Hormones are chemical messengers that manage and regulate most of the important systems in your body. For women, their reproductive years are defined by estrogen and progesterone, the primary female sex hormones.
Gynecologist John A. Whitfield, MD, and his team in Fort Worth, Texas, often recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women who suffer from substantial symptoms related to the hormone imbalances caused by menopause.
HRT isn’t a simple, one-step solution, because not every case of hormone imbalance is the same. The symptoms of menopause are often as individual as you are, so the decision to try HRT is personal, best made in discussion with Dr. Whitfield.
To start the conversation, today we’ll look at HRT and its applications, as well as what makes you a good candidate for treatment.
Essentially, HRT replaces hormones that your body no longer produces naturally in the amounts necessary to keep you functioning in the way you expect. Estrogen and progesterone are the most commonly supplemented hormones, though some female patients may also require testosterone, the primary male sex hormone.
HRT can be administered in a range of forms, including:
HRT therapies can be systemic, moving through your bloodstream throughout your body, or local, used at the site where hormone levels need a boost, usually the vagina. Local HRT carries lower doses since its delivery method is direct.
You might benefit from HRT for menopause if your life is seriously impacted by symptoms like:
HRT carries some risks, so you’ll need to balance the benefits of treatment against the potential for side effects. Typically, women who use HRT have frequent symptoms of moderate to heavy intensity, strong enough to interfere with home life, work, and relationships.
You’ll likely benefit from reduced intensity of hot flashes and other vasomotor effects. HRT is the most reliable treatment for hot flashes and night sweats. This alone is often enough to improve the amount of uninterrupted sleep you get.
Mood swings reduce, energy returns, and sexual comfort improves. Things you may not notice include the reduced risk of osteoporosis and bone density loss. Overall, your quality of life should improve.
Some of the risks of using HRT include an increased risk of blood clots and stroke, while some patients may also have a greater chance of developing breast cancer.
If you have a history of breast or uterine cancer, blood clots, liver disease, or vaginal bleeding that doesn’t have an identified cause, you may need to avoid systemic HRT. Discuss your options with Dr. Whitfield and his team.
HRT is a powerful solution for most women suffering from symptoms of menopause. Contact John A. Whitfield, MD, to schedule an appointment by calling 817-927-2229 now.
