The side effects of menopause may be minimal or severe, embarrassing or just annoying. When the hot flashes, fatigue, reduced sex drive, moodiness or anxiety become more than a minor inconvenience, hormone replacement therapy may give you the relief you need.
Menopause is a perfectly normal stage of life, and is a result of the body producing less estrogen and progesterone. The fluctuating hormone levels are the cause of the side effects, and could stabilize after 4 or 5 years. Many studies have been done that indicate post-menopausal woman are at a higher risk of heart disease or bone loss even after the hormone levels stabilize. Hormone replacement therapy is a proven treatment that will improve these conditions.
The Mayo clinic says that, “Despite the health risks, systemic estrogen is still the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms. The benefits of hormone therapy may outweigh the risks if you’re healthy and:
- Experience moderate to severe hot flashes or other menopausal symptoms
- Have lost bone mass and either can’t tolerate or aren’t benefitting from other treatments
- Stopped having periods before age 40 (premature menopause) or lost normal function of your ovaries before age 40 (premature ovarian insufficiency)
In many cases, the benefits of hormone therapy outweigh the risks.”
Women seeking relief through hormone replacement therapy have choices: including estrogen replacement and estrogen/progesterone/progestin/testosterone replacement. Your doctor may prescribe hormone replacement pills, patches, creams, injections or hormone pellet implants. Each method has pros and cons, and your doctor will prescribe the best method for you, your body and your symptoms.
Menopause and post –menopause is a beautiful, satisfying time of life that can be filled with potential and opportunity. Make the most out of it by equipping your body to handle it safely and effectively.
The Wright Center for Women’s Health, located in Naperville,IL will meet with you to discuss your questions and symptoms. Dr. Wright and The Wright Center providers will prescribe the best treatment for your individual needs, and answer any concerns you may have.
Currently we have started a wonderful program of Bioidentical hormones. You can come in and get your fasting labs drawn and then come back for an appointment with a provider to see if you are a candidate for the hormone replacement pelleting. Call us at 630.687.9595 to schedule you blood draw appointment today.