Menopause is a stage of life that all women go through. Most women experience it naturally, but there are also cases where it is brought on surgically or even prematurely when hormonal balance becomes disrupted. For women going through this transition in life, the question is whether to use HRT for perimenopause or menopause. Let’s take a look at what hormone replacement therapy entails, how it works, the benefits it offers, and explore the risks and side effects.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Perimenopause
The symptoms of perimenopause or menopause can vary both in type and intensity, with some women experiencing no symptoms at all. Low libido, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and intense sweating 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: which cause lack of sleep and feelings of stress, tension, and fatigue.
- Vaginal changes: which lead to thinning and drying of the vaginal tissues and painful intercourse.
- Reduced bone mass: which can contribute to osteoporosis, weakened bones, and loss of height.
While these are common symptoms, several other signs of perimenopause can develop. Periods become irregular, insomnia often develops, and women tend to experience changes in their mood, including anxiety or depression. Brain fog, or difficulties in memory and concentration, is also a very common complaint. Bladder problems, fertility issues, and changes in cholesterol levels are also fairly common in women as they enter perimenopause.
Benefits of HRT For Perimenopause
Perimenopause usually starts to develop in a woman’s 40s. Some experience the symptoms sooner than others. Being able to cope with these symptoms is important, especially if they feel intense or severe.
Hormone replacement therapy has become a common treatment choice for women who begin to feel their bodies changing at this age. To understand the main benefits of HRT for perimenopause, it’s essential to know what happens during this phase of a woman’s life.
The female body continuously produces estrogen and several other hormones. They help to regulate periods and play several different roles in the body. Perimenopause is a phase in life where the body starts to experience a decline in the amount of these hormones produced. This leads to menopause, at which point a woman no longer has periods, and their levels of estrogen and other sex hormones are significantly lower than before.
The goal of hormone therapy in perimenopause is not to restore pre-menopausal levels of those hormones. Instead, it usually focuses on using the lowest effective dose to reduce the severity and presence of unpleasant symptoms. This allows women to get back to their usual life.
HRT or the Pill For Perimenopause?
Hormone replacement therapy is just one of several treatment options available to help women navigate perimenopause and menopause. This makes many women ask if they should use HRT or the pill for perimenopause.
The pill (birth control) can indeed help to provide improvements in how hormones fluctuate during perimenopause, as well as in the period leading up to menopause. The pill uses higher doses of hormones and provides contraception, primarily benefiting younger women in early perimenopause.
HRT is a more specialized treatment choice, often using lower, targeted doses of hormones to manage menopausal symptoms. Treatments are tailored to the specific patient based on their lab results and the symptoms they experience.
Both of these options have benefits and drawbacks. Women should discuss their options with a healthcare professional who can consider their individual scenario.
Risks of HRT For Perimenopause
Perimenopause and HRT go hand-in-hand for many women. With that said, the treatment isn’t for everyone. It’s important to understand that there are risks associated with hormone replacement therapy. Thus, before opting to get HRT for perimenopause, learn about these risks and side effects.
Some commonly reported side effects include:
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Fluid retention
- Mood changes
- Headaches
There are also more serious risks, such as cardiovascular problems, a higher risk of developing blood clots, and a potential increased likelihood of breast cancer.
Women can reduce the risks associated with HRT by leading a healthy lifestyle. Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, eat a nutritious diet, and get plenty of exercise. Maintaining a healthy weight and learning to manage stress are two other factors that will lessen adverse outcomes associated with hormone therapy.
Working With Your Healthcare Team
Discuss the best delivery method for you with your doctor. Estrogen can come in the form of a pill, a vaginal crème, a patch, a gel, or a vaginal ring. Regularly seeing your doctor to assess your treatment is essential for your health and to achieve your goals. Regular visits are needed to make sure that the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks. These visits will include physical examinations and blood draws. Mammograms and pelvic exams should also be routinely scheduled.
How can Androgenix help?
Androgenix understands how fluctuations of hormones can impact your life. Here, we are trained to help you better understand your own hormones, your body, and what you’re going through.
To learn how we can help with hormone replacement therapy that’s individualized based on your specific needs, reach out to schedule your first consultation.
