Hormone replacement therapy has gone through several stages in the last few decades. It went from being a standard treatment to being discredited to being accepted once more. Today’s hormone replacement therapy (HRT) relies on smaller doses and a better understanding of how peri-menopause and menopause work.
When do you need HRT? It varies from patient to patient. Some women go through the stages of menopause with only mild symptoms. Others suffer greatly from hot flashes, mood swings, headaches, depression, and other serious effects. You should consider HRT if you are experiencing some of the following signs.
1- Early Menopause
Menopause before the age of 40 is known as premature menopause and menopause before 45 is known as early menopause. Your doctor will want you to take HRT because the low levels of estrogen and progesterone can lead to osteoporosis or weak bones. This is especially true in younger menopausal women since their levels are low for more years than other patients.
2- Hot Flashes
Jokes abound about hot flashes, but sufferers find no humor in them. A hot flash delivers heat to a woman’s chest, neck, and face, leaving her drenched in sweat. Sometimes the sweat is so severe that her clothing and bedding become soaked. It can cause serious anxiety, a rapid heartbeat, and flushed, blotchy skin. Hot flashes can compromise sleep, which compounds other menopausal issues. If you suffer from intense hot flashes, HRT may be for you.
3- Mood Swings/Depression
Shifting hormone levels affect many women throughout their lives, particularly during adolescence and pregnancy. When a woman is in perimenopause, the fluctuations in her hormone levels can cause significant mood swings and even depression. They make it difficult to function normally at work and at home. Those already struggling with depression and anxiety may see those conditions worsen, If you are experiencing mood issues that interfere with your life, HRT may be a good choice for you.
4- Sleep Problems
Hot flashes do compromise sleep, but you may have trouble sleeping during this period without them. You may experience insomnia, which can heighten other menopausal issues such as depression.
5- Weight Gain
Women heading for menopause often gain weight although they are not eating more. Metabolic changes in your system can cause you to burn calories more slowly, leading to troublesome weight gain.
Your medical professional may prescribe estrogen only, progesterone only, or a combination of the two. Often you will take a pill, but the medication comes in other forms too. Some women wear a patch, get an implant, or use gel. There are multiple convenient ways to take the necessary medicine to help control your symptoms. Your doctor will explain your options and determine the length of your treatment, which varies according to your needs.
If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, you need to consult with a medical professional. They will determine if you are in perimenopause and if medication is the right choice for you. These symptoms can linger for years since the average length of perimenopause is 3 – 4 years, although it can last up to a decade. You do not have to suffer, however. You have treatment choices.
