As a woman approaches menopause, usually starting in her 40s, she may begin experiencing symptoms due to hormone fluctuations and declines. Estrogen and progesterone levels start to vary and eventually drop dramatically. This hormonal imbalance is what leads to the various symptoms associated with menopause. Menopause symptoms can significantly disrupt a woman's quality of life. They include:
During the reproductive years, the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation) triggers the production of progesterone and estrogen. These hormones work together to regulate a woman's menstrual cycle.
As ovulation becomes irregular and eventually stops in the years leading up to menopause, progesterone and estrogen levels decline. Low estrogen is what causes most of the disruptive symptoms associated with menopause.
While menopause is a natural process, women don't have to suffer through troublesome symptoms. Hormone therapy can provide relief by replacing depleted hormones, mainly estrogen. Treatment is safe for most healthy women under the age of 60.
Hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for menopause symptoms. The benefits include:
In addition to relieving unpleasant symptoms, hormone therapy may provide cardiovascular benefits and help protect brain health when started in early menopause. Patients should discuss the pros and cons with their healthcare provider.
Many women wonder if they should start hormone therapy, or if they can just put up with menopause symptoms. Treatment is highly recommended for those with moderate to severe symptoms that impact their quality of life. Every woman deserves to feel her best!
Symptoms that warrant treatment include:
A simple blood test can check follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels. Elevated FSH and low estradiol indicates menopause. Testing estrogen alone isn't sufficient because levels fluctuate.
Women who've had a hysterectomy require different hormone testing. In this case, luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol should be measured instead.
Doctors may also test thyroid function and vitamin D levels since hormonal changes can affect these. Evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors is also prudent.
There are various types of hormone therapy available to treat different menopause symptoms:
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Estrogen therapy | Estrogen alone is appropriate for women who've had a hysterectomy. Various forms are available including pills, skin patches, gels and vaginal inserts like creams or a flexible ring. |
| Combination therapy | Uses estrogen plus progesterone for women who still have a uterus to prevent harmful overgrowth of the uterine lining which estrogen alone can cause. Progesterone comes as a pill or skin patch. |
| Custom-compounded hormones | Some providers offer customized combinations, doses and delivery methods based on each woman's needs and preferences. Compounding allows great flexibility. |
| Bioidentical hormones | These plant-derived hormones have a chemical structure identical to human estrogen and progesterone. Quality may be more consistent. |
| Tibolone | This synthetic steroid medication acts like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. It's not available in the US but is used in some other countries. |
| Conjugated estrogens | Often prescribed as a pill or skin patch. Derived from the urine of pregnant horses. Brand names include Premarin and Prempro. |
| Testosterone | Small doses of testosterone are sometimes added to boost libido and sexual function as well as energy levels. Available as pills, patches, gels and pellets. |
When determining the optimal treatment approach, factors like the severity of menopause symptoms and convenience are considered. Hormone therapy should be tailored to each woman based on her needs.
The process of beginning hormone therapy includes:
When starting hormone therapy, have realistic expectations. Symptom relief may take several weeks or months depending on factors like the initial severity. Patience is needed to allow hormones to take full effect.
Follow these recommendations to get the best results from menopause hormone therapy:
A healthy lifestyle works synergistically with hormone therapy for optimal menopause management. Recommendations include:
Nutrition - Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats - Limit sugar, refined carbs and saturated fats - Ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D - Stay hydrated with water as your primary beverage
Exercise - Get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity like brisk walking - Include strength training 2-3 times per week - Try yoga or Pilates for strength, flexibility and balance - Take 10,000 steps per day or more
Wellness - Manage stress through meditation, mindfulness, therapy or support groups - Get enough quality sleep by optimizing sleep hygiene habits - Challenge your mind with games, learning new skills or problem-solving tasks - Connect socially to enhance mood and build a support system
Routine health screening - Have regular mammograms, bone density tests and cholesterol checks - See your gynecologist annually for breast and pelvic exams - Get eye exams, colonoscopies and skin cancer screenings per guidelines
Avoid - Smoking and excessive alcohol which can worsen menopause symptoms - Being underweight or overweight which pose health risks
Following an overall healthy lifestyle helps women feel their absolute best during menopause and beyond. It also reduces risks for chronic diseases like osteoporosis, heart disease and diabetes.
Menopause involves more than just physical changes - it can also impact mood, cognitive function and overall mental health.
If menopause threatens your mental well-being with severe mood changes or cognitive issues, don't hesitate to seek treatment. Be sure to tell your doctor about all concerns at each visit. Therapy, medications or hormones could get you feeling like yourself again.
Menopause hormone therapy has anti-aging and disease prevention benefits when initiated early at the start of menopause. Here's how it helps promote healthy longevity:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Bone Health | Estrogen preserves bone density, reducing risks for osteoporosis and debilitating fractures later in life. |
| Cardiovascular Health | Keeping arteries flexible with estrogen lowers risks for heart disease and stroke. |
| Skin Health | Estrogen may help delay skin changes like wrinkling and collagen breakdown that lead to an aged appearance. |
| Muscle Health | Healthy hormone levels help maintain muscle mass and strength as we age. Age-related declines sap vitality. |
| Pelvic Health | Estrogen enhances pelvic floor strength and tone which helps prevent prolapse as women get older. |
| Vision Health | Hormone therapy started early appears to reduce risks for vision loss conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. |
| Cognitive Health | Optimal hormone balance may help keep cognitive function sharp as women advance in age. |
| Sleep Quality | Estrogen promotes quality sleep which is essential for sustained well-being during aging. |
Talk to your doctor about the anti-aging benefits of beginning hormone therapy early after menopause onset. It could help you look and feel youthful as the years go by.
Here are answers to some common questions women have about hormone therapy:
Who is a candidate for hormone therapy?
Healthy women under age 60 with moderate to severe menopause symptoms who are willing to take hormones for symptom relief. Those with certain health risks may not be candidates.
What are the main risks of hormone therapy?
Potential increased chance of blood clots, stroke, heart disease and breast cancer. Risks are low with the lowest effective dose taken for less than 5 years.
How long will I need to take hormones?
Most women can stop hormone therapy around age 60 when menopause symptoms usually subside on their own. Short term use under 5 years is recommended.
Do hormones pose special risks for breast cancer survivors?
Yes - women with a history of breast cancer usually cannot take estrogen. Other options for symptom relief need to be explored.
Can hormone therapy prevent early death?
When initiated in early menopause, research shows it may reduce mortality. Talk to your doctor about your individual situation.
Do hormones help with weight gain in menopause?
Not directly - managing weight still requires diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. But relieving hot flashes and improving sleep often makes weight control easier.
How long until I feel better once starting hormones?
Symptom improvement often takes 4-6 weeks but the full effects may take 3-6 months. Patience is needed to allow hormones to work.
Can hormone therapy be customized based on my needs?
Yes - compounding pharmacies can provide personalized combinations, doses and delivery methods. This allows greater flexibility.
What if hormones alone don't fix all my menopause symptoms?
Other medications or supplements can be added if needed. Discuss options like gabapentin, clonidine, antidepressants or botanicals.
At Restore Hormone Clinic, we specialize in state of the art diagnosis and treatment to help women sail smoothly through menopause. Our compassionate physicians and nurse practitioners take time to listen and craft truly customized treatment plans.
We provide:
Don't settle for subpar care from providers lacking menopause expertise. The knowledgeable clinicians at Restore Hormone Clinic have helped thousands of women thrive through midlife changes. We're here to help you chart a course for your most fulfilling menopause journey.
If menopause has taken the joy out of life with symptoms like hot flashes, sexual issues, mood swings or sleep disruption, reclaim your vitality and quality of life with professional treatment.
You deserve to feel like your best self at every age. Contact Restore Hormone Clinic today to schedule a consultation. Our caring medical team looks forward to helping you successfully navigate menopause.
The future is bright when you take charge of your health! We are here to empower you on your path to hormone wellness.
