What is hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy is a treatment option for women going through menopause. It supplements your body with estrogen or estrogen and progesterone to help balance hormone levels. Dr. Pam prescribes this form of treatment to relieve the symptoms fluctuations in hormone levels cause.
What symptoms does hormone replacement therapy treat?
Hormone replacement therapy helps improve a number of menopausal symptoms:
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood changes and irritability
- Fatigue and sleepless nights
Hormone replacement therapy also protects your bones. Bone loss increases as your estrogen levels decrease as you transition and reach menopause. Hormone replacement therapy decreases bone loss and may help reduce your risk of osteoporosis.
What are the types of hormone replacement therapy?
There are two types of hormone replacement therapy options:
- Estrogen-only
- Estrogen with progestin
Dr. Pam recommends estrogen-only therapy to treat menopausal symptoms in women who’ve had a hysterectomy and their uterus removed. She recommends the combined therapy of estrogen and progestin to women who have their uterus to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
You can get hormone replacement therapy in pill, cream, patch, injection or spray form. Hormone therapy is also available as a vaginal cream or ring, which is used specifically to reduce vaginal dryness.
As an expert in menopause, Dr. Pam knows there isn’t one treatment that works for all women. During your office visit, she determines the type and form that best fits your symptoms and personal needs.
How is hormone replacement therapy prescribed?
Due to the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy, including heart disease and uterine cancer, Dr. Pam follows specific guidelines to help relieve your symptoms while keeping your risk levels low.
Dr. Pam recommends you start treatment when you’re close to menopause, usually around age 50 to 55, to reduce the amount of time you need treatment, and prescribes the lowest dose possible.
What are the benefits of hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy relieves your menopausal symptoms and gives you back your life. Symptoms that get the most relief from therapy include:
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Night sweats
- Bone loss
Combined hormone replacement therapy may also reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.
To learn more about hormone replacement therapy from Dr. Pam, the menopausal expert, call the office or book an appointment online.
