When a woman nears menopause, she often needs to balance her estrogen. One of the best options is hormone replacement therapy. The benefits of hormone replacement therapy are to help relieve menopausal symptoms, hot flashes and night sweats. The therapy additionally decreases the risk of osteoporosis. HRT therapy can contain just estrogen or testosterone. This type of treatment is also appropriate for males requiring hormone therapy. This is an effective option for relieving the symptoms of both menopause and perimenopause. The treatment decreases the severity and number of hot flashes.
Prior to receiving hormone replacement therapy, it is important to talk to a professional about your medical history and any medications, supplements and vitamins you are currently taking. As a natural part of life, the release of a woman’s eggs are stimulated by estrogen. The womb is prepared for the implantation of the egg with progesterone. The aging process slows down the supply of eggs. As the number of available eggs decreases, so does the production of estrogen. Hormonal changes are usually experienced by a woman when she reaches her forties. This often triggers issues such as hot flashes. The menstrual cycle can continue during perimenopause for some women despite the changes. This can last between three and ten years. The average length of time is four years.
Once the woman has had her last menstrual cycle, she has entered menopause. The average age is 51. Menopause ends twelve months after the last menstrual cycle. This is called the postmenopausal stage. The symptoms generally decline in two to five years. In some women, this stage can last for ten years. During this time, the risk of osteoporosis increases. Menopause can be triggered by the natural aging process, a treatment for cancer or a hysterectomy if the ovaries have been removed. Menopause can arrive more quickly if the woman smokes. Once the hormone levels begin to change, the woman is exposed to certain health risks and severe discomfort. The changes that occur may include:
- Night sweats
- Urinary issues
- Mood swings
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- A lower fertility rate
- Thinning hair
- Difficulty concentrating and memory issues
- A fat accumulation in the abdomen
- Osteoporosis, or a thinning of the bones
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Problems sleeping
- Smaller breasts
The benefits of hormone replacement therapy can help relieve all of the above symptoms of menopause. It is important to note that women with certain conditions should not have this treatment without first talking to a professional.
There are different deliveries and combinations of hormones used for this therapy. This is dependent on the individual. If the woman has had a hysterectomy where her ovaries, womb and uterus have been removed, only estrogen therapy may be necessary. This therapy helps with urogenital issues including irritations and dryness of the vagina. The lowest possible dosage is prescribed by the professional to treat the symptoms. The symptoms vary, but some of the most common ones include:
- Hot flashes
- Chills
- Excessive sweating
- Vaginal dryness
- Difficulty sleeping
Medical professionals often recommend HRT to treat these symptoms and provide relief for the woman.
The Advantages of Hormone Replacement Therapy
The therapy helps maintain the health of the vagina. The decline of estrogen levels can cause changes to the pH balance, lining and tissue of the vagina. Estrogen therapy can be used to help with these conditions. These issues include:
- Atrophic vaginitis: Vaginal tissue inflammation caused by irritation and dryness
- Vulvar atrophy: Urinary incontinence, soreness and dryness
- Vaginal dryness
Estrogen is produced by the ovaries. If the ovaries are impacted by another condition or do not produce estrogen, HRT is often necessary.
The benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is to lighten the symptoms of premature menopause for women who had their ovaries removed. When both the ovaries and the uterus are removed, this is referred to as a full hysterectomy. Estrogen therapy has been shown to help reduce bone loss due to menopause. Numerous medical professionals recommend hormone replacement therapy to help prevent bone loss. Although medications are available, they often cause severe side effects and are not nearly as effective. These are the reasons hormone therapy is usually the preferred option.
Talk to Our Experts
If you are interested in hormone replacement therapy, please don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us at ALC Med Spa in Gurnee. We are proud to offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, which can be customized based on the patient’s wants and needs. Keep in mind this therapy is a great option for both men and women dealing with low hormone levels. The only way to find out for sure if you qualify for treatment is to consult a professional. Contact our office today to set up your appointment and get started. We look forward to hearing from you!
