Hormone Replacement Therapy

Menopause isn’t an experience that you can avoid, which is unfortunate for women severely affected by menopausal symptoms. Guiselle Berry, NP, at Revive Family Care & Wellness in Caddo Mills, Texas, can help make menopause and other hormonal problems more manageable. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective remedy for many women during menopause, so call Revive Family Care & Wellness today or complete the online booking form to schedule an appointment.

Why would I need hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can benefit women who are experiencing unpleasant symptoms before and after menopause. Not all women have problems with menopause, but for those who do, it can be stressful and draining.

Menopause is the mid-life transition that all women go through, typically between the ages of 44 and 55. Some women go through menopause earlier, but this is due to underlying medical conditions.

Your body naturally slows down female sex hormone (estrogen and progesterone) production as you enter your forties, triggering perimenopause. This can last for 4-7 years and is when you might experience your first symptoms.

Taking HRT boosts the levels of female sex hormones in your body, reversing some of the effects and making the transition less challenging. Likewise, testosterone replacement therapy offers benefits to men affected by a drop in male sex hormone (testosterone) levels as they age.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Menopause symptoms can include:

• Irregular menstrual bleeding
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Loss of libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Problems sleeping
• Fatigue
• Thinning hair
• Dry skin

These symptoms can worsen as estrogen and progesterone levels decline.

Can anyone take HRT?

Before you start taking HRT, Revive Family Care & Wellness needs to ensure you’re a good candidate for this type of treatment.

Hormones are potent chemicals, and they can have adverse and beneficial effects. Your provider gives you a health checkup and reviews your medical history before prescribing HRT.

Risk factors that may affect your suitability for HRT include a history of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) and breast cancer.

How do I take HRT?

There are several ways you can take HRT:

• Estrogen pills
• Estrogen and progestin pills
• Estrogen patch
• Estrogen pellet injection
• Topical estrogen (gel, cream, or spray)
• Vaginal estrogen (cream, ring, or pill)

Testosterone replacement therapy is also available in several forms.

Many people find long-lasting injections the most convenient method of taking HRT because they don’t need to remember to take a pill every day or apply a patch. Your provider will discuss all your options with you so you can choose what suits your lifestyle best.

To find out more about your hormone replacement therapy options and get relief from menopausal symptoms, call Revive Family Care & Wellness today or book an appointment online.