Can Hormone Replacement Therapy Stop My Menopausal Symptoms?
Menopause is a natural and inevitable transition for every woman, but the symptoms that come along with it can be challenging to manage. When bothersome symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings strike, they can significantly disrupt the way you feel and function from day-to-day.
If you don’t feel like yourself, or you’re struggling with menopause symptoms, it’s wise to consult with a women’s health expert. Here at Ideal Gynecology in Atlanta, Georgia, board-certified gynecologist Lilian Schapiro, MD, FACOG, and the rest of our women’s health team understands how moderate-to-severe menopause symptoms can negatively impact your quality of life.
For many women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can provide relief from these symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
How menopause symptoms can impact daily life
For some women menopause symptoms start gradually and are mild, for others, troublesome symptoms can start suddenly and leave you feeling completely out of sorts. You may have trouble remembering things, find it more difficult to focus at work, feel tired and rundown, and experience other issues like weight gain.
These symptoms aren’t in your head, they’re common signs that your transition through menopause is disrupting your quality of life.
In addition to physical symptoms, menopause can also have a psychological impact. Some women may experience low mood, anger, sadness, anxiety, or irritability.
HRT effectively relieves menopause symptoms
HRT is proven to be the most effective treatment for relieving menopause symptoms. HRT can be effective in reducing menopausal symptoms. It can reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes by up to 80%.
Benefits of hormone replacement therapy
In addition to alleviating many of the symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, HRT provides other benefits.
It can help reduce the risk of heart disease in some women by improving cholesterol levels, reducing arterial plaque buildup, and improving the function of blood vessels.
HRT can also help slow bone loss and prevent osteoporosis, the risk of which rises as estrogen levels fall. Women taking HRT also report improvements in mood, energy, and libido.
What to consider
Before starting HRT, there are several things to consider. HRT isn’t appropriate for everyone. Women who have a history of certain health conditions, such as breast cancer or blood clots, may not be candidates for HRT.
Additionally, some women may not tolerate HRT well and may experience side effects that make the treatment less effective.
Another factor to consider is the type of hormone therapy that will work best for you. There are several types of HRT available, including estrogen-only therapy, and combined estrogen and progestin therapy that come in various forms such as gels, creams, and pellets to name a few. Dr. Schapiro can help you determine which type of HRT is most appropriate for your individual needs.
It's important to discuss your individual health history and concerns with Dr. Schapiro before starting HRT.
Fortunately, many treatment options are available to help women manage menopausal symptoms and improve their quality of life. By working with a healthcare provider to identify the best treatment options, women can alleviate uncomfortable symptoms and regain control over their lives during menopause.
The Ideal Gynecology team is here to discuss your symptoms and help you find the solution that’s right for you. To schedule a visit with us, call or submit a booking request online today. We’re happy to help you start your journey to feeling better!