Hot flashes, mood changes, and vaginal dryness are common symptoms of menopause. While some women have mild discomfort, others may find that these and other symptoms interfere with daily activities, work performance, getting enough sleep, and overall quality of life.
Hormone therapy is one of the most effective treatments available for menopause symptoms. However, it’s not the right choice for all women.
The women’s health experts at Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, in Hastings and Grand Island, Nebraska, can help. Here, we explain how hormone therapy works, the benefits and risks, and alternative treatment options so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for your menopause symptoms.
Menopause is a natural stage of life that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. Officially, menopause begins after you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. However, the transition doesn’t happen overnight.
Many women have hormone changes months or years before reaching menopause. This stage, known as perimenopause, can trigger many of the symptoms associated with menopause, including:
The type and severity of symptoms vary from woman to woman. If your symptoms affect your daily life, treatment can help.
Hormone therapy aims to replace hormones that decline in menopause to reduce unpleasant symptoms and improve quality of life.
Treatment may include estrogen alone for women who had a hysterectomy or estrogen plus progestin for women who still have a uterus. Combined hormone therapy may protect against endometrial cancer.
Hormone therapy comes in many forms, including:
Low-dose topical therapies can treat vaginal symptoms, while systemic therapies work throughout the body to relieve symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
For many women, hormone therapy provides significant relief from menopause symptoms. This is especially true for hot flashes, which are the most common and disruptive symptoms. Women also report better sleep and relief from vaginal discomfort.
Hormone therapy may also protect bone health by slowing the bone loss that occurs when estrogen production declines. Some studies suggest combined hormone therapy may also lower risk of colon cancer.
Only you and your OB/GYN can decide if hormone therapy makes the right choice for you. If your menopausal symptoms affect your quality of life and hormonal changes are the primary cause, it can be a helpful treatment.
However, we may not recommend hormone therapy if you have a history of:
The risks associated with hormone therapy vary based on factors such as age, overall health, family history, and the type and duration of treatment. For many healthy women, the benefits may outweigh the potential risks.
Hormone therapy isn’t the only option for managing menopause symptoms. Non-hormonal treatments include:
You may also get some relief by adding soy foods to your diet, such as edamame and tofu. These foods contain phytoestrogens, plant compounds that can help reduce symptoms.
Hormone therapy is a safe and effective option for many women experiencing disruptive menopause symptoms, but the best treatment plan is the one created just for you. If hot flashes, night sweats, or poor sleep are affecting your life, our team can talk to you about your options and help you find a treatment approach that fits your needs.
Call Obstetricians & Gynecologists, PC, today at the office near you, or request an appointment online to get started.
