Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone Replacement Therapy is a treatment that contains female hormones. This type of therapy is recommended for women who are experiencing hormone decreases or fluctuations. These fluctuations may be a result of stress, childbirth, perimenopause, menopause, or other factors. Hormone Replacement Therapy can restore hormonal balance and improve the quality of life for many patients.
HRT can also replace the hormones that are lost during menopause and may be used to treat menopause symptoms such as vaginal discomfort and hot flashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hormone Replacement Therapy is important for women. As women age, the body will naturally begin to produce fewer hormones. Women will typically see a drop in production in the early 30s. Most will see a huge drop in estrogen and progesterone during menopause.
The sex hormones progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone play a key factor in how the body functions. When there is an imbalance of one or more hormones, the body will experience significant problems.
A hormone imbalance occurs when there is either too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream. Since hormones play a key role in regulating major body processes, hormone imbalances can negatively impact the body. Even the smallest imbalance can be felt.
Many women struggling with a hormone imbalance will experience the following symptoms:
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Hot flashes
- Decreased sex drive
- Weight gain
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Anxiousness
- Discomfort during intercourse
- Irritability
HRT is available in many forms, such as pills, pellets, and creams. Your healthcare provider will work with you to assess which is best for your lifestyle and needs.
This type of therapy can significantly benefit women who are experiencing side effects of hormone swings or decreased hormones.
HRT can help any woman who struggles with moderate to severe hot flashes and may also help protect against osteoporosis.
You should not seek Hormone Replacement Therapy if:
- you are pregnant
- have consistent issues with vaginal bleeding
- have had certain types of cancer
- have liver disease
- have had severe blood clots