time to start HRT?
Studies seem to indicate that the best long-term benefits of HRT occur when women start hormone therapy before the age of 60 or before they have been in menopause for ten years.
However, this is one of those cases that requires a personalized approach. Consulting with your doctor as soon as your symptoms begin to develop is the best course of action. It helps you get an idea of what you can expect and ensures HRT is implemented at the correct time.
What are the risks of hormone therapy?
There are certain risks and side effects women should know about before they decide whether or not to use hormone therapy for menopause.
Common side effects that women report include:
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Mood changes
- Swelling in the breasts
- Breast tenderness
- Vaginal bleeding
There are also certain risks that women should be aware of. This can help them better understand what to expect and weigh the pros and cons.
- The risk of breast cancer and certain other types of cancer may increase with HRT for menopause.
- Some women experience unexplained vaginal bleeding that requires medical attention.
- There’s also a higher risk of blood clots in women who use hormone therapy during the menopausal transition.
- Some studies also show women may be more likely to experience a stroke. The risk is very low, but it’s still worth noting.
How can Androgenix help?
At Androgenix, we are highly experienced in helping our patients better understand hormones in their bodies. If you’re going through menopause and want to discuss the potential benefits of hormone therapy, reach out. Our experts can help you get an idea of where your hormones are now, and discuss both the potential benefits and the most crucial risks for your treatment. This helps you make an informed, safe decision.
