Hormone Balance & Menopause

Plano Women’s Healthcare — Hormone Balance & Menopause

Typically, in her mid to late 40s, a women will begin to experience the symptoms of perimenopause. During this time, she may experience hot flashes, painful sex, vaginal dryness, night sweats, and trouble sleeping. These symptoms can continue into menopause, which typically occurs around age 51 for most women. Because hormones regulate most of your body’s processes and function such as metabolism, appetite, mood, and sexual functions, a hormone imbalance can impact all areas of your life.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a way to balance your body’s hormones before and after menopause. Today, there are bioidentical hormones available for this treatment. These hormones are man-made but are biologically similar to those in our bodies. They are used to replace our lack of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone to regulate body processes and reduce symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause. Hormone therapy can also prevent bone loss and fractures in post-menopausal women.

However, there are some risks associated with HRT, so you should work closely with a trusted provider to find the right dosage for your body and to be monitored to ensure that the treatment is still beneficial for your situation.

What are the Types of Hormone Therapy?

There are two types of hormone therapy: estrogen only or estrogen plus progestin. Estrogen plus progestin is used for women who have never had a hysterectomy and still have a uterus. Taking progestin reduces the risk of uterine cancer over taking estrogen alone.

For women that need systemic help, estrogen pills, patches, sprays, and gels can move estrogen into the blood stream, so it reaches tissues and organs. For women who only suffer from vaginal dryness, a vaginal ring, cream, or tablet can direct estrogen right into vaginal tissue. Progesterone can be added to any of these pills, patches, or devices.

How do I Know if I Need HRT?

Taking HRT is a big decision, and you should work closely with your OB/GYN to discover the best choice for you based on family history, medical issues, and your symptoms. Hormone therapy is typically not a life-long therapy, so you should reevaluate its use with your doctor at every annual visit to make sure the risks outweigh the benefits.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects With HRT?

Yes. Estrogen only HRT can thicken the uterine lining, leading to a higher risk of endometrial cancer. Adding progestin can help reduce that risk, but it slightly increases the risk of breast cancer. If you have a history of hormone-sensitive breast cancer you should look for nonhormonal therapies first. Hormone therapies can also increase your risk of deep-vein thrombosis, stroke, and blood clots as well as gallbladder disease.

Side effects from hormone therapy can include headaches, bloating, breast soreness, and vaginal bleeding.

Have Questions About Hormone Balance?

Balancing your hormones, whether by nonhormonal therapies or through conventional or bioidentical hormones can bring up a number of complex issues. Factors such as your age, family history, symptomology, and your health and wellness goals must all be considered in this life-changing decision. Because of the complex nature of hormones, a thorough evaluation by a knowledgeable OB/GYN is essential to determine whether hormone therapy is right for you. As you move through this time of your life, you may have many questions about your changing hormones and how they will affect your quality of life.

At Plano Women’s Healthcare, we are happy to help you along this journey toward better aging and continued wellness.