Between the ages of 40 and 50, the female body undergoes what’s known as the menopausal transition. During this time, the body produces less estrogen and progesterone, which results in a number of unwanted symptoms. The menopausal transition usually lasts between 7-14 years.

Estrogen and progesterone are two of the body’s natural hormones that are produced and released by the ovaries. They play an important role in the reproductive system, more specifically with pregnancy and regulating menstruation. Men have estrogen and progesterone too but in smaller amounts.

Menopause generally starts 12 months after a woman’s final period. In the months and even years before this point, estrogen and progesterone hormone levels start to decrease in the female body. A majority of the symptoms experienced during this time are due to the decrease in estrogen.

So, what is hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy, also known as menopausal hormone therapy or HRT, is a medication designed to help alleviate some of the symptoms experienced during or leading up to menopause. It dates back to the 1960s but was popularized in the United States in the 1990s.

Most hormone replacement therapies either contain estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or a combination of the three – though estrogen is the most common and prominent. The goal behind bioidentical hormone therapy is to replace the bioidentical hormones your body loses during menopause.

Since these hormonal losses are the main reason women feel symptoms during menopause, replenishing the body of those hormones can help alleviate the symptoms and provide a sense of relief for the woman – which can be life-changing.

While HRT comes with a wide range of benefits for females going through or about to go through menopause, that’s not to say it’s for everyone and doesn’t come without side effects or risk factors. Don’t worry, we’re going to detail everything you need to know about HRT below!

Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapies have presented a number of benefits for females looking to treat hormonal imbalances during the menopausal transition and menopause itself. One of the main benefits of HRT is that it helps relieve common signs and symptoms of menopause.

These symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, urinary issues, thinning of the bones, osteoporosis, thinning of the hair, difficulty sleeping, frequent mood changes, irregular periods, difficulty concentrating, having a hard time remembering things, and so much more.

Not only that, but recent studies indicate that HRT might improve muscle function, improve cardiovascular health by reducing the chances of heart attack or heart failure, reduce mortality in younger females that are overcoming menopause, and prevent skin aging in some cases.

Outside of the benefits on menopause patients, some doctors might prescribe hormone replacement therapies for birth control, low testosterone levels, sex transitions, and prostate cancer. You should speak with a doctor before undergoing hormone replacement therapy.

Side Effects & Risk Factors of HRT

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be extremely beneficial for some women, but it’s not for everyone and you do run the risk of experiencing side effects. In some cases, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy will outweigh the side effects. In other cases, they will not.

Some of the potential side effects include bloating, indigestion, nausea, migraine, headache, mood changes, depression, leg cramps, abdominal pain, back pain, acne, breast tenderness, swelling in the breast area, and vaginal bleeding. Side effects usually subside after a few weeks.

Some of the potential risk factors that could defer you from undergoing HRT include anyone with a history of stroke, thrombosis, blood clots, hypertension, high blood pressure, breast cancer, heart disease, and gallbladder disease. Those that may become pregnant should also avoid it.

With that said, hormone replacement therapy can be safe for anyone that experiences overwhelming menopause symptoms. It’s safe to take up to the age of 59 or within 10 years of menopause and should be taken at low doses for as short a period of time as possible.

What to Expect During Hormone Replacement Therapy

There are a number of different ways to undergo HRT and it’ll be up to your doctor or hormone specialist to determine which one suits you the best. For example, it’s available in tablets, creams, gels, vaginal rings, skin patches, and sprays. They come in high or low doses.

There are two main types of HRT treatment routines – cyclical HRT and continuous combined HRT. Cyclical HRT, also known as sequential HRT, is either taken the last 14 days of your cycle or taken for 14 days every three months. It’s best for those that still have their period.

On the other hand, continuous combined HRT is when you take both estrogen and progesterone every day without break – though some treatments allow for just estrogen every day without break. Most doctors recommend continuous combined HRT for postmenopausal women.

Some of the common types of estrogen HRT include estradiol, estrone, and estriol. Some of the common types of progesterone HRT include synthetic versions (dydrogesterone, medroxyprogesterone, norethisterone, and levonorgestrel) or micronized progesterone.

Are You Looking for Hormone Replacement Therapy Near Me?

Hormone replacement therapy can be life-changing for women who have a hard time living with symptoms related to the menopausal transition or menopause itself. When the right dose is taken at the right times, it helps alleviate those symptoms and improve their quality of life.

If you’re interested in hormone replacement therapy or know someone that might benefit from it, you should speak with your doctor or hormone specialist to ensure it’s a safe and feasible option for you. Remember, it can help a lot of people, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to help everyone.

For those that are interested in learning more about hormone replacement therapy, how to treat a hormone imbalance, or are interested in high-quality HRT medication, then you’ve come to the right place. At Hormone Clinic, we specialize in hormone replacement therapy treatments and can’t wait to assist you.

Contact us today or visit our website to get started. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

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