An Introduction to Hormone Replacement Therapy: Understanding the Basics

Many women consider hormone replacement therapy or HRT as they approach menopause. At this critical point in your life as a woman, you may consider HRT to help you go through your body’s changes. Here is an introduction to HRT so that you can understand the basics.

The Essentials

HRT is an effective and popular solution for menopausal symptoms. Many healthcare providers believe that this treatment can improve heart health, prevent osteoporosis and dementia. They also believe that HRT can help women live healthier and longer lives. Some studies suggest that women who use HRT have a more youthful appearance.

During menopause, your body’s hormone production diminishes. This will leave your body confused, and hormonal changes can affect your physical and emotional health. HRT replaces these hormones by using bioidentical hormones, which exactly match the hormones your body naturally produces. It is important to begin hormone replacement as soon as your hormones begin to decline. This will prevent a lapse in their protective benefits. Your provider can suggest which type of HRT would help you the most.

The Types

Progesterone is the first hormone to decline. 50% of all women are deficient by the age of 35. Low levels of progesterone can cause irritability, headache, edema, anxiety, and breast tenderness. A beneficial side effect of progesterone is that it causes drowsiness, which is why it is given orally at bedtime for a restful night of sleep.

Estrogen begins to diminish in the mid to late 40’s. The decline can be erratic leaving women feeling more emotional. They might also experience weight gain, vaginal dryness and discomfort, and hot flashes. Research shows that this treatment can also reduce fractures and prevent bone loss during the post-menopausal stage. Estrogen is offered either as a gel, cream, patch, or pellet. It should never be taken orally!

By the age of 40, testosterone may decline 50% in women. It improves energy, focus, drive, and motivation. It can help increase muscle and improve mood and quality of sleep. Research suggests that testosterone plays a critical role in limiting inflammation throughout the body, which decreases aches and pains. Testosterone can be given in the form of a pellet, cream, or an injection.

The Good Candidates

Your provider can help determine if you are a suitable candidate for HRT, which could drastically improve your quality of life while going through perimenopause and post-menopause. The benefits may be bigger than the risks if you are a healthy woman.

Understanding the basics of HRT can help you prepare for your initial consultation. At 22 Health & Hormone, we help our patients achieve optimal health through effective and safe treatments.

For more information on hormone replacement therapy, visit 22 Health & Hormone at our office in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Call (321) 972-6159 to book an appointment today.