Is Hormone Replacement Right for You?
Hormone replacement therapy is a longstanding treatment for menopausal symptoms. It works by supplementing certain hormones to make up for low levels of those hormones in the body. For many women, this approach can alleviate their symptoms for a higher quality of life.
Hormones After Menopause
After menopause, the female body naturally stops or significantly decreases the production of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. This drop-in hormone levels can also occur after the ovaries have been surgically removed or as a side effect of some cancer treatments.
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause Symptoms
In hormone replacement therapy, estrogen and progesterone (as well as testosterone and/or DHEA, in some cases) are supplemented to relieve the patient’s symptoms. Symptoms that result from low levels of these hormones include:
- Hot flashes
- Headaches
- Night sweats
- Racing heart
- Joint pain
- Mood changes
- Insomnia
- Leg cramps
- Vaginal dryness
- Pain during intercourse
- Skin texture changes
When To Consider Hormone Replacement
The severity of menopausal symptoms varies from woman to woman. Many women experience only mild menopause symptoms and can manage them without treatment. However, for women with symptoms that are disrupting their daily lives, hormone replacement therapy could be a good option.
Examples of situations that may call for hormone therapy include:
- Moderate to severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal symptoms
- Early menopause (before the age of 45)
- Surgical removal of the ovaries
- Lost ovarian function
- Prevention of osteoporosis when other treatments aren’t effective
There are different forms of hormone therapy, including pills, skin patches, gels, rings, and creams. Your doctor can prescribe the right dosage of hormones for your needs.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of menopause or estrogen deficiency, schedule an appointment at Florida Wellness Medical Group. Our trained physicians can help implement a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms.