Q: What are the signs that you need hormone replacement therapy?
A Guide for Women Interested in Hormone Therapy.
Are you feeling tired all the time or noticing mood changes you can't explain? What are the signs that you need hormone replacement therapy? It could be a sign that your hormones are off balance. Hormones affect how your body works, including your mood, energy, and sexual health. When they're out of sorts, it can cause problems that affect how you feel every day.
Are there different hormone replacement therapies?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is often considered superior to traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) due to its use of hormones that are structurally identical to those produced by the human body.
Unlike synthetic hormones used in HRT, bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources and are believed to mimic natural hormones more closely, reducing the risk of adverse effects like cancer.
This personalized approach to hormone optimization with BHRT offers improved efficacy and safety, making it a preferred choice for many individuals seeking hormone therapy.
BHRT for Perimenopause and Menopause
Lots of women see menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness as just part of getting older. They tend to accept these changes as common experiences that they have to deal with during this stage of life.
We should recognize that women do not need to endure these symptoms. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can significantly reduce or eliminate these symptoms. We have patients every day tell us our programs have been “life-changing.”
You should also know, menopausal symptoms vary widely among women. Some women only know they're going through menopause when their periods stop, while others experience significant disruptions. Doctors may recommend bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to balance estrogen and progesterone levels and reduce uncomfortable symptoms.
When and how is BHRT prescribed?
Doctors consider each person's health history before choosing the right form of BHRT. Doctors prescribe BHRT using methods like oral tablets, gels, creams, or patches.
While a blood test can check hormone levels, doctors can often prescribe BHRT based on age and symptoms without needing a test.
The decision to use BHRT depends on factors like how bad the symptoms are, the woman's health, and what she prefers. Talking with one of our providers can help you decide if BHRT is right for you.
What are the signs that you may need Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Night Sweats & Hot Flashes
During menopause, it's common for women to experience night sweats and/or hot flashes. These symptoms can pose a significant concern, particularly night sweats and the loss of sleep. During the day, hot flashes can decrease confidence, potentially affecting your work and livelihood. These symptoms can have a profound impact on your well-being and quality of life.
Onset Anxiety or Depression
Mood changes can become more noticeable like anxiety and sometimes depression during menopause. Even when nothing else has changed in your life, you might wonder why you're feeling depressed or anxious. Rest assured it's not because you're "crazy" but because your body's chemistry has shifted.
If your mood shifts unexpectedly, it might be due to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels. These hormonal shifts, combined with other symptoms like sleep problems, can make things feel more intense. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) aims to boost these hormone levels, often leading to improvements in feelings of anxiety.
Low Sex Drive
Low sex drive might indicate you need bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). For women, less interest in sex is common during menopause because of lower estrogen and testosterone levels. BHRT works by fixing these hormone levels, which could make your sex drive better and improve your overall sexual well-being.
Muscle Strength
Loss of muscle strength might mean someone needs bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). This drop in strength can happen when testosterone or estrogen levels go down. Testosterone is important for muscle mass and strength in everyone, and estrogen helps women's muscles stay healthy too. If you see a decrease in muscle strength, especially during menopause, you might consider BHRT.
Weight Gain
Weight gain can be a potential indicator for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) in women nearing or experiencing menopause. When your hormones change, lower estrogen levels can cause more body fat, water retention, and make it harder to manage your weight. These changes, coupled with menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings, may suggest a need for BHRT.
Your Age is Close to 40
The typical age for menopause onset in the United States is around 51 years old. However, symptoms can begin many years earlier. Women in their 40s often experience changes like heavier or irregular menstrual periods due to shifts in estrogen levels.
While the textbook definition of menopause is a year without periods, menopause is more of a gradual process. Women need to have open conversations with their doctors about what to expect as estrogen and progesterone levels decline. Being proactive can help you prepare before symptoms worsen.
We recommend having regular discussions with your provider because symptoms may start appearing quicker than you realize.
Vaginal Dryness & Pain During Sex
Many people tend to accept sexual discomfort as a part of life. However, we strongly disagree. A satisfying sex life is crucial for a fulfilling relationship, regardless of age.
Sexual pain is a common issue that shouldn't be a source of embarrassment. Estrogen plays a role by maintaining vaginal elasticity and lubrication. When estrogen levels drop, it can lead to vaginal atrophy, causing dryness and inflammation of the vaginal walls.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can help rejuvenate these tissues. Our hormone specialist can guide you in choosing the right method based on your needs, such as a vaginal ring, tablet, or cream.
Loss in Bone Density
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy isn't typically the first choice for treating osteoporosis. Nevertheless, evidence indicates its potential in offering protection against osteoporosis, positioning it as a complementary approach to their prevention.
Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health. It regulates bone metabolism by stimulating osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation. Lower estrogen levels, especially in postmenopausal women, can result in decreased bone density, raising the risk of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis reduces bone density and increases risks for fractures, even from minor actions such as coughing. While osteoporosis may not exhibit noticeable symptoms, a bone density test can assess your risk level.
What are Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Side Effects
As your body adjusts to new hormone levels you may experience mild side effects in the first two months. You may experience side effects such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and indigestion.
If you are not sure about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), pay attention to symptoms of menopause. This can help you determine if you should discuss BHRT with your doctor
Are you considering BHRT?
Schedule a consultation to talk with our doctors if you notice these signs. We can check your hormone levels and decide if BHRT is a good choice for you.
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